Winter 2024 Images & Reflections 2023 PHOTO CONTEST
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 john@llmpubs.com. A unifying voice for Virginia’s forestry community. 3808 AUGUSTA AVENUE RICHMOND, VA 23230 (804) 278-8733 vfa@vaforestry.org 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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Winter 2024 3 Iwrite, this quarter, from the front lines of the 2024 Session of the Virginia General Assembly. The indulgence of our gracious editorial team has given me an opportunity to draft this article just days before the annual crossover deadline. I hope you have been following our progress in our biweekly e-newsletter, the VFA Voice. If you are not currently subscribed to the Voice, you can sign up at www.vaforestry.org. Yogi Berra is credited with the phrase, “It ain’t over till its over.” But with respect to the forestry community’s 2024 legislative priorities, lobbied for by more than 50 of your peers during another successful Legislative Day on the Hill in January, we are in good standing as of press time. Critical changes to the Forest Sustainability Fund have passed through both chambers unanimously. Legislation that would restore the Virginia estate tax has been defeated for the year. And a bill that will allow VDOT’s State of Good Repair program to spend its limited resources on extending bridge life has successfully made its way through the House of Delegates. Beyond the priorities we establish every year, VFA’s advocacy team spends considerable time each session working on bills introduced on behalf of other interests that affect our membership. For example, organized labor is supporting dozens of changes to Virginia’s wage and hour laws that would impact any employer in the Commonwealth. The solar industry has pushed limiting or altogether removing the authority of local governments to make land use decisions with respect to development. The list of what we are tracking and working on can be found on VFA’s Legislative Tracker (www.vaforestry.org/legislativetracking). There have also been several bills related to environmental health upon which we have engaged. Our interest in those measures should not be overly surprising. But the confused expressions we have received from the NGO community with respect to our approach towards those measures have been striking. Rather than combating them with all-out opposition, we have collaborated with those advocates to improve their proposals to the benefit of all stakeholders. From forest conservation to improper waste tire disposal to invasive species management, our positive approach has proven confounding to some. When asked why, I remind them that conservation and conservatism are naturally aligned. Often cited as the father of modern-day conservatism, Edmund Burke was a verbose chap. When restless at night in college, I needed only to crack open a Burke text to achieve a deep REM sleep in minutes. But there is a passage in Burke’s “Reflections on the Revolutions in France” that has remained with me decades later: “But one of the first and most leading principles on which the commonwealth and the laws are consecrated, is lest the temporary possessors and life-renters in it, unmindful of what they have received from their ancestors, or of what is due to their posterity, should act as if they were the entire masters; that they should not think it amongst their rights to cut off the entail, or commit waste on the inheritance, by destroying at their pleasure the whole original fabric of their society; hazarding to leave to those who come after them, a ruin instead of an habitation.” ― Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790) Indeed, it was Teddy Roosevelt who first initiated federal actions towards environmental stewardship with passage of the Antiquities Act, calling nature “the most glorious heritage a people ever received.” It was Tricky Dick, not LBJ before him or Mr. Peanut after him, who established the Environmental Protection Agency and signed both the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act into law. I am not suggesting that our community is monolithic. VFA is diverse not only by membership type, but demographically and politically as well. I am fond of saying that VFA is not on the “red” team or the “blue” team. We are instead the green team, united around the principle of “promoting the sustainable use and conservation of You Can’t Spell Conservative Without C-O-N-S-E-R-V-E FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE Corey Connors “VFA ... is united around the principle of ‘promoting the sustainable use and conservation of forest resources to ensure their long-term benefits for Virginians.’”
4 VIRGINIA FORESTS forestrysummit.com Boar’s Head Resort, Charlottesville, VA APRIL 23-25, 2024 Virginia Chapter Virginia Division Join us in Charlottesville, VA, for inspiring and educational sessions, plentiful networking opportunities, and immersive tour experiences. forest resources to ensure their long-term benefits for all Virginians.” But it seems that for some folks at some juncture, the principles of conservation were co-opted, and their tenets made exclusive for use only by environmental nonprofits. I have found myself enthusiastically challenging that convention, working with those who previously questioned our ecosystem bona fides to instead advance public policy to sustain and improve Virginia’s forests. The truth is that those owning, managing, harvesting, and reforesting our working lands remain the very best stewards of our Commonwealth’s forest resource. The truth is that you are the true conservationists.
