THE WILLIAMSBURG LODGE WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA SPRING 2023
Spring 2023 Volume LXXIX, Number 2 Magazine Editorial Committee Anne Beals (Chairman), Spotsylvania David E. Anderton Jr., Richmond Justin Barnes, Shipman Carolyn Copenheaver, Blacksburg Matt Dowdy, Louisa Glenda Parrish, Edenton, NC Fred Schatzki, Troy Luke Shenk, Powhatan Corydon Swift-Turner, Charlottesville Anitra Webster, Lynchburg Lesha L. Berkel Editor Advertising and Design Ronnie Jacko Advertising Sales Hiakato Draconas Design & Layout For advertising opportunities contact LLM Publications at 503-445-2234 or ronnie@llmpubs.com. A unifying voice for Virginia’s forestry community. 3808 AUGUSTA AVENUE RICHMOND, VA 23230 (804) 278-8733 vfa@vaforestry.org VISIT US ONLINE www.vaforestry.org Virginia Forests 2023 VIRGINIA FORESTRY SUMMIT 8 Intersections of Ecology and Economics by Lesha Berkel 14 Virginia Forestry Summit Award Winners by Anne Taylor • Martha Moore is VFA’s Outstanding Member of the Year • Ed Zimmer Recognized with VFA Distinguished Service Award • Steven Peter Receives VFA President’s Award • Virginia Tree Farm Foundation Recognizes Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year and Outstanding Volunteers • Logger Merit Award Winners: Calhoun Timber, Inc., Jerry D. Rose Inc., and Shull Timber Company 20 Dr. David Wm. Smith Honored for Support and Service of Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center by Preston Willson 22 Summit Tours 23 Summit Snapshots 24 Recognition of Sponsors, Supporters and Exhibitors at the Virginia Forestry Summit THE WILLIAMSBURG LODGE WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA SPRING 2023 ON THE COVER: Located on the Court House Green in Colonial Williamsburg, the mighty Compton oak is a distinctive feature of the Historic Area’s landscape and a gathering place for many activities and tours. The Compton oak is a state champion Big Tree. (PHOTO BY FRED SCHATZKI) The 2023 Virginia Forestry Summit featured more than a dozen educational sessions and presentations over three days with information about landowner issues and incentive programs, market trends and opportunities, innovative forest products, and more.
2 VIRGINIA FORESTS DEPARTMENTS THE LOGROLL Sustainability of Logging Businesses, by Scott Barrett, Ph.D. . . . . . . 27 VIRGINIA FORESTRY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION UPDATE Reframe to Recruit, by Shannon McCabe . . . . . . . 28 Resource Review . . . . . . . . .30 TAILGATE TALK Forests are Dynamic, Living, and Ever-Changing, by Matt Dowdy...........33 Contents SPRING 2023 Virginia Forests magazine is published quarterly by the Virginia Forestry Association, 3808 Augusta Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230-3910. Subscription is by membership in the Association with annual dues ranging upward from a minimum of $65 for individuals. Extra copies at $3.00. Advertising rates upon request. The sole criterion for publication in Virginia Forests is that material be sound and informative. All opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of Virginia Forests or the Virginia Forestry Association. The Association does not pay for materials used. A cumulative index of Virginia Forests is maintained at VFA headquarters. Copyright © 2023 by the Virginia Forestry Association. ISSN 0740-011X. Decades of strong and sustained leadership is a hallmark of the Virginia Forestry Association, and we were honored to have 11 of those who have served as President attend the 2023 Virginia Forestry Summit. Pictured, left to right: Easton Loving (2008), Dan Hockenberger (2023), Stephanie Grubb (2022), Glen Worrell (2011), Ken Morgan (2009), Anitra Webster (2002), John Magruder (2019), Scott Shallenbarger (2021), Ed Zimmer (2012), Carolyn Mulligan (2016), and John Gee (2020). EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S UPDATE Actions Speak Louder Than Words, by Corey Connors . . . . . . . . .3 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Forestry Summit Offers Inspiration, Education and Motivation, by Dan Hockenberger . . . . . . .7 ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING FORESTERS It’s Important to Tell Our Story: Crafting an “Elevator Pitch” forForesty. . . . . . . . . . . .25 VFA Kicks Off 80th Anniversary Celebration at Forestry Summit
SPRING 2023 3 Those who have volunteered for a nonprofit organization understand the pitfalls of strategic planning. Always well-intentioned, the number of strategic documents collecting dust on a shelf somewhere far outnumber those that successfully compel action. There are many reasons for this, most of which are completely valid and understandable. Planning is the easy part. Executing said plan is where challenges arise. Legendary University of Tennessee Women’s Basketball Coach Pat Summit once said: “Responsibility equals accountability, accountability equals ownership, and a sense of ownership is the most powerful thing a team or organization can have.” Indeed, the best organizations demand greater accountability from themselves, which in turn provides stakeholders with a sense of ownership. Accountability is a core tenet of leadership in any form, but particularly servant leadership. In the Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 editions of this column, I shared objectives identified by the Board of Directors as part of VFA’s strategic plan for 2022–23. As the timeframe developed by the Board will soon reach