ApSAF 2009 Annual Meeting

Forestry in a Changing Age

January 21-23, 2009

Newport News Marriott at City Center, Newport News, VA.

Jan 22 - General Technical Session I

Jan 23 - General Technical Session II

Pictures from ApSAF 2009

APSAF 2009
by Greg Scheerer, Arrangements Chair

The Virginia Division was proud to host the 88th Annual APSAF Conference at the Newport News Marriott @ City Center on January 21-23, 2009. Over 200 forestry professionals, spouses, and students participated in this great meeting. The Conference theme was Forestry in a Changing Age, and we heard a first-rate technical program focused on recent developments in our profession. Topics ranged from new hardwood silviculture techniques to harvesting adaptations to developing biomass markets.  Over 100 registrants also took advantage of one or more of the 3 pre-conference workshops: Pesticide Recertification; a tour of the Stihl chainsaw factory in Virginia Beach; and, a technology workshop. 

And it wasn’t just “us in charge” who thought it went well.  Feedback from one attendee verifies:  Thanks again for all the hard work y’all put in to the conference.  It makes me proud to be a new member of SAF.”

If you were not able to attend the meeting, we have posted the PowerPoint presentations and/or notes from six of our eight general session speakers on the APSAF website:   http://www.apsaf.org/meetings/apsaf-2009/index.html .

At the Awards Luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 22, APSAF Chair, John Thurmes presented the APSAF Young Forester Leadership Award to Greg Meade (VA); the Special Volunteer Service Award to Jim Gray (NC); and, the Distinguished Service Award to Scott Shallenberger (VA). Attendees also received a special treat in hearing an address from SAF President, Bernie Hubbard. That afternoon, the students took an interesting trip to the Newport News Water Works, while the professional membership attended APSAF and Division business meetings. Thursday evening, Clemson, Duke, NCSU, and VA Tech hosted alumni socials prior to the APSAF reception. I’m still trying to determine if the highlight of the reception was the seafood shooters or the Hard Travelin’ Bluegrass Band, but I think I’m leaning towards the band. It’s hard to top an 87-year-old fiddle player!

By all accounts, APSAF 2009 was a great success. I wish to express my gratitude to the members of the Arrangements Committee, who made this meeting possible;

Special thanks also to Pat Straka for all her help at the registration desk and in selling an astounding number of raffle tickets to benefit the KPF Endowment Fund, and to Doug Pond for helping with the Pesticide Recertification Workshop.

I look forward to seeing you all next year in New Bern.