April 15, 2026

WWPA concluded its 2026 Annual Meeting on April 14th at the Hotel Indigo in Vancouver, Washington. The three-day event brought together industry leaders and members for a series of informative sessions, networking opportunities, and committee meetings.

A highlight of the meeting was the Master Lumberman Awards. The award recognizes outstanding lumber grading and quality control professionals in the Western lumber industry. It is a prestigious honor with only a select few achieving Master Lumberman status each year.

Below are the winners of the WWPA Master Lumberman Awards, Safety Awards and Hi-Q Awards:

2026 Master Lumberman

Photo courtesy of Rass A.
(Left to Right: Steve Lamb (Idaho Forest Group), Rick Shafer (Hampton Lumber Mills), Jeff C. Blackwell (Hampton Lumber Mills), Daniel R. McClimans (Sierra Pacific Industries), Pete Austin (WWPA Director of Quality Standards). Also honored at the meeting, Bonnie L. Bush & Wesley M. Bush (Devil's Forest Products).

Photo courtesy of Rass A.
(Left to Right: Ryan Pettit (Hampton Lumber Mills), Jeff Keller (WWPA President)

Photo courtesy of Rass A.
(Left to Right: Bryce Olson (Boise Cascade), Jeff Keller (WWPA President)

Photo courtesy of Rass A.
(Left to Right: Greg Duncan (Interfor), Jeff Keller (WWPA President), Traci Hull (Interfor)

Hi-Q Awards (2025 Recipients)Blanca Forestry Products, Inc. - Blanca, CO
Idaho Forest Group, LLC - Lewiston, ID
Idaho Forest Group, LLC - Moyie Springs, ID
Interfor U.S. Inc. - Port Angeles, WA
PotlatchDeltic Corporation - St. Maries, ID
SDS Lumber, LLC - Bingen, WA
Sierra Forest Products - Terra Bella, CA
Stimson Lumber Company - Clatskanie, OR
Sun Mountain Lumber - Deer Lodge, MT
Swanson Group Manufacturing - Roseburg, OR
Warrenton Lumber Company - Warrenton, OR
The annual meeting serves as a valuable platform for the WWPA to connect its members, address industry issues, and promote collaboration. If you're interested in learning more about WWPA or the Annual Meeting, visit the WWPA website at wwpa.org.