its scheduled conclusion, it would be prudent to reflect on those objectives to determine how much progress has been made. At the time the strategic plan was developed (September 2021), we were emerging from both COVID-related shutdowns and a General Assembly session that was conducted virtually via Zoom. Policy outcomes from that ill-fated legislative session were less than stellar. The need to more effectively advocate on behalf of VFA stakeholders became increasingly apparent. To better position the organization, the Board established three goals under their top objective. First was to “hire a prominent lobbying firm to assist the organization in expanding the scope of statewide influence for Virginia’s forestry and forest products communities.” After soliciting proposals from multiple firms, VFA retained long-time industry advocate Robert Crockett and Advantus Strategies for the 2022 session of the General Assembly. That investment was returned almost immediately. This newfound capacity led to the creation of the Forest Sustainability Fund and $1 million in funding for the Department of Forestry to support forest land use taxation in year one. The hiring of Kyle Shreve, former executive of the Virginia Agribusiness Council, to the Advantus team and the successful effort in 2023 to restore biomass in Virginia’s renewable energy policy in amending the Virginia Clean Economy Act were outstanding encores. Garnished with several smaller victories along the way, the addition of Advantus to VFA’s advocacy efforts has exceeded even the grandest of expectations. Next, the Board further sought to build a sustainable “full-service government relations program to improve engagement among Virginia’s forestry stakeholders.” Partnering with the Virginia Forest Products Association and the Virginia Loggers Association, we introduced a new Legislative Day on the Hill event, bringing 50+ members from across our organizations to Richmond to educate lawmakers and tell their own stories. To raise additional resources for our PAC and the Board’s newly created Advocacy Fund, we joined with VFPA to launch the inaugural Virginia Wood Cup golf tournament, and this past spring, introduced the VFA Sporting Clays Tournament. Work on this objective will continue beyond the life of this plan. As part of its reconfigured volunteer leadership structure (more on that topic ahead), VFA will “convene an Advocacy Committee representative of VFA’s membership and stakeholders to provide thought leadership and direct support of the organization’s advocacy function.” The new Advocacy Committee will allow thought leaders from throughout Virginia’s forestry community to engage more directly on the public policy issues of greatest importance. Actions Speak Louder Than Words FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE VFA Executive Director Corey Connors gave updates about VFA’s current and ongoing initiatives during the General Membership Meeting at the Virginia Forestry Summit. OBJECTIVE Become the premier advocacy organization representing the forestry and forest products community in Virginia.
4 VIRGINIA FORESTS Before its September 2021 strategic planning session, the VFA Board surveyed current and past volunteer leaders to solicit general feedback on the organization. Many respondents indicated that VFA’s volunteer opportunities were disjointed and left them feeling disengaged. Understanding that the vitality of an association is dependent on member engagement and volunteer development, the Board set out to improve the volunteer structure despite VFA having just made changes five years prior. The Board created a Volunteer Leadership Task Group, led by VFA Past President and Advisory Council Chair Glen Worrell and comprised of VFA leaders past and present. Their charge: “to develop recommendations to increase the efficacy of volunteer activities, establish a pipeline of new leaders, and improve participant satisfaction.” Utilizing nonprofit best management practices and available data, the group reached consensus on an innovative structure that will be more inclusive of perspectives from throughout VFA’s diverse membership. At VFA’s 2023 Annual Meeting in April, the membership unanimously approved amendments to VFA Bylaws that reflect the Task Group’s recommendations. Coupled with Board policy creating targeted Stakeholder Interest Councils and revamped program committees, the new VFA Volunteer Leadership Structure is rolling out this year, intent on meeting that important charge. For more information on the newly adopted structure or to volunteer, please visit our website at www.vaforestry.org, email me at cconnors@vaforestry.org, or give me a call. We would love to have your input in determining how VFA can better serve our great community. Another theme that emerged from the Board’s strategic workshop was the growing chasm between rural and urban Virginia. Driven by public policy, but also in practical effect, rural Virginia is evolving to meet the aims of an urban population base. The Commonwealth’s goals pertaining to water quality, urban tree canopy, and clean energy were OBJECTIVE Bridge the divide between rural and urban Virginia to broaden understanding of forest resources as a driver of ecological, economic, and social prosperity that benefits all Virginians. OBJECTIVE Provide meaningful opportunities for volunteers to advance Virginia’s forestry community through direct engagement with VFA programs and services.
