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
The Logger of the Year is RD Timber LLC, Richard Dowdy. RD Timber LLC will compete for a regional and possibly national recognition.
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.
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 helping forest owners and professional foresters with timely topics of importance.
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 Initiative’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.
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!
