Winter 2024 Volume LXXX, Number 1 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 John Constantino Advertising Sales Hiakato Draconas 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 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. 6 VFA’s 2023 Photo Contest Winners Elizabeth Del Vecchio, Jeremy Falkenau, Jacob Hakizimana, Joshua Housman, Michael Kemp, John Magruder, Mark Rowles, Fred Schatzki, Kyle Smith, and Tanya Sollien CONTENTS IMAGES & REFLECTIONS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S UPDATE You Can’t Spell Conservative Without C-O-N-S-E-R-V-E, by Corey Connors................ 3 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Building New Strategies to Support Members and Strengthen the Forestry Community, by Dan Hockenberger............ 5 VIRGINIA CHAPTER, ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING FORESTERS Vision......................... 17 THE LOGROLL Who Will Be Our Future Logging Business Owners?, by Scott Barrett................. 19 DEPARTMENTS VIRGINIA FORESTRY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION UPDATE Benefits of Supporting the Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation, by Brad Fuller .................21 VIRGINIA TREE FARM FOUNDATION Listen – Educate – Dream, by Ervin Bielmyer ..............23 TAILGATE TALK Forestry Philosophers: Real Foresters Practicing Real Forestry, by Matt Dowdy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The Gateway, by Luke Shenk .................26 Resource Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 ON THE COVER: Images & Reflections, 2023 Photo Contest Virginia Landscapes Third Place (tie), Alejandro Calderon Fall leaf coloration in the Blue Ridge Mountains creates an aurora that is the pride of the Virginia Piedmont. This beautiful landscape is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds, fish, and insects. Together with a wide array of trees and plant life, a perfectly balanced ecosystem is born and thrives under the protection of those who appreciate and preserve its natural beauty. One of my favorite pastimes is visiting the mountains, walking their trails and admiring the scenery, surrounded by fascinating wildlife, flora, and foliage. I love the colors of nature in autumn, the forests have a magical air. Seeing this beautiful place from above gives a unique perspective that highlights the splendor of fall in the Blue Ridge. Being able to capture this in a photograph is a great experience that can be shared so that everyone may take care and strive to protect this place and its natural inhabitants.
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