SPRING 2023 5 dependent on either preservation or development (sometimes simultaneously) of the forested lands upon which VFA stakeholders rely for their lives and livelihoods. Of the many goals laid out in the Board’s 2022–23 Strategic Plan, this was the area where progress was less considerable. But there was still forward momentum under this objective, to be sure. The development of “an organizational public relations plan” to “increase the visibility of the organization” did not fully materialize. It is hoped that the new VFA Communications Committee will aid in further developing such a plan moving forward. The Board also sought for VFA to “assume a leadership role within Virginia’s urban forestry community through existing opportunities or through the development of new programs.” This meant taking a more proactive approach on urban forestry and tree canopy policy both legislatively and on regulatory work groups. But establishing relationships with stakeholders to “build the bridge” could be challenging in a sometimes-combative environment. That is why earlier this year, I was honored to be appointed to the Board of Trees Virginia, our Commonwealth’s nonprofit urban forest council. It has been a genuine pleasure to begin working with Virginia Department of Forestry staff, urban forestry professionals, and other stakeholders to meet that organization’s goals of enhancing public awareness, increasing professional competence, and bolstering political engagement in urban forestry issues. You have likely read or heard me say the following a number of times: “Association management is not rocket science. If it were, I couldn’t do it.” The key to building a better VFA is to communicate openly and transparently with stakeholders to ensure that we are meeting their everchanging needs in a meaningful way. To do that, there is a simple formula that VFA has employed to better serve you: Ask stakeholders about their needs and challenges, interpret how the organization is uniquely positioned to meet those needs, then do what you say you are going to do. So VFA “asked,” conducting a stakeholder survey in 2022 to understand both your impressions about the organization and more broadly about the challenges and opportunities you saw for our community in the years ahead. The Board then “interpreted,” utilizing that data at its meeting last summer to tweak VFA’s current suite of programs and services and examining new opportunities for learning and engagement. And then we “did,” implementing changes to both our existing advocacy platform and Summit programming to address issues you identified while introducing VFA’s new Forestry Leadership ReTREEt this coming September. Usually new association executives spend much of their first year or two on the road meeting members, developing relationships, and gaining a better understanding of those they have been tapped to serve. That a global health emergency intervenes weeks after taking a job, and immediately after the conclusion of your first General Assembly session, is … unusual and somewhat challenging. OBJECTIVE Advantage VFA member businesses over non-member competitors by equipping them with tools to overcome challenges in an increasingly challenging business climate. OBJECTIVE Complete outstanding objectives from the organization’s 2021 Work Plan and engage in revenue enhancement initiatives. —continued on page 35
6 VIRGINIA FORESTS
Dr. Scott Barrett Director Eric Goodman Director Brian Irvine Director Jay Phaup Director I made it back to the office, trying to catch up on a bunch of paperwork, returning phone calls, and answering emails after the 2023 Virginia Forestry Summit. I cannot focus, because I am just too excited about what we experienced during those three days. We heard so much about the good work we are doing and the challenges we face. Having been in this organization for over 20 years, I am proud of who we are and where we are going. I am also very proud of our story and what good we do for our fellow humans and the environment. Most importantly, I am excited that we have a great story to share with a bunch of new folks coming into Virginia’s political arena, as we learned of changes coming in 2024. As Robert Crocket and Kyle Shreeve of Advantus Strategies pointed out during their review of another successful session of the Virginia General PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Forestry Summit Offers Inspiration, Education and Motivation 3808 Augusta Avenue Richmond, VA 23230-3910 Phone: 804-278-8733 • Fax: 804-278-8774 vfa@vaforestry.org • www.vaforestry.org OFFICERS (2023–2024) President Dan Hockenberger Virginia Forest Resources, LLC West Point Vice President and President Elect Chris Harris Pinecrest Timber Co. Prince George Treasurer Christina Hager Dominion Energy Richmond Past President Stephanie Grubb International Paper Pawleys Island Executive Director Corey Connors Richmond EX-OFFICIO OFFICERS Paul Winistorfer Virginia Tech – CNRE Blacksburg Rob Farrell Va, Dept. of Forestry Charlottesville DIRECTORS Term Expiring 2024 Lavan Daubermann Colonial Farm Credit Mechanicsville Michael Harold Speyside Bourbon Cooperage, Inc. Harrisonburg John E. Jones III Central VA Land & Timber Montpelior Term Expiring 2025 Ben Cole Cole Timberland Management LLC Appomattox Laurie Wright Wright Forestry LLC Blackridge Jay Phaup Greif Packaging LLC Amherst Term Expiring 2026 Dr. Scott Barrett Virginia Tech Blacksburg John Reid Forest Resources Mgmt. Aylett Brian Irvine Roseburg Roanoke Rapids, NC Eric Goodman WestRock Clarksville STAFF Corey Connors, Executive Director Sonnia Montemayor, Deputy Executive Director Anne Taylor, Membership & Communications Coordinator Chris Frost, Operations Assistant The Virginia Forestry Association, chartered in 1943, is a notfor-profit, non-governmental, privately-supported association of forest landowners, wood product industries and businesses, loggers, foresters, forest use groups, and conservation-minded citizens. New board members are elected annually by mail ballot to all VFA members. Any VFA member may be a candidate for the board. —continued on page 35 SPRING 2023 7 VFA WELCOMES NEW OFFICERS & BOARD MEMBERS Chris Harris Vice President/ President-Elect Christina Hager Treasurer Stephanie Grubb Past President John Reid Director Dan Hockenberger with Richard “Carbo” Carbonetti, ACF-CF, who was one of the featured speakers at the 2023 Virginia Forestry Summit in April.
8 VIRGINIA FORESTS The 2023 Virginia Forestry Summit brought together more than 200 forestry professionals, landowners, and educators on April 26–28 at the Williamsburg Lodge located in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. IFCO Seedlings served as the presenting sponsor for this year’s event that was coordinated by the Virginia Forestry Association, Virginia Chapter of the Association of Consulting Foresters, and Virginia Division of the Society of American Foresters. MásLabor sponsored networking breaks with exhibitors held each day of the event. After a morning of leadership meetings, landowner education and professional training, participants gathered to open the Forestry Summit with an Administration Briefing from Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr. He remarked on the results of a recent impact study of forestry and agriculture, noting these industries have remained strong, regaining strength after the pandemic and achieving record exports within the past year. Dr. Derek Aday, dean of William and Mary’s School of Marine Science and director of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, presented the first keynote address. In his remarks, Aday focused on the intersection of ecology and economics that is shared by both land- and marinebased industries. He noted the common work done by state agencies and supporting organizations to provide relevant, reliable information to those who make a living from the resources of land and waterways. Habitat restoration and sustainability, land use management, and public education are also common efforts and shared concerns. Direct partnership opportunities are possible between our industries, he said, as we look for better or new ways to approach these issues. Afternoon breakout sessions served to emphasize Dr. Aday’s message as attendees selected from three sessions that focused on landowner legacy planning, research on projected sea level rise for coastal Virginia, and an outlook on forest products markets. The first Intersections of Ecology and Economics By Lesha Berkel Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr. Dr. Derek Aday gave the Forestry Summit’s opening keynote address. Habitat restoration and sustainability, land use management, and public education are common efforts and shared concerns among organizations that work to sustain the ecological benefits of our natural resources while also helping to improve and support the economic strength of our land- and marine-based industries.