It is a new year and a time for reflection and anticipation for the year to come. During 2023 VFA made great strides in several areas within our organization to facilitate the needs of our membership. These efforts included changes in our volunteer leadership structure, as well as our membership and dues structure. The all-new Forest Leadership Retreat was a great success, and plans for the second annual retreat are well in the works. Our Advocacy Fund proved to be successful with the results of the past couple of years and is now more important than ever with the changes we have seen in our state government. It has been long recognized that VFA needed to adjust our dues structure to account for inflation and the increased costs of doing business since the pandemic. Additionally, the volunteer leadership structure needed to be changed to ensure our members are getting the best value for their money. We revamped the Advisory Council to consist of smaller Segment Advisories Councils that match our membership structure to ensure the needs and issues our members face are recognized and brought to the Board of Directors’ attention. These new councils will also aid in determining the direction of our strategic plan. Our Segment Councils consist of the Landownership Council, Harvesting and Transportation Council, Forest Management and Consulting Council, and the Wood Manufacturing Council. Each council consists of five members plus a board liaison who reports back to VFA’s directors at our three board meetings per year. The new structure encourages participation and action by our volunteers as well as our talented staff. Our first Forest Leadership Retreat, held in September 2023, was a huge success. The speakers were very insightful, provoking participants to consider new ideas for meeting the challenges and opportunities the forest products industry faces. I am sure Chair Steven Peter and the organizing committee are using feedback from this past program to create something even greater for our September 2024 event at Wintergreen Resort. Our advocacy efforts continue to succeed, and the Advocacy Fund is instrumental to help VFA reach our legislators through the efforts of our contract lobbyists at Advantus Strategies. On January 24, VFA teamed up with Virginia Loggers Association and Virginia Forest Products Association at the Legislative Day on the Hill to tell our story and discuss how some of the bills being introduced or amended have an impact on our community. Kyle Shreve and Robert Crockett of Advantus Strategies, as well as our Executive Director Corey Connors, are in the trenches tirelessly fighting for us. As great as they are, there is no substitute for the members of our forestry community who are meeting our lawmakers face-to-face to tell our story. The forecast of the changing faces of our legislators, as presented by Dr. Bob Holsworth at the last Forestry Summit, came to fruition. Our presence at the Capital was well Dan Hockenberger Building New Strategies to Support Members and Strengthen the Forestry Community PRESIDENT’S COLUMN 3808 Augusta Avenue Richmond, VA 23230-3910 Phone: 804-278-8733 • Fax: 804-278-8774 vfa@vaforestry.org • www.vaforestry.org OFFICERS (2023–2024) President Dan Hockenberger Virginia Forest Resources, LLC West Point Vice President and President Elect Chris Harris Pinecrest Timber Co. Prince George Treasurer Christina Hager Dominion Energy Richmond Past President Stephanie Grubb International Paper Pawleys Island Executive Director Corey Connors Richmond EX-OFFICIO OFFICERS Paul Winistorfer Virginia Tech—CNRE Blacksburg Rob Farrell Va. Dept. of Forestry Charlottesville DIRECTORS Term Expiring 2024 Lavan Daubermann Colonial Farm Credit Mechanicsville Michael Harold Speyside Bourbon Cooperage, Inc. Harrisonburg John E. Jones III Central VA Land & Timber Montpelior Term Expiring 2025 Ben Cole Cole Timberland Management LLC Appomattox Jay Phaup Greif Packaging LLC Amherst Laurie Wright Wright Forestry LLC Blackridge Term Expiring 2026 Scott Barrett Virginia Tech Blacksburg Eric Goodman WestRock Clarksville Brian Irvine Roseburg Roanoke Rapids, NC John Reid Forest Resources Mgmt. Aylett STAFF Corey Connors, Executive Director Sonnia Montemayor, Deputy Executive Director Chris Frost, Operations Assistant The Virginia Forestry Association, chartered in 1943, is a notfor-profit, non-governmental, privately-supported association of forest landowners, wood product industries and businesses, loggers, foresters, forest use groups, and conservation-minded citizens. New board members are elected annually by mail ballot to all VFA members. Any VFA member may be a candidate for the board. Winter 2024 5 —continued on page 28
6 VIRGINIA FORESTS VIRGINIA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION 2023 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS VIRGINIA FLORA First Place, Fred Schatzki Spending a lot of time in the woods as a consulting forester, you might imagine I see a lot of big trees, and I do. This one, however, ranks right near the top of the “big tree memories” I have from decades spent in the forest. Found on an old-field site (evidenced by the hand-dug ditches bisecting the area) in Richmond County, less than a mile outside the Warsaw town limits, this cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda) measured 36” DBH, 127 feet tall, had five clear logs to the first lower limb, and a crown that shades close to a halfacre. It defines the term “dominant” when we’re talking crown classes. Another thing that fascinates me about this particular species is that I was taught in dendrology class that its scientific name was Quercus falcata var. pagodafolia; a subspecies of the familiar southern red oak Q. falcata. I am heartened that the taxonomists finally gave this most valuable of our coastal red oaks its well-earned status as an independent species, and not some shirttail relative of the more well known (but less majestic) southern red oak. WINTER 2024 7 Images & Reflections VIRGINIA LANDSCAPES First Place, Michael Kemp The sun, in its final descent, bathes the sky in warm hues of gold and amber, casting a radiant glow across the Blue Ridge Mountains from Ravens Roost Overlook, Lyndhurst, Va.
