A family forest management company that celebrated its 75th anniversary was honored at a recent Board of Supervisors meeting.
Founded in 1949 by Lowell Robinson, Robinson Enterprises began as a logging company and today, also offers fuel service and delivery, a trucking fleet that assists with hazardous materials delivery, and forest management services to help protect homes and businesses from wildfire.
“For a company to expand and diversify and keep employees employed is pretty remarkable,” said Supervisor Sue Hoek at the Feb. 25 Board meeting. The Board presented Robinson with a certificate of recognition honoring the company for its service to the community.
Hoek and Supervisor Hardy Bullock recalled working for the company as teenagers. “It was one of the pieces – kind of a hallmark- of my growing up in Nevada County,” Bullock said.
Logging efforts were severely impacted by a surge in environmental protests during the 1990s. Catastrophic wildfires also curtailed opportunities in logging. Robinson went from operating 35-40 logging trucks down to just 13 today. But as the logging part of their businesses dwindled, other services filled in the gaps.
County Executive Officer Alison Lehman praised the company for its partnership with the County during emergency events, such as how they assisted with critical snow removal and removal of downed trees during major winter storms a few years ago. “You always lean in as a true community partner,” she said. “It’s greatly appreciated on behalf or the community.”
Tim Robinson (Lowell Robinson’s grandson) said he is grateful to be able to carry on the business. “We have incredible, hard-working employees,” he said. “…Long hours, long days, hard work- that’s what this company was built on.”
Photo courtesy of Robinson Enterprises