From the NC Division Chair...
Dear NC Division SAF Members:
I once went to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus during the middle of the day at Dorton Arena in Raleigh. Because the arena was lit by daylight, I saw the numerous folks in black coveralls that were constantly in the background, moving things around, raising trapezes, taking things away, and cleaning up behind all the animals. No sooner would an act end in one of the three rings then the folks in the black coveralls would swarm in, and with drill team precision, change everything around to prepare for the next act.
It was obvious that these folks were highly trained skilled folks and that a great deal of thought and analysis had gone in to how they managed the logistics of the circus. And if the arena was darkened, like it would normally be, you would have never seen them.
And since that experience, I’ve always admired and appreciated all of the behind the scenes work that goes on to make any successful event work out for the benefit of the players and the audience.
In June, the Waccamaw Chapter hosted the NC Division Summer Meeting in Wilmington, and they did a first class job. John Robards, Waccamaw Chapter Chair served as general meeting chair. Scott Brewer handled registrations and the finances. Harry Warren handled local arrangements. Travis Hughes coordinated sponsors and exhibitors, Ben Burger managed a 50-50 raffle to raise money for the foresters fund. Clay Jenkins arranged the field tour. Kelley McCarter arranged for speakers and brought a van for the field tour. Jerry Hansen handled countless behind the scenes logistics so that the meeting flowed without a hitch.
For the summer meeting, these where the folks in the black coveralls.
So what does all of that have to do with the mission of the SAF? It was an example of the way that the society brings forestry professionals together, gives them an opportunity to learn some new things, enjoy each other’s company, and build the strength of our profession.
New relationships get made, old friends get reacquainted, deserving members are recognized, and through all of this we strengthen our profession and give each of our members the support and the network that they need when problems arise down the road.
The theme of the summer meeting revolved around how industrial forest management has changed since the major wood products companies divested their forest lands. Speakers included Hervey McIver with the Nature Conservancy, discussing their acquisition efforts during the disposition phase and the creative ways they approach conservation deals. Dave Tenny with the new National Alliance of Forest Owners, spoke about the alliances and the change in perspective created by the emergence of large forest land owners like TIMOs and REITs. Other speakers included Camilla Herlevich with the Coastal Land Trust who spoke about conservation easements, Steve McKeand and Barry Goldfarb from NC State, spoke about the changing role of cooperative research. Rebecca Westbrooks from Southeastern Community College, spoke about new educational and technical opportunities.
There was plenty of opportunity for learning, but there was also plenty of opportunity for fun and fellowship. Central to that was the awards lunch.
During the awards lunch, we had the opportunity to recognize two very special members. Stuart Gregg and William Hart both were able to be present to receive their Golden Membership Awards for 50 years of service in the SAF.
Tal Fleming received the Young Forester Award. Jim Grey was honored for distinguished service, The outgoing officers were recognized and presented with certificates.
The field tour centered around private land management and conservation land management. During the tour we saw examples of longleaf pine restoration, wetlands restoration, limesink ponds, and an array of examples of management conducted by a variety of new owners since major forest land divestiture has occurred. Folks even learned the most expeditious way to get a van out of a sand pit.
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| Angie Carl with the Nature Conservancy leads a stop during the field tour |
The Division meeting offers plenty of opportunities for working together |
The summer meeting is the Division’s annual expression of the membership of the society. It takes current issues in the outside world, ties them in to their relevance to the Division, and then shows how they are playing out in a locality.
For those of you who were not able to attend, I hope you’ll plan to attend next year, and I hope all of our members will plan to attend the APSAF meeting this January. There’s no better way to see what the SAF does for its members and for the broader forestry community.
And when you do, take a moment to notice and to thank the folks that are wearing the black coveralls. Maybe even put on a pair yourself from time to time.
Tony Doster
NC Division Chair |