8 VIRGINIA FORESTS VIRGINIA LANDSCAPES Second Place, Jeremey Falkenau Frosty, cold days have become some of my favorite in which to work. The quiet and still can be so serene with unmatched beauty. The forest reflection off the river this particular morning in Providence Forge, Va., was stunning and seemed to be an almost perfect mirror image; a perfect representation of how trees and water influence each other. VIRGINIA LANDSCAPES Third Place (tie), Mark Rowles A quiet evening at Lake Arrowhead in Luray, where I spend most of my summer evenings walking the trails with my dogs—a place of peace that leaves me feeling incredibly lucky to live in the mountains of Virginia, and grateful for the respite after a long day working behind a screen. WINTER 2024 9 VIRGINIA LANDSCAPES Third Place (tie), Fred Schatzki Spanning from Nelson County in the south (left of frame) through Albemarle County, and ending in Orange County to the north (right of frame), the Southwest Mountains are one of the easternmost mountain ranges in Virginia. Here we find eerily orange sunlight breaking through the tail end of a recently passed thunderstorm, sending stabbing beams of light through late-afternoon haze as if to put an exclamation point on the grandeur of the natural wonders we are fortunate to have here in the Commonwealth. VIRGINIA FAUNA First Place, Michael Kemp A charismatic gray squirrel takes center stage as it perches on a tree branch preparing its winter food stash with expressive eyes that convey a moment of intense curiosity and awareness at Windsor Castle Park, Smithfield, Va.
10 VIRGINIA FORESTS VIRGINIA FAUNA Second Place, Joshua Housman This beautiful, young red-tailed hawk was trampled by a deer, and thanks to the wonderful care provided by the staff of the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center, it was able to recuperate in order to be released back into the wild. It was released at Devil’s Backbone Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. As soon as it was released, it landed in a tree directly in front of the overlook, giving all of its admirers a good, long look at its beautiful plumage before flying off into the distance. I find red-tailed hawks to be such interesting birds. They are one of the most common birds of prey found in the United States, occupying just about every type of open habitat on the continent, including desert, grasslands, roadsides, fields, parks, broken woodland, and tropical rainforest. They have an average wingspan of 3.4–4.8 ft. Although they are fairly large birds, they only weigh 1.5–3.5 lbs. They have a very strong, raspy call that sounds exactly like what you’d expect a large bird of prey to sound like. Their call is often used in place of bald eagle calls in movies and television shows to make the eagle sound more impressive. Their eyesight is about eight times better than that of humans, giving them the ability to spot a mouse from 100 ft. in the sky. While these birds of prey may be common, to see them is to witness the true beauty of nature. VIRGINIA FAUNA Third Place, Kyle Smith During a break by the water while hiking the Rose River Falls Trail in Shenandoah, my wife and I decided to look for salamanders. Rock by rock we worked our way down the river, and we did see a few. At one point my friend standing on the river bank, who has much better eyesight than I do, mentioned that we were getting a little too close to the snake, which we had not seen. I recognized that it was probably not a venomous species, but still, I didn’t want to disturb the snake as it was sunning itself. After backing away slowly until I got back on the bank, I reached for my camera and shot this photo. WINTER 2024 11 VIRGINIA FLORA Second Place, Kyle Smith Since I live in the city without a vehicle, I try to maximize my time when I have an opportunity to be out in nature. As an avid birdwatcher I decided to get up before dawn on the last morning of our trip to Luray and Shenandoah National Park, to see what I could see. After peering into the thick morning fog unsuccessfully for a while, I turned to see what, if anything, was in the trees in front of the house. There were no birds visible, but what I did see was this beautiful morning sunlight streaming through the trees and cattails. I didn’t see many birds that morning, but this ended up being my favorite photo from the trip. FOREST RECREATION First Place, Michael Kemp Two fisherman navigate the tranquility of a quiet lake as the sun casts its final hues across the sky, creating a stunning display of warm and cool tones at Lone Star Lakes, Suffolk, Va.