SPRING 2023 9 TROPHY HUNTING (FOR TREES) The Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program hosted a morning session that began with a presentation from Big Tree hunters Byron Carmean and Charles Gardener, Arborist at Colonial Williamsburg. The program featured stunning photos of some of their notable finds and colorful stories about documenting Virginia’s largest tree species. The morning included a tour of some of the remarkable trees in Colonial Williamsburg and a lesson on how to measure trees, like the black walnut pictured here, using a variety of tools including a laser, clinometer, diameter tape and a biltmore stick. Byron Carmean (left) and Charles Gardener led the VFLEP session. day ended with a gathering on the lawn where everyone enjoyed perfect springtime weather with drinks and hors d’oeurves at the Welcome Happy Hour sponsored by International Paper Co. President Stephanie Grubb and Executive Director Corey Connors led VFA’s membership meeting to begin the second day of the Forestry Summit. Several VFA members were recognized for their volunteer service during the past year. In particular, the work of the Volunteer Leadership Task Group that included Glen Worrell, Dr. Scott Barrett, John Carroll, Matt Dowdy, Brad Fuller, Chris Harris, Martha Moore, Carolyn Mulligan, Steven Peter, Jay Phaup, Greg Scheerer, and Justin Shanks led to recommendations for changing the structure of VFA committees. These changes were approved by the membership and are now reflected in VFA’s bylaws. Our 2023–24 Board of Directors was installed for the coming year, and outgoing board members Easton Loving, Mac McDannald, Madison West and Past President Scott Shallenberger were recognized for their service to the association. Stephanie Grubb concluded the meeting by presenting the President’s Award to Steve Peter (see page 15), and announced the launch of a new two-day event focusing on strategiclevel conversations for CEOs, business leaders, and decision-makers in the forestry industry. This new “retreatstyle” format, connecting forwardthinking forestry professionals from across the state and the region, will be held September 19–20, 2023 at Wintergreen Resort. Richard “Carbo” Carbonetti spoke to the audience about his career as a forestry consultant and the necessity for forestry professionals to be engaged in conversations about the beneficial work of forest management (read details of his address on page 10). The morning ended with another trio of breakout sessions that offered information to help landowner’s understand carbon offset markets and climatesmart forestry; a trucking and transportation brief for forestry professionals; and research and production related to Virginia’s emerging biochar market. Robert Crockett and Kyle Shreeve of Advantus Strategies reviewed advocacy work undertaken during the 2023 General Assembly session on Robert Crockett and Kyle Shreeve of Advantus Strategies reviewed key legislative initiatives for the forestry community in 2023 and highlighted priority issues for the 2024 General Assembly session.
10 VIRGINIA FORESTS Richard “Carbo” Carbonetti delivered the keynote session on Thursday morning at the Virginia Forestry Summit. His presentation was made to an attentive and engaged audience, as he shared his experiences and insights gained over more than four decades as a consulting forester, forest policy advocate, and business owner. Carbo acknowledged that most foresters are passionate about their work and want to make a difference. But, he noted, that taking on the responsibility in a career to care for such an important resource is not just a job; it also requires a commitment to excellence, science, and the ability to communicate about the complexities of the resource that forestry professionals manage and sustain. One important facet of the profession is licensing, which validates the training and expertise required within the industry. Foresters are highly trained scientists that must be knowledgeable and develop a foundation of experience across a broad range of disciplines. Forestry is complex and challenging, but far too often, he says, “I hear foresters asked a question, and they quickly respond, ‘That’s easy’ or ‘Sure, that won’t take long.’ Have you ever heard an attorney say something will be easy and cheap?” It’s vital to forestry professionals to earn respect and demonstrate value for the important, and complex work they perform. Consulting foresters in particular must be scientists, fiduciaries, communicators, educators, and conservationists who are engaged in service for the public. All those working in forestry should not only be patient and thoughtful listeners, but also confident speakers who can make complex forestry concepts easier to understand and explain how our forestry practices will serve to achieve the interested parties’ desired outcomes. The decisions made and implemented are not easily reversed and often at a minimum have decades-long impacts. Forests are important to the public. Understanding public reactions to forest management practices, especially harvesting, is a key factor in being able to navigate the minefield of all the varying opinions and demands of those outside, or even within the profession. It is what people perceive and what they hear that ultimately matters, he noted. “We fail far too often to appreciate that despite the brilliance of our presentations unless the audience is willing, or if we have not thoughtfully presented our case, our words will fall on deaf ears.” Forestry is a dynamic, ever-evolving science. Building forests that are resilient to stresses and maintain a sustainable condition takes care, thoughtful decision making, and ongoing education. With experience, observations and new research and training to support the implementation of effective and impactful forest management, healthy and vigorous forests are better able to meet the challenges brought by our ever-changing world. Climate change and carbon are examples of opportunities, despite the political and personal concerns and factors that drive opinions on these issues, Carbo explained. Forests provide a vast and complex set of values to the owners and to the public, and there is an ever-increasing desire to maintain and enhance what are bundled today as ecosystem services. There is a growing recognition that these services require landowners to be compensated, which can offer business and economic opportunities. The development of ecosystem markets has enormous potential benefits for landowners. Workforce development challenges and changing landowner demographics further illustrate change and the need for adaptability by forest professionals and within the industry. “We need to understand and be prepared for those alterations in behavior and expectations,” he said. There may be no other profession that receives more scrutiny from such a broad number and range of interested parties than forestry, Carbo told the audience. “We must all remember that and gauge and modify our behavior, understanding that the actions of each of us impact our profession and our industry.” Our words matter, and using effective messages that clearly demonstrate the value and importance of forestry is key—and these messages must be based on facts and not opinions. “We will never avoid scrutiny,” he said, “but we can certainly improve how we tell the positive story we all know and appreciate.” Ultimately, those who are working as foresters may find enormous satisfaction in their work, Carbo concludes. “Very few individuals just get up to go to work in forestry. They view it as a gift. But no one said this would be easy.” THE EVOLUTION OF FORESTRY CONSULTING FROM ITS ROOTS TO TODAY Virginia Forestry Summit Keynote
