Spring 2024 THE BOAR’S HEAD RESORT CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
Spring 2024 Volume LXXX, Number 2 Magazine Editorial Committee Anne Beals (Chairman), Spotsylvania 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 John Constantino Advertising Sales Hope Sudol Design & Layout For advertising opportunities contact LLM Publications at 503-445-2230 or [email protected]. A unifying voice for Virginia’s forestry community. 3808 AUGUSTA AVENUE RICHMOND, VA 23230 (804) 278-8733 [email protected] VISIT US ONLINE www.vaforestry.org Virginia Forests 2024 VIRGINIA FORESTRY SUMMIT 6 How Good Management Practices Benefit Wildlife and Forests by Lesha Berkel 11 Sponsors and Exhibitors at the Virginia Forestry Summit 12 Annual Banquet Celebrates Award Winners • Lesha Berkel is VFA’s Outstanding Member of the Year • Jay Phaup Receives VFA President’s Award • Bettina Ring Recognized with VFA Distinguished Service Award • Virginia Tree Farm Foundation Recognizes Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year • Logger Merit Award Winners: Appalachian Growth Logging and W.E. Ragland Logging 18 Highlights: Summit Tours and Snapshots The 2024 Virginia Forestry Summit featured three days of educational sessions and presentations, social gatherings and receptions, and opportunities to connect with leaders in Virginia industry and government at The Boar’s Head Resort in Charlottesville, Va. DEPARTMENTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S UPDATE Consequential Questions Loom for Virginia’s Forestry Community, by Corey Connors . . . . . . . . . . . .3 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Virginia Forestry Summit Always Exceeds Expectations, by Chris Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING FORESTERS Spring! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 VIRGINIA FORESTRY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION UPDATE Charting the Course: The New Strategic Plan for the Virginia Forestry Education Foundation, by Lavan Dauberman . . . . . . . . . .22 VIRGINIA TREE FARM FOUNDATION A Closer Look at ATFS Standards, by Aaron Plaugher. . . . . . . . . . . .24 THE LOGROLL Logging for Wildlife, by Scott Barrett, Ph.D. . . . . . . . .27 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 © 2024 by the Virginia Forestry Association. ISSN 0740-011X.
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Spring 2024 3 I n the wake of another successful Forestry Summit and Sporting Clays Tournament, VFA continues to move full speed ahead. In May, we reconvened our Segment Interest Councils for a check-in on industry conditions since last fall. Despite challenges across our community, Council members once again offered thoughtful feedback as we consider how to continue moving VFA forward in service to you. We are grateful to have so many active volunteers participating in our volunteer leadership. I was privileged to represent VFA at several industry events throughout Virginia over the past few weeks. One engagement provided me with an opportunity to assess where things stand for our community heading into an important second half of the year. Rather than focusing on the broad, global dialogue over which VFA has limited influence, I considered circumstances uniquely impacting Virginia. From where I sit, three questions of consequence emerged that will impact the short- and medium-term health of Virginia’s forestry community. When will new markets emerge/existing markets improve? Mill closures, including those in the Commonwealth and neighboring states, are increasingly common. Questions on the end results of mergers and bankruptcy filings for some Virginia-based companies weigh heavily on the minds of stakeholders. With global economic conditions seemingly unfavorable, there is not much that VFA can do to improve sentiment on a large scale. But we are neither helpless nor devoid of opportunity. Despite a decades-old organizational policy of non- intervention into promoting market expansion for our industry, every Segment Council made clear that they want to see VFA engage on improving local markets by supporting the growth of existing and new businesses. Hardwood mass timber, sustainable aviation fuel, and biochar are new opportunities upon which Virginia is uniquely positioned to capitalize. So long as we take all due care to ensure the sustainability of existing fiber markets, I am confident that a philosophical shift towards VFA engaging more robustly on these opportunities will be a core tenet of our next strategic plan. Where is the power going to come from? Virginia finds itself in quite the paradox as it relates to our energy needs. In 2020, Governor Northam signed the Virginia Clean Economy Act into law, requiring Dominion and APCO to achieve 100% of their energy generation capacity from zero carbon sources. The VCEA target baseload established for generation was 16,100 megawatts (MW), envisioned to come from broad expansion of solar and wind development. Today a rapid expansion of power- and water-hungry data centers and a forthcoming electric vehicle mandate have upended Virginia’s energy equation. To meet these needs PJM, a regional transmission organization, projects that demand on Dominion’s portion of the grid alone is expected to jump from around 22,000 MW today to around 42,000 MW by 2039, all while the VCEA requires the retirement of GHG-emitting energy generating units by 2030. The math just isn’t mathing. Policymakers must determine whether Virginia quadruples down on zero carbon sources (resulting in greater development pressure on forestland for solar development) or instead adopts a more comprehensive strategy that includes expanding generation from carbon neutral sources of energy like, say, woody biomass. Perhaps this challenge can result in greater opportunity for our community. Where will the people come from? Finally, our councils report that a lack of skilled workers is significantly impacting both forest products operations and forest management activities. I have