12 VIRGINIA FORESTS VIRGINIA FLORA Third Place, Michael Kemp The image features a close-up view of Erianthus saccharoides, an ornamental plume grass, showcasing its tall culms, adorned with showy tufts, waving as a gentle breeze passes along Washington Ditch Trail, Great Dismal Swamp, in Suffolk, Va. VIRGINIA FLORA Honorable Mention, Tanya Sollien Wait…What? Are those fingers? Xylaria polymorpha is mainly found growing on decaying wood in forested areas. Since this fungus can resemble a hand with multiple fingers or simply a solitary digit reaching up from through the earth, it is often referred to as “Dead Man’s Fingers.” Regardless of the nomenclature, the first time you spot such a unique specimen will certainly be a memorable experience. Photographed in Bluefield, Va. VIRGINIA FLORA Honorable Mention, John Magruder Over the last several years, with an abundance of rain, I have noticed the plethora of different fungus and mushrooms that have proliferated in the forest. This particular fungus caught my eye because of the sun glistening off of the white fungal bracts, the multiple layers like a towering building, and the fugus growing from the top of a stump of a black gum tree (Nyssa sylvatica). Photo taken during a timberland examination in Essex County. WINTER 2024 13 WORKING FORESTS & INDUSTRY First Place, Elizabeth Del Vecchio My admiration for the outdoors has always been present, whether it be the forests or the oceans. However, it wasn’t until I met my boyfriend, Consulting Forester Hunter Darden III, that my perspective on the land shifted. Through his guidance, I began to perceive the environment in a new light. We would go on excursions, during which he marked paths for timber harvesting and led walks across his private land. In those moments, he imparted upon me a sense of unity with nature. Additionally, he introduced me to the art of hunting, fostering within me an appreciation for the wildlife residing on the land. Witnessing his profound knowledge and genuine love for the environment is truly remarkable. Not only does he diligently tend to and safeguard his own tracts of land, but he also extends his care to his clients. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities he affords me to accompany him on these expeditions. They have truly unveiled the profound beauty and irreplaceable value of our forests. Hunter is making every effort to ensure that the land remains as majestic as ever, even long after our own presence diminishes.
14 VIRGINIA FORESTS WORKING FORESTS & INDUSTRY Second Place, Fred Schatzki Titled “Walking with Pine,” we find a feller-buncher on the job in Powhatan County performing a second thin in a 28-year-old loblolly pine plantation. Shot with a drone, it presents a perspective we don’t usually see from the ground. As I count at least four stems in the accumulator, the operator may be searching for a fifth or looking for a convenient place to drop the bunch. WORKING FORESTS & INDUSTRY Third Place, Michael Kemp Last stop on the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad before entering the main paper processing facility at International Paper, Camptown, Va. (Franklin, Va.) WINTER 2024 15 NEW FORESTS First Place, Fred Schatzki I call this image “Tomorrow’s Timber.” Providing for prompt and effective regeneration is critical to the long-term sustainability of our Virginia forests; this recently planted seedling reflects our commitment as stewards of the forest. Found in Cumberland County, this seedling has a long life ahead of it as it gathers water, light, and nutrients to grow into a fine example of what our productive woodlands can produce.
16 VIRGINIA FORESTS FOREST RECREATION Second Place/Honorable Mention (Virginia Landscapes), Jacob Hakizimana As a sports photographer I love when I can combine my love for the outdoors, sports, and photography. This one was taken on an early morning of a cross country meet. This was a moment where everything aligned just right for an ideal looking photo. Even now I am amazed with how it has turned out. Thank you to Heather who was the perfect subject for this photo.
