Western Montana timber company honored with forestry award
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte traveled to Plains last week to honor and bestow the annual Forest Products Award to a family-owned business based out of Libby.
Jared Fitchett owns and operates J. Shar Timber Harvesting, a cut-to-length timber enhancement company. Fitchett, who harvests timber extensively in Sanders County, is also noted for his state-of-the-art timber practices. Fitchett’s innovative approach in harvesting timber utilizes the tethered logging technique that allows the company to work on steep slopes, minimizing the impact of surrounding soil and water resources.
“I’m grateful for the hard work of Jared and his team to steward our forests, reduce wildfire risk, and grow our economy,” Gianforte said.
The governor presented the award to Fitchett at the Plains Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation office. Fitchett was nominated by Marc Vessar, forest practices program manager from the Montana DNRC.
The Forest Products Award recognizes an outstanding person or entity for their work to actively manage forests, responsibly develop abundant forested resources, and/or promote the use of Montana wood products.
J. Shar Timber Harvesting is the third timber-based company to receive the award. Marks Lumber out of Clancy received the award in 2021, and Bear Paw Forestry out of Havre was honored in 2022.
Fitchett has involved his whole family in the business including, his brother Matthew as an equipment operator, and his father Dan as a log truck driver. Fitchett and his brother have committed their timber harvesting techniques by enrolling in the voluntary accredited logging professional program through the Montana Logging Association.
They are committed to continually improve their knowledge of forest and logging skills and quide-lines that include forestry management practices and streamside management zone laws.
Fitchett came to the logging profession at the early age of 15 to help his parents. He grew up in Heron.
Struggling with the highs and lows of the timber markets, Fitchett went to Siberia for an opportunity to appear on a reality TV show. It was there that he learned about a new type of logging equipment that he now uses. The equipment known as a Ponsse 2001 Ergo Harvester, allows the company to harvest smaller diameter logs and requires less physical work.
“It’s going to be tough but if you keep going after it and keep fighting, things will go your way and you can build your own business and a way to feed your family,” Fitchett said.
Jared Fitchett, owner of J. Star Timber Harvesting, with his family. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)