previously shared workforce initiatives undertaken by forestry organizations in other states. For its part, the VFA Board of Directors has already initiated a framework that will allow the organization to soon engage in workforce issues more deeply. But we must understand that the challenges that our industry faces are systemic. Virginia’s existing workforce development programs do not recognize our community as an area of critical need. Our traditional secondary and postsecondary educational options are limited, while technical and trade training is non-existent. The solution lies not in one-off activities, but rather a sustained and coordinated approach that marshals our capacity to affect existing institutional systems to better address our community’s needs. The questions indeed loom large. It is our hope that VFA’s next strategic planning exercise in August will establish a roadmap to answer them. Consequential Questions Loom for Virginia’s Forestry Community FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE Corey Connors
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I hope those of you that were able to attend the 2024 Virginia Forestry Summit enjoyed it as much as I did. I received many positive comments about how excellent the content and speakers were this year, and I trust you will enjoy this issue reminding you of some of those great memories. As is the case every year, my annual, impatient wait for the time to arrive to visit with my old friends and colleagues at the Forestry Summit finally came to fruition. The subsequent time of fellowship somehow always exceeds my already elevated excitement and anticipation level, especially when you mix in the joy of meeting new faces. The Boar’s Head Resort proved to be one of the finest venues for our event, and even an old Hokie like me could not help but appreciate the beauty of Charlottesville and our time spent there. If only they had a Hokie House! This year’s Forestry Summit had a few firsts that made it even more special. Brothers Young, a bluegrass group hailing from Bent Mountain, Va., provided the perfect backdrop for our Wednesday evening social hour. Those young men were simply fantastic. Maybe we can get them to make an encore appearance next year and share their talents with us again in 2025, when the Forestry Summit is held in Roanoke! The first gathering of the Fellowship of Christian Foresters was held early Thursday morning, and there were so many attendees I feel quite certain Chris Harris B PRESIDENT’S COLUMN 3808 Augusta Avenue Richmond, VA 23230-3910 Phone: 804-278-8733 • Fax: 804-278-8774 [email protected] • www.vaforestry.org OFFICERS (2024–2025) President Chris Harris Pinecrest Timber Co. Prince George Vice President and President Elect Jay Phaup Greif Packaging LLC Amherst Treasurer Christina Hager Dominion Energy Richmond Past President Dan Hockenberger Virginia Forest Resources, LLC West Point Executive Director Corey Connors Richmond EX-OFFICIO OFFICERS Paul Winistorfer Virginia Tech—CNRE Blacksburg Rob Farrell Va. Dept. of Forestry Charlottesville DIRECTORS Term Expiring 2025 Ben Cole Cole Timberland Management LLC Appomattox Laurie Wright Wright Forestry LLC Blackridge Term Expiring 2026 Scott Barrett Virginia Tech Blacksburg Eric Goodman WestRock Clarksville Brian Irvine Roseburg Roanoke Rapids, NC John Reid Forest Resources Mgmt. Aylett Term Expiring 2027 Jason Critzer Gaines & Critzer, Ltd. N. Chesterfield Michael Harold Speyside Bourbon Cooperage, Inc. Harrisonburg John E. Jones, III Central VA Land & Timber Montpelior Steven Peter South Paw Forest Products Inc St Stephens Church Doug Pond Nutrien Solutions S. Chesterfield STAFF Corey Connors, Executive Director Sonnia Montemayor, Deputy Executive Director 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. Spring 2024 5 —continued on page 28 Jay Phaup Vice President/ President-Elect Michael Harold Director Doug Pond Director Christina Hager Treasurer John E. Jones III Director Dan Hockenberger Past President Steve Peter Director VFA WELCOMES NEW OFFICERS & BOARD MEMBERS Jason Critzer Director Virginia Forestry Summit Always Exceeds Expectations
6 VIRGINIA FORESTS The Forestry Summit continues to attract nearly 200 individuals representing every sector of the forest supply chain for three days of learning, discussion, and networking at a choice location around the Commonwealth. Members of the forestry community gathered in Charlottesville, Va., to attend the 2024 Virginia Forestry Summit that was held April 23–25 at The Boar’s Head Resort. Virginia Forestry Association, along with the Virginia Chapter of the Society of American Foresters and the Virginia Division of the Association of Consulting Foresters, coordinate the event, and Farm Credit served as this year’s presenting sponsor. Land & Wildlife Management Dynamics This year’s theme, “Good Wildlife Management is Good Forest Management,” created a synergy for the three-day event, starting with the How Good Management Practices Benefit Wildlife and Forests By Lesha Berkel Craig Harper Justin Barnes (at right) delivered a keynote address on “The State of the Forest Products Industry.” He was introduced by Andrew Stewart of IFCO Seedlings, the sponsor for this general session. opening keynote address from Craig Harper. His remarks effectively set the stage for the following days’ presentations around land management decisions that impact every facet of our industry. From environmental considerations to evolving landowner goals, each decision makes a ripple across both personal and professional landscapes, and these effects motivate our efforts to ensure forestry remains a strong economic driver in the Commonwealth. Featured speaker, Justin Barnes of ResourceWise, helped illuminate this in his “State of the Forest Products Industry” keynote address, sponsored by IFCO Seedlings. Barnes offered his expertise to review the intelligent market data that is collected and analyzed by the company that can help inform business decisions within the forest products marketplace. See more about all the presenters and topics at the Forestry Summit on page 10. In addition to thought-provoking presentations, there were numerous other opportunities for attendees to enjoy hospitality, area tours, and a vibrant atmosphere of community. Special events are possible through the generosity of our sponsors, whose support provides extra flavor and fun. The Welcome Happy Hour sponsored by International Paper Company, for example, showcased the talents of Brothers Young, who entertained the audience with popular bluegrass music as guests enjoyed food and drink outdoors in front of The Pavilion on a perfect spring evening at The Boar’s Head Resort. Wednesday night’s Awards Banquet, sponsored by Georgia Pacific and Speyside Bourbon Stave Mill, included remarks from Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry
Spring 2024 7 Bluegrass band, Brothers Young, performed on Wednesday evening during the Welcome Reception. Executive Director Corey Connors reports on the association’s activities and initiatives at the VFA membership meeting that was held during the Forestry Summit. Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr addressed the crowd during the Forestry Summit’s Awards Banquet on Wednesday evening. Matt Lohr, followed by the enthusiastic auctioneering and bidding for items featured in the live auction and a celebration of all those who were recognized with awards. For details about this year’s award winners, see page 12. Canfor Southern Pine helped offset bus travel to tours at CHIPS Inc. and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello as part of their sponsorship. Pinecrest Timber Company sponsored the lanyard for this year’s event. In addition to these sponsors, the Forestry Summit continues to rely on dedicated supporters and exhibitors whose participation is essential to maintaining the event as a premier experience for guests and participants. VFA Taps into the Power of a Visionary, Engaged Membership One of the important meetings that is held during the Forestry Summit is the Virginia Forestry Association membership meeting. This year VFA Executive Director Corey Connors offered updates on the work conducted by the new Stakeholder Segement Interest Councils. This new leadership engagement structure was approved at the 2023 VFA membership meeting. These councils, comprised of related VFA membership types, were formed with the hope of tapping into the pulse of our forestry community and allowing the association to be more responsive to the needs of VFA’s members. During the past year, several of the councils convened with the objective of looking ahead at the biggest challenges and opportunities facing their specific area of interest in the next three to five years. These councils included Forest Products and Wood Manufacturing, Forest Harvesting & Transportation, Forest Management & Consulting, Forest Land Ownership Council. Their thoughtful and frank assessments will help build a pathway for steering the association in a positive direction for the future. At a time of considerable uncertainty, VFA received clarity on what is most needed by our community at this moment. Specifically, VFA’s Stakeholder Councils offered these insights: Our Forest Products and Wood Manufacturing Council described conditions as “mixed,” and “volatile,” noting that prices were soft. They identified labor as their top concern and advocacy to combat new regulatory burdens as our best opportunity. Perceiving themselves as the most threatened link in Virginia’s forest supply chain, our Forest Harvesting & Transportation Council cited a lack of competitive markets as its biggest challenge while urging work on the creation of new and expansion of existing markets. Our Forest Management & Consulting Council believed that conditions were “unstable” and “uncertain,” echoing the Harvesting Council with respect to market challenges and overwhelmingly suggesting that we educate the next generation on the need for and importance of what we do. “Muddled,” and “stagnant” were two of the adjectives used to describe the state of play for members of the Forest Land Ownership Council. The uncertainty caused by a lack of markets and ever-increasing costs of ownership are forcing landowners to
8 VIRGINIA FORESTS Eric Snodgrass, Sr. Science Fellow and Principal Atmospheric Scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions, showcased global weather patterns and prediction models in his presentation, “High Impact Meteorology in the Forest Industry.” With a look at emerging technologies that are helping Nutrien’s customers prepare for high-impact weather events, to the growing potential of Artificial Intelligence that can assist in OUR VOICE MATTERS: Advocating for Virginia’s Forestry Community The Silent and Live Auctions at the 2024 Forestry Summit were a resounding success, generating more than $13,000 that will be used to strengthen VFA’s efforts to engage with our government leaders. This support helps provide education and information that clearly articulates the vital role of healthy forests, the forest industry, and the people who are working within our forestry community as essential to Virginia’s economic strength. Advocacy requires the same tenacious spirit and attention to the process as bidding on any auction item. It means staying engaged in how things change over days, even hours, and leveraging persuasive messages that might influence the result. We are lucky to have the expertise of Advantus Strategies and the team of Robert Crockett and Kyle Shreve, whose formidable understanding of the legislative landscape has helped us achieve successful outcomes. This year was especially relevant, as Virginia’s General Assembly convened with a record number of first-time legislators. Amid the clamor of all others who were seeking the time and attention of our political leaders, we achieved success through the dedicated efforts of this team, along with VFA Executive Director Corey Connors, our Kyle Shreve (above) keeps a keen eye out