October 2016
“Wood You Believe” 71st annual meeting a success More than 250 attendees made the trip up the Hill to northwest Arkansas, October 4-6 for the 71st Annual Meeting. The meeting, held at The Chancellor Hotel in Fayetteville, provided participants with time for networking, learning and recreational opportunities. Through association, we learn, share and grow stronger on many levels. Connection is the foundation for an effective voice. This premier event in the state’s forestry community enhances AFA’s role as the “Voice of Forestry” in Arkansas. The 71st Annual Meeting kicked off with a 4-man scramble, held at the beautiful Stonebridge Meadows Golf Course in Fayetteville, a day of skeet shooting in Bella Vista and the chance to earn ethics and CFE hours by attending the forestry management workshop. The Crop Production Services opening reception was a sure hit, as guests enjoyed an evening of seeing old and new friends, bidding on over 50 items in the AFA Education Foundation’s silent auction and buying chances to win a Yeti cooler and tumblers, donated by the Association of Consulting Foresters. In Wednesday’s general session, attendees had the chance to hear from various speakers on important topics, such as the importance of the Tree Farm program, presented by keynote speaker Tom Martin of the American Forest Foundation. The general session encompassed three panel discussions. These topics included: “Arkansas Forests and Drinking Water” presented by Dr. Bob Morgan, Beaver Water District, Joe Fox, Arkansas State Forester and Kitty Weisman, U.S. Endowment for Forests and Communities; “Why Arkansas?” presented by Fred Stimpson, Canfor Southern Pine, Todd Mullis, Interfor and Chuck Watkins of West Fraser; “Biomass” presented by Donna Hartman, American Forest & Paper Association, Dr. Matt Pelkki, UAM School of Forestry and Natural Resources and Dave
Attendees enjoy a luncheon, sponsored by Weyerhaeuser, in between sessions on Wednesday, October 5. The AFA team quizzed the group during lunch on various forestry facts in the game “Wood You Believe?” Winners took home a tree cookie medallion, made by Rob Beadel. Tenny of the National Alliance of Forest Owners.
and accessories, donated by Cabela’s in Rogers.
Taking a break from a day full of learning, guests enjoyed lunch sponsored by Weyerhaeuser. Max Braswell and the AFA team quizzed the attendees on their forestry knowledge with a little game called, “Wood You Believe?” Winners from the game walked away with a one-of-a-kind tree cookie medallion, made by Rob Beadel.
AFAEF set a new record at this year’s annual meeting, raising over $7,500. These funds ensure that children and teachers all around Arkansas learn the importance of forestry and what it means for our state. AFAEF also funds landowner education, as well as the Log A Load for Kids program, which benefits Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
The fun continued on Wednesday evening as attendees headed over to the Fayetteville Town Center for the Deltic Timber Fish Fry. Guests enjoyed a night of fellowship, Baggo, a photobooth and live entertainment from up and coming music artist, Ward Davis of Monticello.
The meeting concluded on Thursday, October 6 with an awards breakfast, honoring the outstanding achievements of a select group in the forestry industry. See more about this year’s award recipients inside.
Throughout the meeting, attendees were asked to use #arkforests2016 when discussing the meeting on their social media pages. These tweets, instagram posts and Facebook posts generated over 50,000 impressions. Participants that used #arkforests2016 were entered into the social media contest. The winner of the contest, Allen Nipper, received a trail camera
With 45 sponsors, 19 exhibitors and more than 250 participants, the 71st Annual Meeting was a success. Many thanks to the program committee, AFA leadership and staff for their continued support. The 2017 meeting will be held in Little Rock, Oct. 3-5. Photos can be found at https://www.flickr. com/arkforests/. Presentations are available at www.slideshare.net/arkforests.
Arkansas forestry team wins national championship, a first for state UA Extension Service A quartet of Arkansans from Bradley County has won the National 4-H Forestry Championship, bringing home the state’s first national title. Taylor Gwin, a Hermitage High School teacher, Bradley County 4-H leader, and former 4-H member, coached the fourperson team. The team was comprised of Hunter Saunders, Ethan Boykin, Cade Wilkerson and his brother Connor Wilkerson. All four members are from Hermitage. On top of the national title, the Arkansas team chalked up high individual placements with Cade Wilkerson placing second overall and Connor Wilkerson earning fourth-place overall.
“It’s like anything else — you mix a lot of hard work and dedication, to get the kids prepared and get to the point where they’re competent enough to win,” Gwin said. “It takes a lot of long hours of looking at trees and reading maps to get them to that level.” The AFA Education Foundation supports forestry contests all around the state. We congratulate these high school students and look forward to seeing them succeed in our industry!
The holiday season is upon us! Gift a one-year membership to AFA for just $30. AFA will throw in some swag for your friend, colleague or client! We will even send a Christmas card on your behalf, if you would like! Actual Christmas card may vary. Go to www.arkforests. org/store to purchase.
Getting to know our new President Recently, AFA got a chance to visit with our new President, David Cawein. Cawein is the Vice President and General Manager of the Pinecrest Lumber and Fiber Resource Divisions at Green Bay Packaging, Inc. in Morrilton. He received a Bachelor of Science in forest managment from the University of Missouri in December of 1975. Q: What have you found most valuable from being a part of AFA?