Winter 2024 17 Vision. It’s a simple word: only six letters, just three consonants, three vowels. We often find, however, that simple words can have complex meanings or even multiple meanings. For example, some people hear vision and they think of those wonderful bodily organs, our eyes. Others hear it and think of images (more than a few fantastic examples you’ll find within the pages of this issue!). For purposes of this column, however, vision will be used in a third way that means to define guiding principles, particularly for the application of vision to forest management. Upon meeting our clients, one of the first things we do as consulting foresters is ask, “What is your vision for the property? What are your near- and long-term goals? What sorts of things do you want, and equally importantly, what sorts of things DON’T you want?” Landowner visions for their property are as complex and varied as the landowners themselves. Some are primarily interested in revenue in the form of timber sales or recreational leases. Others want to conserve the forest to ensure it is growing healthy trees and protecting clean water and air with little regard for harvesting those trees. Yet another group has wildlife management as their primary vision. Finally, a common vision is stewardship. Landowners want to foster a place that can be handed down through the generations so that their children and grandchildren can not only observe how the current stewards have managed the property, but also use that as a primer for their own vision once they become the owners and stewards of the land. Our task, as consulting foresters, is to engage our clients. We assist them in developing their vision. We help them prepare formal management plans and then provide recommendations to implement those plans. We are humbled and honored to be asked to help, and we take great pride in putting our education and experience to work for the benefit of the landowner, their families, and in some larger sense, the bountiful natural resources endowed throughout our Commonwealth. —The Executive Committee of the Virginia Chapter ACF VIRGINIA CHAPTER Association of Consulting Foresters Vision (PHOTO BY AVERY OWENS)
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Winter 2024 19 Virginia’s logging workforce is currently composed of over 600 logging businesses. These logging businesses are all family-owned operations that provide the harvesting and transportation services required to produce raw materials for Virginia’s forest industry. With an industry that depends on independent logging businesses, continued operation of these businesses is critical. As I have previously reported, we recently completed a survey of Virginia logging businesses related to the economic sustainability of their operations. This survey showed that many logging businesses are struggling with current markets. When we asked owners their outlook on the sustainability of their operations, many of them were neutral or felt as if their operations were not economically sustainable. We also asked some demographic questions and assessed their views on whether they would encourage their children to pursue a career in this industry. The average logging business owner in Virginia is 55 years old. While this is still a few years off from a typical retirement age, it does point to a significant transition in ownership in the not-too-distant future. Other surveys have also revealed an aging workforce in logging businesses. Sixty percent of respondents reported that they were descendants of logging families, which indicates there is a strong family connection, and many logging businesses are continued across generations. We presented business owners a series of statements and then asked if they agree or disagree with the statement. Fifty-six percent of logging business owners agreed that they would not encourage their child to pursue a career in the forest industry because of factors related to economic sustainability. Another 27 percent were neutral, which meant that only 17 percent disagreed. In other words, fewer than one in five respondents would encourage their children to go into the forest industry. Ultimately, concerns about the economic sustainability of the industry could create challenges with recruiting the next generation of logging business owners. The logging industry has evolved and seen many changes in the past decades. Our past surveys show that Virginia tends to have fewer total logging businesses over time, but the ones that remain are larger and more productive. We anticipate that trend will continue; however, there will still be a need for logging businesses. In addition, with an aging workforce, there will soon be a need for transition in ownership within many of the current businesses. For an industry that has traditionally had a high rate of generational family businesses, it is a concern when less than 20 percent of business owners would currently encourage their children to go into the industry. Much of this is related to current market conditions which are not strong for many products, and markets can change quickly. However, these survey results indicate that recent market conditions may be creating challenges for current owners as well as creating challenges with recruiting future owners. Whether you are a logging business owner, or involved in the forest industry in other ways, it’s worth thinking about who will become logging business owners in the future, and devise strategies for what we can do now to ensure we have an economically sustainable logging industry. THE LOGROLL Notes & News for Loggers Who Will Be Our Future Logging Business Owners? By Scott Barrett, Ph.D. Extension Specialist—Forest Operations Virginia Tech Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation (PHOTO BY ILZE79, 123RF.COM)
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Winter 2024 21 The Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation (VFEF) is able to accomplish its mission only through your contributions and consistent support. Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation Update By Brad Fuller, VFEF Board of Directors VFEF welcomes donations from friends, landowners, and anyone who is interested in projects and programs focused on conservation and forest resource management education with emphasis on youth educational programs. Your contribution will help support: • Scholarships for forestry students at Virginia Tech and Mountain Gateway Community College • Forestry camps and activities for youths • Environmental education programs in Virginia schools, such as Project Learning Tree, SAF Trees to Products, and Teaching Teachers, Teaching Trees Please make a contribution today—it does make a difference. Your tax-deductible contribution will help educate future generations of Virginians. Make an investment today for the future of our industry. For more information or to contribute to VFEF, visit www.vfef.net. Benefits of Supporting the Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation
22 VIRGINIA FORESTS These notes of appreciation show the direct, lasting impacts of your contributions to VFEF that benefit programs for youth education in forestry and natural resources. As the Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation Advisory Board, we want to express our deep gratitude for your dedication to providing academic scholarships for forestry students at Virginia Tech. Your efforts and generosity have touched the lives of many students over the years and has launched innumerable careers into forestry. The impact certainly has been felt across the Commonwealth, but students you have supported are now leaders throughout the profession and across the nation. The amount of support has been truly remarkable, and due to your careful stewardship, the impact has only continued to grow. Please accept our most sincere thanks for your tireless work! —Your friends on the FREC Advisory Board
Winter 2024 23 When you see a Tree Farm sign on a property in Virginia, you know the landowner is practicing good forest management. You know there is a dedicated and committed landowner. But who ensures the property is worthy of a Tree Farm sign? Across Virginia, we have approximately 125 Tree Farm Inspectors who ensure the properties in the Tree Farm program adhere to the American Tree Farm System’s (ATFS) Standards of Sustainability for Forest Certification for Private Forestlands. One of their primary responsibilities is to ensure the integrity of the program by making sure all standards are met. But how does the Tree Farm Inspector benefit from participating as a Tree Farm Inspector? Virginia Tree Farm Board member Ervin Bielmyer describes why he is a Tree Farm Inspector. “As Tree Farm Inspectors, we have the extreme privilege to meet with Tree Farmers and discuss their goals and objectives. This provides me an opportunity to educate and help landowners make decisions to meet their goals, objectives, and dreams for their property.” “I enjoy working with landowners and getting to know and understand their goals and dreams. As an inspector, I am there to ensure the standards and guidelines of the Tree Farm program are met. The inspection is no cost to the landowner.” As part of ATFS, landowners get the tools they need to have confidence they are doing right by their land. Through the Virginia Tree Farm program and ATFS, landowners have access to seminars, field days, workshops, and forest management information. Members meet with a professional forester at least once every five years. “As a forester, I am there to answer questions about the Tree Farm program and answer any forest management questions they may have.” Bielmyer says. “Some of my Tree Farmer’s might become clients or clients might become Tree Farmers. It is a great pleasure working for a landowner, developing a management plan specific to their property and management objectives.” “As a Tree Farmer implements the plan, it brings them into contact with the logging professionals in our industry. It is enjoyable to watch as the property begins to become the dream property the landowner desired, for wildlife, healthy forest, and recreational opportunities.” Success stories are made by listening, educating and being dreamers as Tree Farmers are engaged across Virginia. In Virginia, our goal is to meet with every Tree Farmer every five years. These periodic visits by an inspector ensure the objectives and plans for the property are current and in line with the overall objectives of the Tree Farmer. If you are interested in becoming a Tree Farm Inspector, give us a call. Listen – Educate – Dream By Ervin Bielmyer (PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE BY ERVIN BIELMEYER)
24 VIRGINIA FORESTS Sometimes I close my eyes and wonder what it must have been like to be a student at the Biltmore Forest School. I imagine bearded men sitting around a campfire, drinking bourbon, and discussing the day’s events. I open my eyes and realize, that I’m living that same story a hundred years later. Usually, though, I’m drinking coffee in my flannel pants and talking to other foresters on my cell phone from my home office. I can still dream, can’t I? For those who may be unfamiliar with the school, the Biltmore Forest School was the first school of forestry in North America. Carl A. Schenck founded this school of “practical forestry” in 1896 on George W. Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate near Asheville, North Carolina. The school grounds are now part of Pisgah National Forest in Transylvania County, N.C., known as the Cradle of Forestry in America, a 6,500-acre historic site which features exhibits about forestry and forest conservation history, summarized in the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia. (See en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Biltmore_Forest_School for information and further resources.) At the Biltmore Forest School, they used traditional German forestry knowledge to give birth to North American forestry. They were laying the foundations for the principles that we still use today. Not everything they were taught was right. They were experimenting with new ideas and trying to adapt what they already knew to the new world. In the early 1900s, timber was not harvested, it was mined. It was thought to be an inexhaustible resource. Theirs was the first school of forestry that attempted to think about future sustainability and how to manage the forest resource. Their primary objectives at that time were to protect the forest from fire and to plan for regeneration of young trees. Over the past 100 years, there have been several factors that have influenced forest management. Wood was vital in both World Wars. The early 1970s began the environmental movement. The early 1990s gave us concerns for the Spotted Owl and the timber wars of the northwest began. With each new change, we needed to adapt our management philosophy. As Clint Eastwood professed in the movie Heartbreak Ridge: “Improvise, adapt, and overcome.” I have been talking about these issues almost weekly with fellow foresters as we try to navigate the changes that seem to constantly be thrown at us. I have come to believe that we have entered into another major shift. We are dealing with higher-valued competition for the land base, including land development for housing and industry, solar farms, and data centers. In addition, landowner objectives are changing with a focus on recreation, wildlife, and carbon. Dynamic timber markets play a role with an over-supply of raw materials and weakened competition for our forest Forestry Philosophers: Real Foresters Practicing Real Forestry TAILGATE TALK By Matt Dowdy, Magazine Editorial Committee Sir William Philipp Daniel Schlich (February 28, 1840 - September 28, 1925). Dr. William Schlich, in the middle of the seated row, at the time dean of the forestry school at Oxford, with students of the school on a visit to the forests of Saxony in the year 1892. To his right and left, Saxon foresters. Also seated in the front row, Indian foresters on European leave. At the extreme right, Carl Alwin Schenck in the uniform of a German “forst accessist.” (COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG, PUBLIC DOMAIN) (l. to r.) Biltmore Forest School Hiram King House, Schoolhouse (interior) and Schoolhouse (exterior), Brevard vicinity. PHOTOS FROM HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY IMAGES OF NORTH CAROLINA, UNDATED.