for the next bid from the floor, and Stephanie Grubb displays a chainsaw that was one of the items available for bidding during the live auction. Adam Downing and John Gee prepare items for the Silent Auctions. Congratulations to the Silent Auction Committee, chaired by John Gee, whose work to collect and display the items to be sold, resulted in more than $13,000 raised for the Virginia Forestry Advocacy Fund. improving confidence in long-range weather prediction, Snodgrass offered a glimpse into the complex world of meteorology. consider alternate means for generating the revenue necessary to sustain at least a portion of their land holdings in forests. To address these concerns, VFA will hold a Joint Volunteer Meeting in August. This novel approach will allow VFA’s Board of Directors to receive critical and timely input as it charts the course of VFA for the next few years. VFA hosts events that are designed to increase opportunities for professional growth along with fun, informal activities that help support outreach and advocacy. In September 2023, the first Forest Leadership Retreat brought together a
Spring 2024 9 Board of Directors, and individual members. VFA celebrated our community’s champions in the General Assembly during our Advocacy Update Luncheon at the 2024 Virginia Forestry Summit. Senator Russet Perry and Delegate Chris Runion joined us in Charlottesville where they spoke to the group about their connection to rural communities and forestry and how those experiences play a role in their leadership for Virginia. Senator Perry serves on Virginia’s Agriculture, Senator Russet Perry Delegate Chris Runion (l. to r.) VFA Executive Director Corey Connors, John Gee, Delegate Amy Laufer, State Forester Rob Farrell, and John Magruder Conservation and Natural Resources Committee and represents District 31 that includes parts of Fauquier and Loudoun counties. Delegate Runion of the 35th District, serving Bath County, Highland County, and parts of Augusta and Rockingham counties, is a member of the House’s Agriculture Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee as well as the related subcommittees of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Local representative, Delegate Amy Laufer of the 55th District that includes part of the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson, stopped by for conversations with attendees during the Welcome Reception that was sponsored by International Paper Co. on the first evening of the Forestry Summit. Robert Crockett Kyle Shreve peer community of industry leaders for a deep dive into discussion, strategic tools, and planning around what’s next for their business. There is considerable positive feedback from this event, with plans already underway for the upcoming Retreat, Sept. 24–25, 2024. A second successful VFA Sporting Clays Tournament took place on May 10, 2024, and the Virginia Wood Cup Golf Tournament, co-hosted with Virginia Forest Products Association, will be held in the fall. Both events bring members and their guests together to enjoy each other’s company in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. If you have not found a way to become more involved in the past, please look at some of the new opportunities available for volunteers —there is something for everyone who cares about the forestry community. Members have been at the heart of VFA’s work since its inception in 1945. We encourage everyone to explore new ways to engage in the activities and ideas that will help shape and sustain VFA’s strength in the future. Next year, the College of Natural Resources and Environment will celebrate the beginnings of its forestry program at Virginia Tech, with 2025 marking the 100-year anniversary of the first professor of forestry being hired back in 1925. On May 7–9, we will gather at the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, Va., for the 2025 Virginia Forestry Summit. We look forward to seeing you there!
10 VIRGINIA FORESTS “Attracting New Markets to Virginia” wrapped up the Forestry Summit for a Closing Session on Thursday morning. Pictured (l. to r.) Terry Lasher, Virginia Dept. of Forestry; Nancy Price, Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VDEP); Chris Harris, Pinecrest Timber Co.; Michelle Bridges, Virginia Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services; and Simon Chapmen, VDEP. Katie Martin with Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources and William Hart Gillette discussed “Maintaining Healthy Deer Populations and Habitats” during their presentation on Thursday morning. Cully McCurdy, District Biologist for the National Wild Turkey Federation (VA, WV, and NC), presented “Turkey Tactics: Wild Turkey Management” during his session on Tuesday afternoon. Virginia Forestry Summit Session Presenters Philip Whitlow of Huber Engineered Woods provided insights on the current and future demand of engineered wood composites during his presentation. Dr. Steve Prisley, Principal Research Scientist at National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, presented the “Life Cycle of Carbon and Timber Management” that provided information on forest carbon measurement, monitoring and reporting, the evaluation of incentive programs, and how this research relates to practical decisions for forest management and planning. “Legal Consideration When Harvesting and Transporting Forest Products” was addressed by Steve Setliff, a lawyer representing clients in a broad array of industries with a focus on transportation, including trucking companies and railroads. He offered valuable, straightforward information about ways that business owners can work to reduce risk of litigation and best practices for recordkeeping that is important to have if you find yourself in court. “Managing Timber to Meet Landowner Objectives and Local Market Dynamics” was tackled by panelists (l. to r.) Matt Dowdy, Dowdy’s Forest & Land Management, LLC; Ervin Bielmyer, Bielmyer Forestry & Wood LLC; and John Magruder, Three Rivers Forestry, LLC.
