Saratoga Forest Products gives back to the community

Warmth from a wood stove is a comfort and a necessity to many in the Valley. Thanks to the generosity of Saratoga Forest Products (SFP), “The Mill”, many families will stay warm this winter. Every year Gary Ervin, the owner of SFP offers free firewood to anyone willing to go load it up. This year got off to a rough start due to some issues with bags of garbage being left at the site, prompting Ervin to shut access down for a time. The area is opened up again and at times there is a line waiting for access to the wood piles.

Ervin also has a special program for seniors 70 and older. On Friday’s from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. until the end of September this program will be open to Platte Valley residents only. There is a pile of wood on the property with easy access. Those wanting to take advantage of this will need to stop at the office and show identification for access.

Just a little over ten years ago smoke from the stacks on the kilns at the mill was a welcome sign to the locals, proof that the mill was back in operation. After sitting idle for ten years, the new owners took ownership and soon the mill was up and running.Over the past decade, the Ervins generosity has been felt throughout the community. Offering job opportunities, lumber and firewood has made them an essential part of the Valley.