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.
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