SPRING 2023 11 Three concurrent sessions started the third day of the Forestry Summit. A panel discussion helped landowners find ways to adapt to changes in expectations, management objectives, and business practices that impact their decision-making. Other sessions provided information on the benefits and incentive programs related to establishing riparian buffers, and a look at the Virginia Dept. of Forestry’s Hardwood Habitat Initiative with an overview of a timber harvest operation done on Sandy Point State Forest. Dr. Bob Holsworth remarked on “Virginia’s Political Outlook” to close the 2023 Forestry Summit. Always engaging and insightful, Holsworth crafted a view of the political landscape that encompassed local, state and national elections. He shared views and impacts from Virginia’s recent redistricting that are already influencing incumbent decisions for election bids or retirement, inevitably bringing many new legislators to both the House and Senate after November elections. Emerging candidates for next year’s presidential election will also be closely watched, he said, discussing the prospects of a Youngkin run for a Republican nomination, and noting, “It’s going to be an interesting time in Virginia and across the country. In any case it will be a great year, and it’ll keep pundits like me working.” behalf of VFA during the luncheon General Session. They reviewed successful efforts related to the Forest Sustainability Fund, tax credit and harvesting exemptions to benefit forest landowners, solar regulation, and biomass legislation. Notably, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed legislation restoring biomass in the Commonwealth’s renewable energy portfolio into law in May. This top legislative priority for Virginia’s forestry community from the 2023 session of the General Assembly, HB2026 (O’Quinn) and SB1231 (Lewis), will become effective on July 1, 2023. Work on the issue will continue with a VDOF-led Wood Biomass Advisory Council in the coming months. Finally, key changes in both the House and Senate due to redistricting and retirements will become an important focus for advocacy efforts by the Advantus team after November 2023 elections. Thursday afternoon was filled with a selection of tours (see page 22) and the day concluded with a reception and banquet that recognized numerous award winners for service, volunteerism, and dedicated support of the forestry community. Read more about all our award winners beginning on page 14. Dr. Bob Holsworth Ken Morgan, Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation (VFEF) President, expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the mission of VFEF during the past year. Through funding youth educational programs and scholarships, VFEF helps to ensure that children, teens and college students learn about the environmental, social and economic benefits of forests and the forest industry. Virginia State Forester Rob Farrell briefed the audience on the impacts surrounding the reclassification of the northern long-eared bat as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The bat faces extinction due to the range-wide impacts of white-nose syndrome, a deadly disease affecting cave-dwelling bats across the continent. In January 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service extended the effective date for the final rule to March 31, 2023 to include some interim guidance for stakeholders; however, the full implications for forestry practices remain uncertain.
12 VIRGINIA FORESTS “Riparian Forest Buffers: How to Plant Them, Protect Them, and Make Money Off Them!” was presented by (l. to r.) Amber Ellis, James River Association; Maggi Blomstrom, Rappahannock-Rapidan Conservation Initiative Coordinator, Piedmont Environmental Council; Caitlin Verdu, Virginia Dept. of Forestry; and Bryan Hofmann, Friends of the Rappahonock during the Friday morning breakout sessions. (l. to r.) Matthew Gillette, Rock Springs Forestry; Ben Cole, Cole Timberland Management, LLC; Glen Worrell, F&W Forestry Services, Inc.; and Dan Hammond, H&H Forest Management Inc. served as panelists for a discussion about “Adapting to Meet the Changing Needs of Today’s Forest Landowners” during a Friday morning breakout session. (l. to r.) Dennis Gaston and Joe Rossetti with Virginia Dept. of Forestry (DOF) discussed the “Hardwood Habitat Initiative: Projects on Sandy Point State Forest” with information about this important forest management initiative from DOF and the recent timber harvest on the State Forest. Katie Clark, William & Mary Research student, and Adam Downing, Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension forester, presented “What Business is it of Mine? Guiding Landowners in Their Legacy Planning,” that shared ways that landowners are navigating the many decisions that are part of land management planning and what choices can be made to keep forest land intact for future generations. “Forest Products Trucking and Transportation Brief” was part of the Thursday morning breakout sessions with presenters (l. to r.) Master Trooper G.J. Hamlett, Virginia State Police Carrier Safety; Chris Huff, TimberRisk Insurance Agency; and Dale Bennett, Virginia Trucking Association. Virginia Forestry Summit Session Presenters
SPRING 2023 13 Melissa M. Kreye, Pennsylvania State University, presented a session entitled, “Combating Climate Change: The Role of Climate Smart Forestry and Carbon Markets.” (l. to r.) Pamela Mason, Senior Marine Scientist, Center for Coastal Resources Management Extension Manager; Molly Mitchell, Research Assistant Professor, Center for Coastal Resources Management; and Sarah Stafford, CSX Professor of Economics and Public Policy, William & Mary presented “Projected Sea Level Rise and Its Impact on Coastal Virginia” in a breakout session on Wednesday afternoon. (l. to r.) Jeff Waldon, Restoration Bioproducts; Sabina Dhungana, Virginia Dept. of Forestry; and Jeff Wade, SWVA Biochar presented a session on “Virginia’s Emerging Biochar Market” that offered an overview of the production, uses and benefits of biochar as well as discussion about current facilities and future projects. Bobby Frank with ResourceWise, discussed the “Current Outlook on Forest Products Markets in his session on Wednesday morning. Bidding was lively for the Silent and Live Auctions at the Forestry Summit. Kyle Shreeve served as the auctioneer for the Live Auction, assisted by Stephanie Grubb. Proceeds from the auctions benefit the Virginia Forestry Advocacy Fund.