Winter 2024 25 products. Consumer demands from the “IKEA generation” mean that more kitchen cabinets are paint-grade instead of solid, stained wood, and fewer hardwood floors are installed in favor of laminate flooring in new home construction. Still, we need to apply the basics and be real foresters practicing real forestry. As a student at Virginia Tech, I was taught that the first priority was to ask the landowner their objective for the forest. Next, educate the landowner on the science behind basic forest management. Evaluate the landowner’s forest. Present the landowner with their forest management options. Finally, help landowners to formulate a forest management plan that meets their objectives and is practical to be implemented given the constraints of their land. The process generally follows the basic scientific method that we were taught in eighth grade science class. Somewhere along the line, another management priority, one that seemed to have a loblolly-pine-focused mentality, dominated this process. In short: meet the landowner and present the idea of clearcutting and prepare for loblolly pine plantations. There was little need for a scientific approach and no creativity. If you were in the mountains, the approach was slightly different: diameter-limit-harvest the valuable trees over 18-inches in diameter, a “high grade” mentality. “Real foresters practicing real forestry” are focused on the landowner’s objectives first and foremost. What does the landowner wish to accomplish? From that objective, foresters evaluate the present conditions of the forest. What is the age, cover type, soils, site index, available contractors to perform management activities, and available timber markets. Next, they will present a list of options to a landowner that will help them accomplish their goals and obtain the desired condition of their forest in the future. Finally, a forester can assist the landowner in making a management decision that is scientifically sound, economically feasible, and meets their objective for the future condition of the forest. As one who works within this forest profession, I have come to understand that not every tract will be clear-cut to be reforested with loblolly pine. Not every tract is suitable for intensive hardwood management either. Not every decision will be perfect. They made mistakes at The Biltmore Forest School, and we will too. We can stay true to the process though, as we strive to be real foresters practicing real forestry and adapt to all the changing dynamics that happen within the forest makeup and landowner demographic. Matt Dowdy is a consulting forester and member of VFA’s Magazine Editorial Committee. He is a regular contributor to Tailgate Talk, a column designed to share stories and experiences from within the forestry community. If you are interested in sharing a story, send your submission to vfa@vaforestry.org. Opinions expressed in the column are solely the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the policies or position of Virginia Forestry Association.
26 VIRGINIA FORESTS Th e w i n d battered tree held on to the side of the mountain for dear life. Its branches curled over and heavy to one side from the years of persistent wind. The roots interwoven, grasping the dirt and rocks—anything to secure its upright position. The ground below the tree was wiped clean of leaves; only small sticks and branches laid atop the soil mostly comprised of rocks. Throughout the tree’s life, it had watched the sun come up over the same distant ridge and slowly fade behind a ridge on the opposite side of the valley. Cased in the deeply furrowed bark the stout trunk, in previous years, was solid and fiercely strong. As the years progressed, unfortunate branches succumbed to the ice, snow, and wind and were snapped off leaving only rigid stubs in their place. These branches fell to the ground beneath the tree. As the elements and animals worked on these scars, they became weak and evolved into hollow spots scattered about the trunk. As time progressed, the innards of the tree evolved into empty space, leaving only an outer skeleton to give false hope of good health to the passerby. Yet, the tree grasped the dirt and rocks below to secure its upright position. The calloused branches became laced with scratches from the claws of the tree’s visitors. Sections of bark became thin and almost nonexistent from relentless pecking and scratching. The remaining bark of the tree visibly distressed from years of abuse still clutched tightly to the wood beneath. Small segments of each branch disclosed raw wood and discolored bark from the thrashing of the winds. Once laden with brown conical buds, each branch left empty scars both dry and stained with what once was. With no leaves, the wind curled branches hung empty as if their only purpose were to cast shadows upon the forest floor. Beyond visibility, beneath the rocky blanket that held the tree in place, the small seed laid motionless, smothered by the dark. A futuristic illustration towered above but was limited by time—the seed’s success was dependent upon the expiration of the mighty tree. Betrayed by the dirt and rocks below, the