Fourth Generation Logger Raquel Wood
Balancing Work in the Woods and Industry Voice
COTTON, Minn.—In the forests of the Northern Minnesota, logging is more than an occupation—it’s a legacy. For fourth-generation logger Raquel Wood, that legacy is not only carried forward through hands-on work in the woods, but also through storytelling, advocacy, and communication within the industry. Her unique role bridges tradition and modern outreach, ensuring that the voices of loggers and truckers are both heard and preserved.
Raquel grew up immersed in logging. As part of a multigenerational family business, she, along with her brother Vinny, represents the fourth generation continuing a line of work that demands resilience, skill, and adaptability. “Vinny runs the buncher in the woods right now,” added Raquel. “He is very skilled. He is very mechanically inclined and repairs the equipment.”
Raquel’s father, Peter, a third-generation logger, remains a central influence—not only as a mentor in the woods but also through his involvement in industry media.
“I kind of always helped out, but it wasn’t really my interest at first,” Raquel explains. “Then as I got older, it was like—this is actually pretty fun.”
That shift in perspective led her to fully embrace the work. By 18, she had earned her Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), learning to drive semi-trucks from her father before completing formal training.
“My dad actually taught me how to drive semi,” she says. “It took a while to get the hang of shifting—it’s all about timing—but once I got it, I really started to enjoy it.”
Today, she balances driving, working in the woods, and supporting the family operation in multiple roles.
A Voice for the Industry
While Raquel’s work in logging is deeply hands-on, her impact extends far beyond the job site. She has become an active communicator within the regional logging community, particularly through her involvement with the Associated Contract Loggers and Truckers (ACLT).
Her writing journey began in 2023 with the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA), where she still contributes monthly articles.
“It started back in ’23 writing for GLTPA,” she says. “Mostly covering events and things happening in the industry. I still do an article every month.”
Her work often includes photography and coverage tied to her father’s radio show, giving readers a closer look at the people and conversations shaping the logging world.
Leadership Beyond the Woods
In late 2025, Raquel took on the task of reviving the ACLT’s newsletter, bringing new life to a publication that had been inactive for several years, while also stepping into a growing administrative role within a regional logging and trucking group. Initially hired to help with a banquet, her responsibilities quickly expanded, reflecting both her leadership abilities and deepening involvement in the industry.
Today, Raquel balances part-time administrative work with her time in the woods, using the newsletter and her leadership position to strengthen communication, highlight industry issues, and keep members informed and connected.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
For Raquel, the most rewarding part of logging isn’t just the work itself—it’s the people and the purpose behind it, both of which drive her commitment to carrying her family’s legacy into the future. “The loggers and truckers really are the salt of the earth,” she says. “They’re great people—always willing to help.”
Raquel also takes pride in the environmental role logging plays, from responsible forest management to wildfire prevention and producing essential materials. That sense of purpose, combined with strong community ties and a deep-rooted connection to the land, fuels her passion not only to continue working in the woods but also to advocate for and represent the industry.
Whether she’s hauling loads, writing articles, or sharing stories through the ACLT Update, Raquel is helping ensure that the legacy she inherited continues to grow and evolve.