Four People Honored For Contributions To Ohio Forestry

Presented By Rathkamp Financial

(Columbus) – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry honored four individuals for their outstanding contributions to forestry in Ohio at the Forest of Honor ceremony in Zaleski State Forest on Sept. 29.
 
“Conservation of a renewable resource is what forestry is all about,” said Dan Balser, chief of the Division of Forestry. “Our inductees have been passionate leaders in innovative forest practices and have enabled many other foresters, students, and landowners to practice better forest stewardship.”
 
Trees were planted in the Forest of Honor to recognize the following recipients:
 
Dean Berry
Dean Berry has been involved in forestry for many years as an AEP employee, consulting forester, Tree Farm Inspector and Training Facilitator, and instructor. He has helped numerous woodland owners with honest timber harvest advice and management plans for Current Agricultural Use Value, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Ohio Forest Tax Law, and proper forest management.
 

Caption: From left- Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser, Honoree Dean Berry, ODNR Director Mary Mertz

 
The Honorable David Joyce
Congressman Dave Joyce is a strong advocate for State and Private Forestry Programs, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and combating the deleterious effects of the Emerald Ash Borer infestation. Representative Joyce’s efforts have resulted in additional funding for programs that benefit people in Ohio and across the country. His continued support for forestry programs helps to ensure the sustained benefits of healthy forests for future generations.
 
The Honorable Marcy Kaptur
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur has significantly contributed to the advancement of forestry in Ohio by bringing in millions of dollars in federal funding to combat the Emerald Ash Borer. She has provided longstanding support of the USFS Urban and Community Forestry Program and Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. She understands the ecosystem services trees provide and continues to support the efforts to protect them.
 
Chief Terry Cosby
Terry Cosby, Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, served as the Ohio State Conservationist for more than 15 years. He led efforts to establish Ohio as the first state in the nation to use the Environmental Quality Incentive Program funds for forest management practices and was instrumental in forming the Joint Forestry Team. He has led efforts in Ohio, and now the nation, to recognize the importance forestry and forest management have on our citizens and natural resources.

Caption: From left- Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser, ODNR Director Mary Mertz, Honoree Terry Cosby, ODNR Asst. Director Mindy Bankey

 
Induction into the Forest of Honor recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations that have contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the Division of Forestry’s mission and the advancement of Ohio forestry in one or more of the following ways:

• Develop and/or implement successful improvements to forestry practices that can be used at all levels of forest management in Ohio.
• Raise public awareness about the benefits of well-managed forest resources.
• Champion legislation that results in a successful policy change to forestry practices.
• Educate students in the knowledge, appreciation, and problem-solving skills related to trees and forest management.