14 VIRGINIA FORESTS Martha Moore was recognized with VFA’s 2023 Outstanding Member of the Year Award during the 2023 Virginia Forestry Summit in Williamsburg, Va. Easton Loving nominated Moore and presented the award that recognizes an individual for their outstanding contributions in the area of conservation, utilization and enhancement of Virginia’s forest resources. It is given to a VFA member that renders service to, and promotes the interests of, Virginia forestry, and/or has fostered greater public awareness and understanding of the forests of the Commonwealth and the contributions which they make to all Virginia citizens. Moore serves as the Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the Virginia Farm Bureau and has been a driving force in legislative and regulatory matters for Virginia’s agriculture and forestry communities. She has been with Farm Bureau for 31 years and currently manages the organization’s lobbying efforts at the local, state and national levels. She also focuses on policy issues regarding agriculture education, budget, forestry, land grant institutions and the environment. In addition to her work with Farm Bureau, Moore currently serves on Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Leadership Council. She co-chaired former Gov. Bob McDonnell’s Agriculture and Forestry Transition Team. In 2013, McDonnell appointed her to the Rural Jobs Task Force. She also previously served on the Agriculture and Forestry Transition Teams of Govs. Mark Warner, Tim Kaine and Terry McAuliffe. She is a 2019 graduate of the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute. Earlier this year, Moore received the Outstanding Woman in Agriculture Award from the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. In 2020, she was recognized by the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts with their Friend of Conservation Award that recognized her exemplary leadership, initiative and dedication to Virginia’s SWCDs. (l. to r.) Easton Loving, Martha Moore, and Bill Osl, Oakland Farm. Virginia Forestry Summit Award Winners MARTHA MOORE IS VFA’S OUTSTANDING MEMBER OF THE YEAR ED ZIMMER RECOGNIZED WITH VFA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Virginia Forestry Association recognized Ed Zimmer with the 2023 Distinguished Service Award during the 2023 Virginia Forestry Summit in Williamsburg, Va. VFA’s Distinguished Service Award gives public recognition to individuals, groups, associations, and/or companies and corporations who make a significant, continuing, and lasting contribution to the conservation of Virginia’s forest resources and/or the enhancement of Virginia’s forest-based community. Zimmer, who currently serves as Deputy State Forester of Virginia, is a professional forester with over 30 years’ experience in a broad array of forestry roles, including both private sector and governmental positions. He has been an active member of VFA since 1991, when he first came to Virginia to work as a Land Management Forester. Zimmer served on the Board of Directors from 2005–2013, becoming VFA President in 2012. He also was previously recognized with the VFA President’s Award. His reach of service spans across the Commonwealth, having served on the former Reforestation of Timberlands Board from
SPRING 2023 15 STEVEN PETER RECEIVES VFA PRESIDENT’S AWARD Stephanie Grubb awarded Steven Peter with the 2023 President’s Award at the Forestry Summit in April. The purpose of the VFA President’s Award is to recognize individuals who, through their own extraordinary efforts, have made a significant contribution to the association. Recipients of the President’s Award are individuals who have spent many hours working behind the scenes and beyond the call of duty to make VFA a quality organization. Throughout 2022–23 while serving on the VFA Board of Directors, Peter demonstrated an unwavering drive, passion, and commitment to sustainable forestry, the health of Virginia’s forests, and to the organizations that strive to serve those forests. “He has been a long-time member of VFA and is exactly the type of volunteer that every staff person, volunteer, and leader wants to work with,” said Grubb. “He is already so energetic and passionate about the industry, that when the idea of VFA starting a new event came up this past year, he immediately jumped on board.” Peter is chairing the task group organizing this new event. In presenting him with the President’s Award, Grubb noted, “Steve has proven to be a wealth of ideas and is always thinking about ways to make the event the best it can be. During task group meetings, he is continuously in awe of the other people in the room, enthusiastically uplifting the opinions, voices, and ideas of his fellow members, serving as a testament to his humility and that the success of this event, as well as the organization, is a group effort.” In 1999, after working as a district forester in wood procurement for Stone Container Corporation he established South Paw Forest Products, Inc. His company assists landowners with land and timber management specializing in pine thinnings, wildlife harvests, and clearcut harvests. Peter graduated from Virginia Tech 1993 with a B.S. in Forestry and Wildlife. (l. to r.) Steven Peter with Stephanie Grubb at the Virginia Forestry Summit. 2001–2004, the Holiday Lake 4-H Camp Board for at least a dozen years, and the Virginia Tree Farm Committee, which also recognized him with the Tree Farm Leadership Award in 1996. Zimmer has been recognized by the Virginia Division of the Society of American Foresters (SAF) with their Merit Award in 2021, and with the APSAF Volunteer Service Award in 2005. Prior to Virginia Department of Forestry, Ed held several roles in forest industry in eastern Virginia and served five years in the United States Army. In presenting the award, Virginia State Forester Rob Farrell shared: “[Ed] has worked at the DOF for almost 20 years, serving in increasing levels of responsibility. His can-do attitude and no-nonsense management approach has made him invaluable. Whenever there is a problem or a crisis, you will find Ed Zimmer there, helping to solve the problem.” Virginia State Forester Rob Farrell presented VFA’s Distinguished Service Award to Ed Zimmer.
