28 VIRGINIA FORESTS PRESIDENT’S COLUMN, continued from page 5. we exceeded the occupancy fire code limit in that Coach Room. We had a great time of fellowship surrounding ourselves with other folks who share a passion for both forestry and faith. Finally, I don’t believe many of us will forget the first F-bomb ever heard dropped from a Forestry Summit podium. We were honored that Delegate Runion and Senator Perry took their valuable time to join us for Wednesday’s Luncheon Session and share some encouraging words of optimism. There really are some good people working hard for us on both sides of the aisle, and it’s not necessarily always the nasty stalemate we often think about when we think of Virginia politics. And of course, we now know that our voice, our ambassador, our Executive Director Corey Connors, is fondly known in Richmond’s government circles as the …ahem… Lorax. Thirty years ago, as an ambitious young green forester with a severe case of “get after it-itus.” I didn’t really care too much about anything professionally except cutting and moving timber. I loved it then, and as much as everything else in life changed, I love it as much today as I ever did. Not much makes me happier than seeing loads leave the woods and rolling to the mills. The more of it I see, the happier I get. I’m proud to say I feel that way. Buy it, cut it, reforest it, manage it, grow it, and then come on let’s go do it again! I love the fact that trees are renewable and truly the responsible “green” way to go—it’s a wonderful feeling to be so passionate about forestry when you know in your heart that what you’re doing is RIGHT! Admittedly, way back all those years ago I looked largely at the wildlife and environmental groups as the bad guys, out to get loggers in their effort to save the Earth. I see it much differently today. Perhaps it’s because many of them have changed their mindsets and have learned that responsible forestry practices, including harvesting, are imperative to effectively reach their goals. Perhaps it’s because I’ve changed my mindset, and I understand that I want many of the same things as they do. The truth is it’s probably both. On most levels we now are fighting for the very same things. We all want clean water; we all want clean air; we all want habitat and food for healthy wildlife populations. In essence, we all have a mutual desire for green to stay green in our beautiful Commonwealth. To fight our fight most effectively for the good of all Virginians we must foster and strengthen relationships with like-minded people and organizations who share our vision. We are called to serve in this capacity, and we each bear responsibility to be the face of sound environmental stewardship for the resources that so many take for granted. Our battle continues to protect these precious resources for future generations. I’m looking forward to a great year ahead for VFA. The new Council and Committee structure formed in 2023 has been fully implemented and is off to a terrific and productive start. Many folks from across all parts of our diverse membership demographics are involved with these groups, and I’m excited about the work they already have underway. You have a tremendous team in place at VFA, and with the continued strong leadership of Executive Director “Lorax” Connors more great things are in store for the future of forestry in Virginia as we join him to “speak for the trees.” VFA President Dan Hockenberger hands off the gavel to incoming President Chris Harris at the 2024 Virginia Forestry Summit.
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