2022 Logger of the Year JT Timber Falling, Inc. – Jim Trumble
Jim Trumble with JT Timber Falling was chosen as the 2022 Logger of the Year. He was nominated by James Fischer with Trinchera Ranch and Rick Engebretsen with Blanca Forestry Products. Jim has been in the logging business since 1978. Jim got started in Arizona, but later moved to Colorado (early 1990’s) to complete contract work for Stone Forest Industries on US Forest Service sales. In 2008, Jim started working exclusively for the 172,000-acre privately owned Trinchera Ranch, which is located on the eastern edge of the San Luis Valley. JT Timber Falling were using conventional logging systems including harvesters, feller bunchers, skidders and knuckle boom log loaders, but in 2019, they completely switched their operation to Ponsse equipment. They are now utilizing Bear harvesters and Elephant King forwarders to continue work on the steep slopes that are prevalent on the ranch. JT Timber Falling has 19 full-time employees and is one of three major employers in Costilla County, outside of the county and local school districts. Jim and his staff regularly attend trade shows to keep up on industry standards. They are certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and are members of the Colorado Timber Industry Association (CTIA).
When asked why Jim is considered outstanding, his nomination stated: “Jim and his crew are outstanding in all levels of forestry work, they truly make it a team effort.” James Fischer also stated, “I have worked with Jim and his crew since 2008 and have been more than pleased with the attention to detail and his willingness to try new and different things such as building aspen enclosures, investing in new logging equipment, delivering firewood to individuals throughout the San Luis Valley and delivering logs all over the state of Colorado and as far west as Warm Springs, Oregon. Jim and his crew understand the give and take that happens with a private landowner and have always adapted to the varying projects that the Ranch as of him and the JT Timber Falling crew. They always get the job done.