16 VIRGINIA FORESTS The Virginia Forestry Summit provides continuing education and networking opportunities to natural resource professionals and landowners in Virginia’s forestry community. The Summit also provides a venue to recognize those who are making exceptional contributions to forest management and the field of forestry. The Virginia Tree Farm Foundation takes this opportunity each year to recognize Outstanding Tree Farmers and Tree Farm Inspectors. The award recipients are given free attendance at the Summit, as well as plaques recognizing their contributions to Virginia forestry. Rod Walker is Virginia’s 2023 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year The Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year is the highest honor bestowed by the Foundation. The winner is viewed with distinction among VTFF’s network of Tree Farmers, volunteers, sponsors, and partners across Virginia. The 2023 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year is not your typical landowner or Tree Farmer. He has the resources and the passion to make a difference on the landscape and in his community. The 2023 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year is the owner of Middle Mountain Tree Farm Land Trust in Albemarle County, Rod Walker. Rod is an excellent example of a landowner who has gone above and beyond in his efforts to sustainably manage his woodlands. He is actively engaged with teaching, research, and Extension efforts at both Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia. As a neighbor to the Shenandoah National Park, Rod recognized early on in his ownership that what he did, or didn’t do, on his property, would impact the larger landscape as well. As such, he took it upon himself to start the first Cooperative Weed Management organization in Virginia, Blue Ridge PRISM, to tackle what he saw as a significant threat to our forests—non-native invasives. Blue Ridge PRISM offers educational programs and materials to woodland owners on non-native identification and control. Rod was presented with a custom Tree Farm sign acknowledging his achievements and will go on to compete for Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year at the regional level in 2024. Rod Walker of Middle Mountain Tree Farm Land Trust (left) is the 2023 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year, nominated by Jennifer Gagnon, Virginia Tech (right). Virginia Tree Farm Foundation Recognizes Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year and Outstanding Volunteers By Jennifer Gagnon, Virginia Tech Virginia Forestry Summit Award Winners
SPRING 2023 17 Ben Lane, Billy Newman Recognized for Exceptional Volunteer Service The Inspector of the Year Award recognizes volunteer work offered by inspecting foresters. Inspectors provide on-the-ground validation, essential to the integrity of the VTFF. Ben Lane was recognized by VTFF as the 2023 Inspector of the Year during the 2023 Virginia Forestry Summit. Lane is the owner and operator of Eastern Virginia Forestry Services. Since 2017, Lane has completed 19 reinspections and enrolled 23 new Tree Farms, an average of seven a year! VTFF president Glen Worrell presented the award, noting, “Ben is always willing to assist when called upon.” He will go on to compete for outstanding Inspector of the Year at the regional level in 2024. Finally, the VTFF was thrilled to be able to recognize a rare achievement: the enrollment of over 100 new Tree Farmers by a single inspector. This recognition, in the form of a gold hardhat, was given to Billy Newman. Newman is the owner and operator of EnviroFor, LLC forestry and wildlife consulting, as well as an Associate Professor of Forest Management and Technology at Mountain Gateway Community College. His career-long dedication to Tree Farming, sustainable forest management, and the education of new natural resource professionals will have a lasting impact on sustainable forest management in Virginia. The VTFF thanks Rod, Ben, and Billy for their dedication to keeping Virginia’s forests healthy and productive. Ben Lane (right) of Eastern Virginia Forestry Services accepts the 2023 Tree Farm Inspector of the Year award from VTFF President Glen Worrell. Ben was nominated by VTFF Regional Chair Robbie Lewis (not pictured). A gold hardhat was presented to Billy Newman, EnviroFor, LLC and Mountain Gateway Community College (right) in recognition for his outstanding achievement of enrolling over 100 new Tree Farmers into the Program. Glen Worrell, VTFF President, bestowed the recognition.