1) Working with County Judges on log truck usage of county roads. Recently, we’ve seen more restrictions and discussions of restrictions on road use. We have to keep access open from the woods to the mills. 2) An Emerging Leaders Program - I was made aware of this at the Annual Meeting. What a great idea. We need to encourage and assist our industry’s young people in their career development. 3) Education - I’d like AFA, AFC and others to develop a group to promote forestry as a career option for Arkansas high school students. We see a shortage of qualified foresters in the State and believe we need to educate Arkansas high school students about forestry as a career opportunity.
A: My involvement with the AFA goes back to the late 70’s. I was fortunate in that Green Bay Packaging encouraged us to participate in the AFA. I have always enjoyed committee meetings/annual Q: What advice would you give to someone who is new to a managerial position? meetings and the opportunity to network within our industry. I’ve made A: Something that I try to pass on to our some lifelong friends because of AFA! young foresters is “ find a way to add value”. Organizations are looking for Q: What is your vision for AFA over the next people that add value and folks that can two years? and will solve problems. The quickest way to move up in an organization is to A: I wouldn’t use the word vision (that be the person that “adds value”. Be that sounds grandiose). Along that line, three person. Make a difference. specific opportunities before us are:
Q: How did you begin your career in the forestry industry? A: I have always liked outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. My older brother encouraged me to get an outdoor job and advised me to check out forestry. I did and decided it was for me. Later, researching my family history, I discovered that my great grandfather and great great grandfather were sawmillers. I guess its in my blood. Q: When you aren’t working, how do you like to spend your free time? A: I married my high school sweetheart 42 years ago. It was the best decision I have ever made. We have been blessed with three children and 12 grandchildren. Children are good, grandchildren are FANTASTIC! We spend a lot of time with the grandchildren, as well as traveling. I also enjoy playing golf, duck hunting, biking, and running (I’m trying to qualify for Boston one more time).
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Award recipients honored at annual meeting Ricky O’Neill | Outstanding Forestry Educator of the Year
Lathan Erwin Logging | Logger of the Year
Ricky O’ Neill serves as Potlatch’s Environmental and Certification auditor. Since 2007, Ricky has lead Potlatch Environment Management System efforts in the region.
Lathan Erwin Logging—based out of Fordyce— began logging short pulpwood in 1969. What began as a hand-loading and unloading operation is today highly efficient and uses the latest logging technology, with a fleet of 18 trucks.
“Working with kids is fun, challenging and unpredictable,” O’ Neill said. O’ Neill plays a vital role with the AFA Education Foundation’s Teacher Conservation Tour. He and his team give Arkansas teachers a hands-on experience of forestry life.
Earl T. Smith Family | Tree Farmer of the Year The Smith’s objectives are to be good stewards of the land and enhance their tracts, which benefits forestry and wildlife. They believe in doing the right things and making the right management decisions. Tree farms have truly been a family affair for the Smith family. Mr. Earl Smith’s grandfather and relatives began working on a farm in 1920. The Izard County Tree Farm has been passed through the generations, making it so special! The Guion property is over 1,800 acres and is filled with mixed oak and pine, along with other hardwoods.
Lee Anne Fitzgerald | Log A Load for Kids Volunteer of the Year Since 2006, Lee Anne Fitzgerald has been a consistent, driving force in the Central Arkansas Log A Load For Kids program and works hard to bring new energy and ideas to the local committee and the statewide program, which has raised more than $8 million for Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) since 1993. “I truly love my Log A Load family and thank them for letting me be a part of their amazing organization and I accept this award not only for myself, but for all volunteers.”
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The deep-rooted character traits of hard work and working as a team have made this small business what it is today.
Tim Kibe | Communicator of the Year Tim takes special opportunities to build relationships with those around him. Each year, GBP procurement and land divisions holds a retreat. Tim and his staff plan team-building activities, as well as allot time to take care of business. “Under his leadership, productivity of company lands is improving. More importantly Tim is developing our young foresters,” Vice President and General Manager of GBP - Pinecrest Lumber and Fiber Resource Divisions, David Cawein said.
President’s Awards | Ray Dillon and Greg Hay Mr. Ray C. Dillon has recently retired from serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Deltic Timber Corporation since July 1, 2003. Mr. Dillon currently serves on the Executive and Government Affairs committees for the Arkansas Forestry Association and served as AFA President from 2012 to 2014. Dillon was recently honored as the 2016 Arkansas Children’s Award recipient from the Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranches Association because of his work with the non-profit. Mr. Greg Hay joined Crop Production
Oct. 27 | Tree Farm Tour, Guion - 9 a.m. Services– Timberland Division in February of 2012. Oct. 29 | Central AR Log A Load, Sheridan - 5 p.m. Nov. 15 | PLT Steering Committee, AFA Office - 10 a.m. Mr. Hay serves on the Executive, Forest Dec. 7 | AFAEF Board Meeting, AFA Office - 10 a.m. Practices, Membership and Program Dec. 7 | Executive Committee, AFA Office - noon Committees for the Arkansas Forestry Dec. 14 | Tree Farm Inspector Meeting, Brown’s Restaurant, Association. Additionally, Greg serves on the Arkansas State Plant Board representing the Arkansas Forestry Benton - 10 a.m. Association.
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