WVFA Mountain State Forestry Fall 2021

F E A T U R E D N E W S 12 West Virginia Forestry Association Mountain State Forestry | Fall 2021 www.wvfa.org Annual Conference – Smashing Success The Logger of the Year is RD Timber LLC, Richard Dowdy. RD Timber LLC will compete for a regional and possibly national recognition. OVER 225 CAME TOGETHER AT CANAAN VALLEY STATE PARK AND RESORT for two days of fun, visiting longtime friends, and making new acquaintances. Here’s some highlights worth noting: Awards Logger of the Year. Three regional finalists were recognized. Each year, a team of experts visits each regional finalist and determines who best fits the long list of criteria, safety, business acumen, community involvement, sustainable forest management, and landowner relationships. Kline Brothers Logging Shawn Kline Boyers, PA Markham Logging Jammie Markham Nettie, WV RD Timber LLC Richard Dowdy White Sulphur Springs, WV 1 Service Curt Hassler, PhD, received the service award. Curt led the association through a transition in 2019–20 when there was no staff. His dedication and leadership held the association together and his contributions continue to help our efforts. 2 Education David McGill, PhD, used the pandemic stay at home time to retool forestry education delivery using online webinars. Hundreds participated in the monthly webinars help- ing forest owners and professional foresters with timely topics of importance. 3 Pat Plitt Tree Farm Scholarship Emily Pownell was awarded the 2021 Tree Farm Scholarship. This scholarship is given annually to a family member of a Tree Farm participant. Professional Development Over seven hours of presentations by some of the leading experts in forest products and forestry, covering topics we’ve featured in our outreach, Sustainable Forestry Ini- tiative’s conservation impact, bring the wildlife conservation initiative to West Virginia to protect species of concern, the need to fix the Managed Timberland Tax Program, economic impacts of COVID to the industry, black cherry forest decline, the Real American Hardwood Campaign, WV Division of Forestry changes, legislative policy impacts, and what’s happening in higher education at the forestry programs in West Virginia. We are fortunate to have the quality of speakers provided for all attendees. 4 Fun and Food Every year the Loggers BBQ, the awards luncheon, and the banquet are great times to meet colleagues and network. Thanks to all the volunteers who made the conference a success!