silent giant collapsed as its roots held firm and cradled the piece of earth that once offered support. Now laid eye-to-eye with the small seed, an emptiness was left above. Rays of sun occupied the empty space and slowly moved across the land. The seed began to grow. Displacing tiny particles, the roots were vigorous in their search for sustainability. The fresh sprout optimistically stretched upward and followed the course of the sun throughout the day. After time, the roots became entangled with the roots of the very source that produced the seed. New life grasped, then passed. This feat a product of nature’s resilience. The downfall of a once mighty oak opened a gateway that beckoned new life. For it is from these tiny seeds that mighty oaks grow. The Gateway By Luke Shenk Illustration by April Shenk
Winter 2024 27 Frank O. Brooks, Jr., manager of Forest Resources Management, Inc. in Aylett, Va., died at 79 on Feb. 13 at his home, Dunluce in King William. Since 1982, he was a consulting forester and state appraiser, first operating for over 30 years at his King William residence. Brooks was universally regarded as a consummate forestry professional, serving as a deeply respected mentor to leaders throughout Virginia’s forestry community. As a forest landowner, he was a member of American Tree Farm Systems. He was a long time Board member, and honored “Forester-of-the-Year” (2002) as well as Treasurer of the Virginia Forestry Association. He served on the Virginia Board of Forestry, was a member of The Society of American Foresters, Association of Consulting Foresters, was a Certified Forester in Virginia and Maryland and a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser. As a member of Forest Landowners Association, he served on the Board, and was honored “Forester-of-the-Year” (2016). Brooks held a B.S. in business administration from the University of Richmond and a Masters from Duke University in forestry economics. He made early contributions to Best Management Practices in timber management and in quail habitat management. His favorite sport was hunting quail with his fine English setters. In Memoriam: Frank O. Brooks, Jr. 2024 Virginia Forestry Community Legislative Day on the Hill More than 50 members of Virginia’s forestry and forest products community traveled to Richmond on January 24 for Legislative Day on the Hill 2024. Following an issues briefing luncheon, attendees broke into five groups and visited with legislators and staff from more than 30 offices. The event was capped off with the Forestry Community’s Open House reception at the Credit Union House of Virginia, with more than a dozen legislators and agency heads stopping by to visit. Preston Willson 4-H Summer Camp Scholarships Now Available Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation, VFA, Virginia Forest Products Association, and Virginia Loggers Association will support scholarships for 24 students to attend the Preston R. Willson Virginia 4-H Camp this summer. Virginia’s forestry organizations are united in creating opportunities for youth to learn about natural resources. Applications are for youth ages 9–13 Apply at www.holidaylake4h.com/4hscholarship by April 1. Joe Knight Named Head of the Department of VT-FREC Joe Knight has been named head of the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation (FREC) in the College of Natural Resources and Environment. Knight brings an extensive background in forestry and natural resources science with a focus on the applications of geospatial analysis and remote sensing in the field. He comes to Virginia Tech from the University of Minnesota, where he was a professor in the Department of Forest Resources and director of the Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Lab. For the full story from VT News (1/12/24), visit https:// news.vt.edu/articles/2024/01/cnre-frec-dept-head-knight.html Resource Review Del. Otto Wachsmann meets with Charlie Finley, Ken Lin, Don Bright, Kimberly Bright, Christina Hager, Ervin Bielmeyer, Chris Brown, Joey Briggs, and Chris Harris during 2024 Legislative Day on the Hill.
28 VIRGINIA FORESTS PRESIDENT’S COLUMN, continued from page 5. received, and we told our story well. This ongoing effort needs to be sustained for this year and the years to come. Our Advocacy Fund is one tool in the shed, but the telling of our own personal story is the sharpest tool we have. There have been many changes within the organization over the past few years. The feedback I hear is always positive. The evolution of VFA is ongoing, and there are great things to come with the leadership of our Board, our newly formed Segment Advisory Councils, and our dedicated staff. Our advocacy efforts are noticed and generating great results. There is no organization I feel prouder to be a part of than the Virginia Forestry Association. It is a community filled with salt of the Earth people who are true conservationists ensuring our natural resources are available for use in everyday products until the end of time. I look forward to seeing everyone at the 2024 Virginia Forestry Summit in Charlottesville this April.
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