Forester honors logger Jim Harrington at Athol Public Library presentation

ATHOL – A recent presentation at the Athol Public Library on forest management and logging honored the memory of Jim Harrington of Petersham, a logger, veteran and avid reader.

Forester Derek Beard, who worked as a private forester in the North Quabbin region from 1997 to 2005, and later taking a position at the Quabbin Reservoir, spoke at the library on Thursday, March 26. Beard said he came to know Harrington through his work in the area and ties to the Petersham community. Harrington died in November 2024.

“I appreciate all the help that the librarians have provided, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to make a small presentation in memory of Jim,” Beard said.

Throughout the presentation, Beard used videos, photos and maps to explain how logging works and how forests change over time. He began with a brief overview of how logging practices have evolved, from early hand tools and animal labor to modern mechanized systems.

While methods have changed, he said logging and forest management remain closely connected. “Forestry and logging, you can’t have one without the other,” he said.

Beard described several harvesting approaches, including chainsaw and skidder logging, biomass harvesting and newer “cut-to-length” systems.

“In my professional and personal opinion, each kind of harvesting system has its place in forest management,” he said, noting that decisions depend on the land and a landowner’s goals.

Beard also pointed to forestry work he completed with Harrington, including projects at the Quabbin Reservoir.

Using before-and-after images, Beard showed how different management techniques can change forest structure. He said creating openings in the canopy allows sunlight to reach the forest floor, encouraging new growth and increasing diversity.

“When you create that diversity, that equals habitat,” he said.

Beard also outlined several challenges facing the logging industry, including weather conditions that can halt operations, rising costs and fluctuating markets.

“If you can’t produce the product, you can’t get yourself paid,” he said.

Environmental pressures were another focus, including the impact of pests such as the spongy moth and emerald ash borer, which have caused widespread tree damage and loss across parts of Massachusetts.

Beard highlighted how forests are tied to everyday life, from construction materials to heating. “We need the forest. The forest doesn’t really need us,” he said.

During the question-and-answer portion, attendees asked how the impacts of pests affect everyday use, including whether trees killed by pests can still be used for firewood. Beard said oak trees can remain usable for several years after dying, while ash trees deteriorate more quickly.

“Some of the oak we were still able to find a market for,” he said.

He also addressed concerns about invasive plant species such as knotweed and bittersweet, noting that large-scale control can be difficult and often requires herbicide.

The presentation ended with a slide showing photos of Harrington, including images of him working in the forest. Beard said the talk was rooted in his friendship with Harrington, who he had known for about two decades. He recalled visiting him at his home in Petersham, where the two would often talk about forestry.

“We used to have a lot of fun just talking about the various developments in our profession,” he said.