Spring 2024 11 Thanks to our Exhibitors and Sponsors for Their Generous Contributions SPONSORS Presenting • Farm Credit Keynote • IFCO Seedlings Awards Banquet • Speyside Bourbon Stave Mill • Georgia-Pacific Welcome Reception • International Paper Tour Bus • Canfor Southern Pine Lanyard • Pinecrest Timber Company SUPPORTERS Cherry • ArborGen • Dominion Energy • Enviva • F&W Forestry Services • Greif Packaging • Huber Engineered Woods • Ontario Hardwood Company • WestRock • Weyerhaeuser Oak • Alligare • Huber Engineered Woods • Louisiana Pacific • Three Rivers Forestry • Timber Marketing & Management, Inc. Pine • ArborTech Forest Products • CHIPS • Cole Timberland Management • Dowdy’s Forest & Land Management • Forest Resources Management • Gaines & Critzer • Gasburg Land & Timber Company • Morgan Lumber Company • Pixelle Specialty Solutions • Synagro • TimberMart – South • TimberRisk • Virginia Forest Resources, LLC • Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment and the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation EXHIBITORS • Aflac • ArborGen • Cruise Control • Enviva • H&H Forest Management, Inc. • IFCO Seedlings • Landmark Spatial Solutions • Nutrien Solutions • Synagro • TimberRisk • TRACT Forestry Software • Virginia Future Farmers of America • Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program
12 VIRGINIA FORESTS Lesha Berkel was recognized with VFA’s 2024 Outstanding Member of the Year Award during the 2024 Virginia Forestry Summit in Charlottesville, Va. The award 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. Berkel serves as the editor of Virginia Forests magazine, published by Virginia Forestry Association, where she helps coordinate planning for the quarterly publication as part of the Magazine Editorial Committee. Berkel oversees the work to design, print, and distribute the magazine to members of the association. She began working with VFA in 1995 to provide graphic design for the publication and has continued to work closely with VFA staff to ensure that the magazine is a valued resource for information on topics relevant to the forestry community. Over the years, she’s also provided a range of services to VFA for marketing and communication efforts, and she is a volunteer member of the newly created Communications Committee to focus on strategies that will strengthen messages about forestry’s economic, recreational and environmental benefits. In presenting the award, Fred Shatzki said, “Whether organizing a meeting, or developing new talent and tasks, Lesha gives her all, at all times, to the membership and the association. We can depend on her and have come to rely on her knowledge of the industry and the history of VFA to help chart a path for us as we continue to move forward. She has been instrumental in the evolution of VFA’s communications and publications, helping us tell our story far and wide for decades.” Anne Beals, Chair of VFA’s Magazine Editorial Committee, also shared comments for the award presentation noting, “VFA is constantly improved by her contributions of time and talent, and I know we are all grateful to count her as a colleague and a friend.” Fred Schatzki presented the Outstanding Member of the Year award to Lesha Berkel. Virginia Forestry Summit Award Winners LESHA BERKEL IS VFA’S OUTSTANDING MEMBER OF THE YEAR JAY PHAUP RECEIVES VFA PRESIDENT’S AWARD VFA President Dan Hockenberger recognized Jay Phaup with the President’s Award during the Virginia Forestry Summit in April. Hockenberger acknowledged Phaup’s leadership as part of the Board of Directors and his dedication to strategic initiatives that help fortify the future of the association. In particular, Jay’s efforts and coordination of this year’s Second Annual Virginia Sporting Clays Tournament brought together VFA’s new President Chris Harris (left) congratulates Jay Phaup for his award and welcomes him to the role of Vice President/ President-Elect for the coming year. more than 40 participants on May 10 at Central Virginia Sporting Clays in Palmyra, Va., for a day of competition that benefits VFA’s Advocacy Fund. Jay was recently elected as VFA’s Vice President/President-Elect for 2024–25.
Spring 2024 13 BETTINA RING RECOGNIZED WITH VFA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Virginia State Forester Rob Farrell presented VFA’s Distinguished Service Award to Bettina Ring. Bettina Ring was recognized with Virginia Forestry Association’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award during the 2024 Virginia Forestry Summit in Charlottesville, 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. Ring, who is the Virginia State Director for The Nature Conservancy, has held numerous leadership positions at the state and national level including serving as the 7th—and first female—State Forester of Virginia. She was then appointed as the first female Secretary of Forestry and Agriculture in the Northam administration. Bettina has served in leadership roles in multiple national organizations, including her recent election as vice president of the Society of American Foresters. Throughout her career, Bettina has earned national recognition as a leader in the natural resources field. One of Bettina’s earliest accomplishments was her role in the creation of the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute (VNRLI). This professional development program provides skills for environmental conflict negotiation, and the Virginia Dept. of Forestry is a founding sponsor. VNRLI has provided an opportunity to share message about forestry with environmental and conservation professionals from across the state every year for over 20 years. Farrell noted in his presentation, “When our agency needed to build a stronger network of supporters to advocate for forestry, we could not have found anyone better suited than Bettina. Bettina’s great strength is her ability to build relationships, and her ability to establish strong relationships has an enduring effect on forestry in Virginia.” As Virginia State Forester, Ring developed relationships with government leaders that resulted in substantial and critical new funding for firefighting equipment and the restoration of full funding for the Reforestation of Timberland (RT) program, both of which continue to this day. She also built strong relationships with environmental and conservation organizations. Under her leadership VDOF and Virginia Cooperative Extension developed the award-winning Generation NEXT Legacy Planning Program. During her tenure, Virginia passed Heirs Property legislation and entered into a Shared Stewardship agreement and the Good Neighbor authority with the U.S. Forest Service. “Forestry in Virginia continues to benefit from Bettina’s work and her influence,” Farrell concluded. “And she isn’t done yet!” “Bettina’s great strength is her ability to build relationships, and her ability to establish strong relationships has an enduring effect on forestry in Virginia.”
