For B.C. loggers, a precarious grip
The boom in B.C.'s coastal forestry business is an echo of its former self
The sight of tugs hauling booms of logs from B.C.'s coastal forests to mills on the Fraser River has become something of an anachronism. Here, Stewart Helmer, captain of Harken 5, logs his and the tug's activity from his shift in Parson's Channel along the Fraser River.JOHN LEHMANN
Once a prolific source of the best-quality wood, the coastal forestry business has suffered a severe downward spiral over the past decade. Here, captain Stewart Helmer works in tandem with deckhand Rob Klut as they ready a boom of logs.JOHN LEHMANN
The decline of the B.C. forestry's best export customer - Japan - is a big reason for the industry's slump. Here, captain Stewart Helmer moves his tug into position around a log boom.JOHN LEHMANN
Now, hopes are that rebuilding in Japan after the severe earthquake and tsunami could send more of B.C.?s prized wood to the island country. Here, deckhand Rob Klut moves quickly across a log boom.JOHN LEHMANN
Rob Klut, a deckhand with Harken Towing, readies a boom of logs on the Fraser River.JOHN LEHMANN
Deckhand Rob Klut wears cork boots as he moves across a log boom.JOHN LEHMANN
Deckhand Rob Klut coils up the toe line used for moving barges and log booms.JOHN LEHMANN