Minnesota Master Logger Certification is a performance-based program that recognizes both training and experience. Minnesota Master Logger Certification (MMLC) is a recognition and acknowledgement of the professionalism of both the individual logger and the business of logging.

What is the Difference Between the Minnesota Logger Education Program and the Minnesota Master Logger Certification Program?
Master Logger certification is a voluntary, add-on component of MLEP. The Minnesota Master Logger Certification Program is a third-party audited certification of a logging operation’s business and harvest practices. Think of it as providing a “Good Housekeeping” seal of approval of a logging business.

Why is Certification Needed?
Why is certification needed for any profession? Simply stated, it provides customers and the general public assurances that the person or company performing the job has the education, training, and experience to do the job correctly. Many loggers already meet the standards and criteria required for logger certification, but they do not have a way to authenticate that to others. Certification provides additional recognition of those logging businesses who implement sustainable forest management practices and safe, professional operations. In addition, it provides certified timber to the market place.

Several mills in Minnesota and across the country have been asked to meet a target that more than 80% of the resource going into their product be certified. Minnesota has 15 million acres of timberland. Of that 15 million, 37% is controlled by family forest landowners and these family forests provide 45% of the timber harvested each year. Logger certification addresses this challenge by providing certified wood from family forestland to the market place. This means loggers and mills in Minnesota will be in a strong position to provide certified wood from family forestlands to customers like Time Inc.

How Was the Program Developed?
MLEP’s Master Logger Certification Program was developed by a working group including representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, Minnesota Forestry Association, University of Minnesota, Minnesota Forest Industries, Associated Contract Loggers and Truckers of Minnesota, Minnesota Timber Producers Association, Izaak Walton League and Dovetail, Inc.