14 VIRGINIA FORESTS The Virginia Forestry Summit is an annual event hosted by the Virginia Forestry Association, the Virginia Chapter of the Society of American Foresters, and the Virginia Chapter of the Association of Consulting Foresters. The Forestry Summit provides continuing education and networking opportunities to natural resource professionals and landowners in Virginia’s forestry community. The event also provides a venue to recognize those who are making exceptional contributions to forest management and the field of forestry. The Virginia Tree Farm Program, which is administered by the Virginia Tree Farm Foundation (VTFF), consists of over 400 Tree Farms covering 165,000 acres across the Commonwealth. The VTFF takes this opportunity each year to recognize an Outstanding Tree Farm. The Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year is the highest honor bestowed by the Foundation, and the winner is viewed with distinction among VTFF’s network of Tree Farmers, volunteers, sponsors, and partners across Virginia. Award recipients are given free attendance at the Forestry Summit, as well as plaques recognizing their contributions to Virginia forestry. The 2024 Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year is Demeter Tree Farm in Bland County, owned by Dale and Joneen Sargent. Demeter Tree Farm is a 540-acre tree farm located outside Bastian in Bland County. The initial parcel was purchased in 1987, and additional acreage was added over the next several years. It was initially enrolled in the Virginia Tree Farm Program in 2008. The Sargents are an excellent example of landowners who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to sustainably manage their woodlands. They are actively engaged with teaching, research, and Extension efforts at Virginia Tech, King College, and Virginia Commonwealth University. They also have participated in a mason bee research project, frog Dale and Joneen Sargent of Demeter Tree Farm, the 2024 Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year. Virginia Tree Farm Foundation Recognizes Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year By Glen Worrell, Director, Virginia Tree Farm Foundation Virginia Forestry Summit Award Winners Glen Worrell (left) presented the Tree Farm of the Year Award to the Sargents at the Virginia Forestry Summit in April.
Spring 2024 15 surveys, and have test plots for the American Chestnut Foundation. In addition to opening the property as a demonstration and research site, Dale has written numerous newspaper articles with a focus on forestry and wildlife. The Sargents realize that hunting is essential to the maintenance of healthy wildlife populations. With the number of active hunters in decline, Dale and Joneen have mentored five new adult hunters over the last decade. Each of these hunters harvested their first deer on the property. At the Forestry Summit, the Sargents were presented with a custom sign acknowledging their achievements. They will go on to compete for Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year at the regional level in 2025. The VTFF thanks Dale and Joneen Sargent for their dedication to keeping Virginia’s forests healthy and productive. .
16 VIRGINIA FORESTS APPALACHIAN GROWTH LOGGING LLC Alan Gleske, owner of Appalachian Growth Logging, LLC, found his passion for the job while working at West Virginia University’s research forest during his time there as a student. Upon graduating in 2014 with a degree in forestry with a major in Forest Resources Management, Alan fought wildfires for three seasons, May to October, in Happy Camp, Ca. During the off-season, he spent his time working for a small, family-run, but highly mechanized, logging operation learning how to navigate complex harvesting techniques and merchandising constraints. In 2018, Alan set out on his own and launched Appalachian Growth Logging, LLC. As his business grew, he combined the demand for additional forestry services with his educational background and created a forest management business and later merged both efforts under one entity, Appalachian Growth Forestry. His educational background and experience allow Alan to implement sound forestry practices into his timber harvesting. As a wildland firefighter, Alan also integrates prescribed fire into his business as another tool to promote healthy forests. As a small-scale operator, Alan currently has two other workers with him in the woods. He has two rubber-tired grapple skidders, a trailer-mounted log loader with a pullthrough delimber and buck saw, and a five-axle self-loading log truck. Alan offers his customers forest management planning and harvest planning that is geared toward achieving the landowners’ objectives while advocating for the future health of the forest. He harvests both hardwood and pine, and his common harvest methods include commercial selection, shelterwood, small-scale clearcut, and thinning. Alan is a member of the Virginia Logger’s Association and is SHARP Logger certified. He is licensed, certified, and insured in forest pest control through the Virginia Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services and a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager through the Virginia Dept. of Forestry (VDOF). Alan is also a wildland firefighter for VDOF, utilizing his expertise as a feller and dozer operator. Gleske was nominated by VDOF forester Zoë Sumrall who noted, “As markets become more specific, and challenges continue to arise, the forestry community needs people like Alan to help keep our industry moving forward.” W.E. RAGLAND LOGGING Ragland began his logging career as a fulltime logger in 1978. He had a small, three-man crew harvesting cutto-length wood with a big stick loader. He moved approximately three tandem loads a day (250 tons per week). Later, Gene made the switch to cutting stumpage for Westvaco Corporation. In 1984, W.E. Ragland Logging became fully mechanized, adding a skidder and tree shear. Tractor trailers would follow in 1988, and although he still moved pulpwood in cut-up form, he began hauling tree-length to more distant mills. As production increased, the need for maintenance increased as well. They added a shop and office capable of in-house equipment servicing. 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. Two Virginia loggers received this award during the 2024 Virginia Forestry Summit that was held in Charlottesville, Va. Kevin Dawson, water quality specialist with the Virginia Dept. of Forestry presented both awards. LOGGER MERIT AWARD WINNERS Virginia Forestry Summit Award Winners Rebecca Gleske , Alan Gleske, and Kevin Dawson. Dawson presented the Logger Merit award to Appalachian Growth Logging LLC during the annual awards banquet at the 2024 Virginia Forestry Summit.