18 VIRGINIA FORESTS CALHOUN TIMBER, INC. In 2005, Brian Calhoun bought an existing mulch manufacturing company and grew it exponentially into the Calhoun Timber, Inc., out of Alberta, Va. Calhoun Timber was founded with the goal of helping landowners realize the potential of their timberland and achieve their management goals. Today Calhoun Timber Inc., does their own logging, merchandises timber, and produces mulch as a byproduct. As biomass power plants expanded in Virginia, Calhoun purchased chippers to produce fuel chips for local markets, delivering several hundred loads of chips every week serving Southside Virginia and North Carolina. They operate a mulch yard, hardwood pulp yard, and most recently purchased a pole yard in McKenney, Virginia. In presenting the award, Christina Hager of Dominion Energy said, “In addition to exceeding Best Management Practices from the state, Calhoun’s cutover has been described as ‘looking like a golf course,’ from how clean his job sites are.” She continued, “Due to the team’s professional approach to logging, Calhoun Timber Inc. continues to win various commercial jobs in which they go above and beyond with additional safety enforcements and environmental rules, practices, and laws.” JERRY D. ROSE INC. Jerry D. Rose Inc., based in Courtland, Va., celebrated its 40th year anniversary in February. Founded by Jerry Rose, the organization started off as a Union Camp supplier, and now operates as a large-scale logging force that can move as much as 350 loads of wood a week with three crews. In presenting the award, Madison West of American Forest Management described the Jerry D. Rose Inc. as a “a consultant’s dream crew.” He continued, “They follow all safety guidelines and believe in taking their time to follow a preharvest plan, setting the job up for success, and ensuring that every job goes above and beyond to follow all laws and regulations.” Jerry D. Rose Inc. is certified as a Virginia SHARP Logger and has an outstanding compliance record with Virginia’s forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water quality protection. In addition to overseeing an outstanding operation, Jerry Rose is a staple within the Courtland and Blacksburg communities. West shared, “They love to help with client tours, decorate the town for Christmas, and enjoy feeding hard working Virginia Tech Forestry Students, whose jaws drop in awe watching his Peterson Flail chippers grind up a whole tree in seconds.” VFA’s Logger Merit Award recognizes and honors the performance of one or more outstanding logger(s) in the Commonwealth. Winners are chosen based on a written evaluation of the total logging operation. Recipients of the Logger Merit Award represent the “best-of-the-best,” and exemplify the highest professional standards, as they serve as effective positive public role models for the entire logging industry. We are honored to recognize the following loggers who received this award during the 2023 Virginia Forestry Summit. Virginia Logger Merit Award Winners Jerry Rose (center) with Davis Rose and Stephanie Blythe at the Virginia Forestry Summit awards banquet where they received a Logger Merit Award. Virginia Forestry Summit Award Winners (l. ro r.) Angie Calhoun, Buck Calhoun and Christina Hager, who presented the Logger Merit award to Calhoun Logging, Inc.
SPRING 2023 19 Shull Timber Company is owned and operated by Scott Shull and his son W.T. Shull of Concord, Va. Scott started his full-time logging career in 1977, fresh out of high school. Over his career, he has managed multiple logging crews, ran a woodyard, started a mechanical thinning operation in 1993, and currently operates an efficient and modern logging company. W.T. started working for the business full-time in 2006. In presenting the award, Phillip Whitlow of Huber Engineered Woods said, “If you had to describe their logging job in three words, it would be ‘excellence in action.’” Shull Timber plans their harvesting jobs to avoid rutting and damage to soils. Seldom do Shull’s jobs require postharvest BMP work. Shull Timber operations have a reputation for being clean, organized, and efficient, using modern, well-maintained equipment. The company is certified as a Virginia SHARP Logger and has an outstanding compliance record with Virginia’s forestry BMPs for water quality protection. Shull Timber does an excellent job of building relationships with the landowners for whom they harvest timber. Landowners that are actively involved in the harvest view him as a personal friend by the completion of the job. Patient and understanding, Shull Timber addresses landowner concerns with knowledge and reassurance that he takes care of their land as they would their own. SHULL TIMBER COMPANY The Shull family with Phil Whitlow (right), who presented Shull Timber Co. with a 2023 Logger Merit award at the Virginia Forestry Summit awards banquet.
20 VIRGINIA FORESTS Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center honored Dr. David Wm. Smith, retired associate dean of the Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment, for his participation in and support of Virginia Tech’s “Classroom in the Woods” from 1967–2009 at Holiday Lake 4-H Camp. During those 42 years, 2,241 forestry and wildlife students attended the Virginia Tech Forestry Spring Camp at the 4-H Center. Preston Wilson, President and CEO of Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center, unveiled the framed recognition that will be mounted as part of the center’s Legacy Wall during the awards banquet at the 2023 Virginia Forestry Summit in April. “What an experience it was!” Dr. Smith exclaimed, as he recalls having the privilege of participating in the Spring Camp for 27 years. He spent a little over one year and three months of his life there, and then an additional 11 years of involvement. Dr. Smith recalled those early days: “About 60 students were all that you could have in the field at one time. That is 15 crews of four persons each. Thinking about the “thinning exercise” where each crew marked and thinned about a quarter acre in a pine plantation—that is 15 chainsaws all going at once. In the cool mornings of those April and May days there would be the deafening scream of chainsaws biting through wood— and some soil and rocks—and there would be a blue haze as far as you could see, and that was not very far. “In the early days we didn’t have ear protection, nor did we have chaps. Probably 80 percent of the students had never had a chainsaw in their hands. We were lucky: in all those years we only had one or two students that were hurt, and in those cases the cuts were minor and I think only one required a couple of stitches. We did cause a power outage in part of the county on two occasions when students felled trees on the power lines. We spent the better part of the day prior to the ‘thinning exercise’ in camp teaching the students chainsaw safety, operation, and maintenance. “One of the best things about Camp itself was how our cooks always let us take the leftovers from our suppers back to the cabins. They provided needed sustenance for those late nights. Possibly the worst Dr. David Wm. Smith Honored for Support and Service to Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center By Preston Willson Virginia Forestry Summit Award Winners (l. to r.) Dr. David Wm. Smith and Preston Willson. Preston Willson unveils the portrait of Dr. Smith, framed in white oak, that will be displayed on the Legacy Wall at Holiday Lake 4-H Center.
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