WALLAGRASS, Maine — A St. John Valley man is one of three 2022 Maine Loggers of the Year.
Jeremy Desjardins of Wallagrass earned the award, along with Robert Berry III of Norridgewock and Bud Philbrook of Island Falls.
Augusta-based Certified Logging Professionals recognizes three loggers each year: a contractor/supervisor, conventional logger and one who uses mechanical harvesting. The awards go to industry professionals who have demonstrated exemplary safety and professionalism throughout their careers, according to the logging organization.
“I was pretty honored,” Desjardins said. “It’s not something you expect to be recognized for.”
Sponsors Huber Resources of Old Town and Conservation Forestry Partners of New Hampshire presented the awards during the 32nd annual Certified Logging Professionals banquet in Brewer last month.
A third-generation logger, Desjardins, 46, has been in the profession for 25 years. He owns Desjardins Logging in partnership with his father, James Desjardins.
The family business operates five logging trucks that haul wood to mills in Aroostook County.
“It’s one of those things you’re born into; it’s in your blood,” Desjardins said. “The nicest thing about it is probably working outside.”
Desjardins said he is particularly fond of being able to view wildlife while out on a job. While cruising a wood lot one day, he came across a baby moose, with its mother giving birth to a second calf. He has also witnessed several newborn fawns.
Desjardins and his wife, Christine, are parents to three sons.