Spring 2024 17 Joan and Gene Ragland with Kevin Dawson, who presented their Logger Merit award at the Virginia Forestry Summit awards banquet in Charlottesville, Va. in April. In the early 1990s, Gene participated in a video produced by Virginia Tech highlighting knuckleboom and deck safety. W.E. Ragland was also one of the early users of metal bridges that are now commonplace on logging jobs for stream crossings. In 2015, Gene adapted yet again and decided to quit harvesting company stumpage and began purchasing his own stumpage for all his harvesting needs. Over his 46-year career Ragland has continually adapted to keep the business running seamlessly. He also is SHARP Logger certified and has a reputation for conducting his harvesting jobs in an extremely professional fashion. Since 2009, when the Virginia Dept. of Forestry began keeping more detailed computer records of harvesting, Ragland has harvested just shy of 13,000 acres across multiple counties in Central Virginia and has never had a water quality issue—a remarkable accomplishment. Gene’s attention to detail and planning have always averted any potential issues before they can happen. “Keeping his landowners happy is rooted deeply in the work Gene performs daily,” Dawson noted. “And that makes following the Virginia BMPs an easy task. Not only are their logging jobs exceptional, his attitude and the attitude of his family and crew is second to none.” Ragland continues to be a valuable member of the Buckingham Community, active in his church and the local fire department.
18 VIRGINIA FORESTS SummiT Tours CHIPS INC. PROPERTY TOUR Jason Chavis conducted a drone demonstration for the group at the CHIPS Inc. property tour. (PHOTOS BY FRED SCHATZKI) THOMAS JEFFERSON’S MONTICELLO At Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the group listened to an introduction about how the hilltop property was leveled and prepared for construction of the house and gardens.
Spring 2024 19 SUMMIT SNAPSHOTS
20 VIRGINIA FORESTS MAY 7-9, 2025 We invite you to join us at The Hotel Roanoke • Roanoke, Va. Registration will open in early 2025 at the Virginia Forestry Summit website www.forestrysummit.com Virginia has an incredibly rich history as it relates to forestry and the forest products industry. Our story has been enhanced by and has continued to grow alongside the forestry program at what was once called the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute, but is today known to us all as Virginia Tech. Next year, the College of Natural Resources and Environment will celebrate the beginnings of its forestry program at Virginia Tech, with 2025 marking the 100-year anniversary of the first professor of forestry being hired back in 1925. To mark the occasion, they have graciously invited us to join them for the celebration. We will return to the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, Va., for the 2025 Virginia Forestry Summit. We hope that all will join us from May 7-9, 2025 as we gather with friends and colleagues to celebrate a century of forestry at Virginia Tech. CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF FORESTRY AT VIRGINIA TECH Virginia Chapter Virginia Division Save the Date
Spring 2024 21 Spring is a magical time of year. It’s the beginning of the new cycle of life. The cold, dark, wet days of winter fade away. Some of the first signs of spring are blooming redbuds and flowering maples. We begin to hear the magical sound of turkeys gobbling from the treetops. As consulting foresters, we hope that we have all our tree planting complete. Spring is also a time for reconnecting, whether it be with the natural world or our friends and family. We plan our vacations and prepare for the coming summer months. One of the most important rites of spring, for those of us in the forestry community, is the annual Virginia Forestry Summit. The Forestry Summit, held this year at the beautiful Boar’s Head Resort in Charlottesville, gives us a time to reconnect with our business partners and our clients, and it presents an opportunity to learn new things that are happening in the world of forestry. VIRGINIA CHAPTER Association of Consulting Foresters Spring! Members of the Virginia Division of the Association of Consulting Foresters gathered for a business meeting during the 2024 Virginia Forestry Summit in Charlottesville. This year’s Forestry Summit was once again a resounding success. We learned about wildlife management, the state of the forest products industry, the large-scale effects of weather patterns, and approaches to bringing new forest products markets to the Commonwealth. There was plenty of fun to be had as well; good food and drink at the social events, lively fundraising at the live auction, and spending time with old and new friends. The forestry community is composed of many segments, from loggers and landowners to mills and government. As consulting foresters, we are honored to be part of this vital and dynamic group and look forward to our annual meeting to reflect on where we have been and look forward to the path ahead. —The Executive Committee of the Virginia Chapter ACF
22 VIRGINIA FORESTS Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation Update Charting the Course: The New Strategic Plan for the Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation By Lavan Dauberman, VFEF Director Since its beginning in 1958, the Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation (VFEF) has prospered due to your donations, strong market returns, and prudent management. With this success comes great responsibility, so the VFEF Board chose to proactively pursue a new strategic plan. This strategic planning cycle began in September 2023 when the Board of the VFEF engaged Ryan Ripperton Consulting to work with a planning team to facilitate a strategic analysis and planning project. The Strategic Planning Team began gathering vital input and insights from VFEF’s constituents. This input enabled the team to reflect on the core mission of VFEF, the needs of the forestry community, and the ways VFEF can maximize its support of the forestry community in its next chapter. Research methods included an electronic survey with an excellent response rate, personal interviews with knowledgeable leaders across the forestry community, and benchmark research into comparable organizations in other states. The Board held a two-day planning retreat, and the Strategic Planning Team conducted multiple rounds of drafting to construct the plan. We’re excited to announce that we unanimously adopted our new strategic plan at the VFEF Board meeting on April 25, 2024. With the adoption of this plan, the real strategic work begins. The plan outlines the visionary direction of VFEF and the goals we seek to achieve, but progress is made through action. With this plan in hand, the Board will work together with our colleagues throughout the forestry community to bring this vision to reality. Mission and Vision Two of the most vital components of an organization’s identity are its Mission and Vision statements. Working together, these components express vital perspectives about what we do, for whom, and why; where we are heading as an organization; and the impact we are trying to make in the world. VFEF’s refreshed Mission Statement and new Vision Statement capture the purpose and direction of the organization’s future service to the forestry community. The VFEF Board of Directors met during the 2024 Virginia Forestry Summit. Their work resulted in a strategic plan for the Foundation that will help guide and strengthen VFEF for the future.
Spring 2024 23 Ken Morgan, VFEF President, addressed the audience during VFA’s annual membership meeting at the Virginia Forestry Summit to thank those whose continued financial support helps the Foundation advance forestry education with funding for educational programs and student scholarships. The Mission: To support forestry education promoting sustainable forests for the environmental, social, and economic benefit of all Virginians. The Vision: A Virginia where coordinated educational efforts advance a sustainable future for Virginia’s forests and forest industry. Goals and Strategies The following goals and strategies represent the curated list of initiatives the Strategic Planning Team feels will achieve dramatic progress toward VFEF’s vision. Upon the adoption of these goals and strategies by the Board of Directors, annual work plans will provide the tactical steps to achieve each Strategy. Additionally, a set of key results tied to each goal will facilitate the monitoring and reporting of progress over the next three years. GOAL 1: Focus grant and scholarship funding to align with key forestry community priorities. GOAL 2: Increase the impact of VFEF’s annual programs. GOAL 3: Strengthen ties with all forestry stakeholders. GOAL 4: Enhance governance and operational leadership to support our growth and impact. As we embark on this transformative journey, the VFEF remains deeply committed to collaboration and engagement. By fostering an interconnected network of educators, industry leaders, policymakers, and conservationists, we can increase our impact and ensure a thriving future for Virginia’s forests. Join us as we chart a course towards a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow. Together, we can cultivate a legacy of stewardship that will endure for generations to come.
24 VIRGINIA FORESTS When you think of the favorite activities you enjoy as a Tree Farmer who is part of the American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) you may think of time spent on your Tree Farm managing the property, hunting, fishing, or just spending time outdoors with your family and friends. You most likely do not think about the standards you must meet for managing your property as a certified Tree Farm as a fun part of the process. The ATFS Standards of Sustainability are the basis for the entire program and are designed to help Tree Farmers be better stewards of the land. The core principle of the standards is sustainable forest management, which encompasses practices such as having a forest management plan, timely reforestation, protecting threatened and endangered species, and protection of soil and water resources. But the standards are also carefully developed to allow the ATFS certification program to be endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC™). PEFC, an international non-profit, provides a global framework for the sustainable management of forests. It ensures that forests are managed according to rigorous environmental, social, and economic standards. Established in 1999, PEFC has become one of the world’s leading forest certification systems, encompassing millions of hectares of forests across more than 50 countries. Its standards are based on internationally recognized principles that go beyond just environmental concerns. PEFC addresses social aspects such as indigenous rights, worker safety, and community engagement. In our current state of hyper focus on environmental conservation and sustainable practices, certifications like the ATFS and PEFC stand as beacons of responsible forest management. These certifications not only ensure the sustainable management of forests but also promote economic viability and social responsibility within the worldwide forest industry. The ATFS program accomplishes this and is recognized in the U.S., but the endorsement by PEFC provides global recognition for the sustainable forest management conducted by U.S. landowners. To make sure the American Forest Foundation Standards of Sustainability remain up to date, the standards go through a scheduled review every five years. The standards are reviewed and revised by an Independent Standards Review Panel made up of a balanced representation of forest owners, conservation and environmental nongovernmental organizations, science and technological communities, foresters, state and federal governments, and forest industry representatives. After these major reviews/revisions there is follow-up with Tree Farmers and inspectors including training to the newly revised standards. Smaller more frequent adjustments to the standards can also be made by the ATFS Certification Committee. These are often editorial adjustments, but they can also be slight changes to the Performance Measures and Indicators, or changes to the guidance language to help clarify the intent of a standard, performance measure, or indicator. A Closer Look at ATFS Standards By Aaron Plaugher, VTTF Board of Directors “[ATFS and PEFC] certifications not only ensure the sustianable management of forests but also promote economic viability and social responsibility within the worldwide forest industry.”
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