Maine TREE Hosts 2nd Annual Forest Awards Night

The Maine Timber Research & Environmental Education Foundation(Maine TREE) hosted its 2nd Annual Forest Awards Night on October 24th, during Forest Products week, at the Morgan Hill Event Center in Hermon. The event recognized the outstanding contributions made by individuals, landowners, and organizations to Maine's forests and was well attended by community members from across the forest sector.

This year's event also marked the 35th anniversary of the Maine TREE Foundation. For the past 35 years, Maine TREE has been dedicated to educating and advocating for the sustainable use of the forest and promoting the ecological, economic, and social well-being of Maine’s forest community. Our collaboration with forest community members helps instill public values that support healthy forest ecosystems, scientific forest management, and stewardship that benefit Maine’s forest-dependent communities while fostering an interest in forest-based careers within the next generation of Maine’s workforce. This year’s Forest Awards Night allowed us to honor and reconnect with colleagues and community members who have helped further our mission. 

“Maine’s Forest Community is made up of dedicated people who play a vital role in the stewardship of our state's most important natural resource. The growing success of Forest Awards Night illustrates its role as our community's opportunity to come together and celebrate the outstanding contributions made by members of our community.” - Logan Johnson, Executive Director, Maine TREE Foundation.

Three Certified Logging Professionals (CLP) of the Year awards were presented to individuals representing each professional category: conventional, mechanical, and contractor/supervisor. These individuals each show excellence within their field and demonstrate exceptional safety practices while contributing to the sustainable management of Maine’s forests. The winners include Lance Polley as the Conventional CLP of the Year, Ryan Burby as the Mechanical Logger of the Year, and Martin Ryan as the Contractor/Supervisor of the Year. 

Lance Polley has been a CLP since 2011. Thomas Ryan nominated him for the Conventional CLP of the Year award: "[Lance] was the third logger that harvested my woodlot over the past 20 years and the best." Lance is renowned for his safety, expertise, and friendliness on the job site. He readily addresses landowners' questions and ensures they are confident in their management decisions.

Ryan Burby has been a CLP since 2003 and was nominated by Randy Lagasse. Ryan has a long family history in the logging business and has worked hard to uphold the family legacy. He demonstrates exceptional quality, integrity, and passion in his work and for the logging profession. Safety is his top priority; his coworkers, landowner representatives, and supervising foresters can attest to his commitment to ensuring everyone comes home safely. Moreover, his dedication to delivering quality work is unparalleled in the field.

Martin Ryan, owner of Martin Ryan Selective Logging, has been a CLP since 1992. He was nominated by Bill Haslam, who credited Marty’s high-quality and safe work with helping him meet client needs. Marty also volunteers his time and expertise to speak to UMaine students about his work, including planning the harvest, interacting with the forester, and ensuring efficient and careful delivery of products with attention to the appearance of the job when completed. Marty’s passion for the profession and willingness to share his knowledge with others distinguish him as this year's Certified Logging Professional of the Year in the Contractor/Supervisor category.

The Maine Tree Farm Program honored Mike Dann as Inspecting Forester of the Year and awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award. Mike Dann has devoted over 40 years to the Maine Tree Farm Program, demonstrating exceptional commitment and expertise in forestry. His invaluable contributions as Chair and Inspecting Forester Training Facilitator and his prolific completion of Tree Farm Inspections have been instrumental in inspiring and guiding a generation of inspecting foresters. Mike's remarkable dedication has dramatically enriched the program and set a standard of excellence for his peers.

The 2024 Outstanding Tree Farmers, Larry and Barbara Beauregard, were also in attendance; their sustainable forest management practices and commitment to acting as exceptional stewards of their forest have been recognized throughout the year; this was their last public recognition before next year’s Outstanding Tree Farmer will be announced.

Kelly Lunt was recognized with the Anita Smith PLT Steward award for her dedication to providing educational opportunities to educators and students in her community, which is evident in her role as Director of Education at Woodlawn Museum. This award recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to Maine Project Learning Tree's mission of increasing awareness of the forest, its dynamic ecological systems, and the human dimensions of forest resource management.  Kelly’s commitment to personal and professional development is demonstrated by her participation in forest-based education workshops and your effort to bring Project Learning Tree workshops to your community, distinguishing her as an exceptional PLT steward.

As the Executive Director of Maine TREE for over twenty years, Sherry Huber played a crucial role in growing the organization and developing the annual Forests of Maine Teachers' Tours. Following her passing, the Board of Directors established an award to honor individuals dedicated to advancing forestry and forest products education in Maine, recognizing her contributions. Huber Resources Corporation & Sewall Forestry, on behalf of the Maine TREE Foundation, proudly presented the 2024 Sherry Huber Forest Champion Award to Alan Kimball for his invaluable contributions to Maine's forests. Alan’s impressive track record as a Champion of Maine's Forests is evident through his previous roles as the University of Maine Forests Manager and Associate Professor and his efforts to establish long-term ecosystem research at Holt Research Forest. Throughout his career, his focus on the applied aspects of field forestry has equipped numerous students with the hands-on technical skills necessary for successful careers in Maine’s forests. His impact on his students was demonstrated by the number of former students who were in attendance to see Al accept the Sherry Huber Forest Champion Award. 

A former student of Al’s and current Maine TREE board member, Julie Davenport, presented Al with a stack of letters written by Al’s students who were unable to attend the celebration. A former colleague of Al’s, Aaron Weiskittel, said, “ Al was an excellent teacher with colorful examples and a true genuine care for each student. He had plenty of good stories for the students to reflect on and learn from, which only came from the extensive experience that Al gained over the years. Al was also a huge champion at long-term research sites like the Holt Research Forest and always spoke to their benefit.” adding that ”Al was a true mentor and friend who was always willing to offer a hand or ear. I miss having him in Nutting Hall!”

Al, visibly moved by his award and the accolades of former students, addressed the group as a whole, saying, “You’ve made me proud.”

Karin Tilberg received the prestigious Austin H. Wilkins Forest Stewardship Award for her exceptional dedication and contributions to sustainable forest management in Maine. This award is given annually by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry in collaboration with the Maine TREE. It is the top honor for individuals and organizations demonstrating outstanding and sustainable management of Maine's working forests. Tilberg’s impressive career reflects her exceptional contributions to forest stewardship in Maine. Her expertise in forest policy and conservation has established her as a leader in Maine’s forestry sector. Her ongoing advocacy for the forest illustrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and the economic well-being of Maine's forest industry, truly embodying the spirit of the award. Most recently, Tilberg has served as the president and CEO of the Forestry Society of Maine, where she has been employed since 2011 and is scheduled to retire in November.

"Karin Tilberg’s contributions to Maine’s forestry community have been transformative,” said Patty Cormier, Maine State Forester, Maine Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. Elaborating that “(Karin) has championed the principles of sustainable forest management with passion and expertise that inspire all of us who work in this field. Her collaborative spirit and dedication to the long-term health of our forests have strengthened both the environmental and economic fabric of our state. It’s fitting that Karin is receiving the Austin H. Wilkins Forest Stewardship Award, which celebrates the highest ideals of forest stewardship—ideals that Karin has embodied throughout her remarkable career,”

"Ensuring the continued health of Maine’s forests for generations to come requires the dedication of numerous individuals from diverse professions. Forest Awards Night uniquely brings together those deeply vested in the future of Maine’s forests,” said Hope Light, Communications and Development Coordinator for Maine TREE. “The individuals recognized this year epitomize the wide range of professionals and institutions responsible for the sustainable stewardship of our state's beautiful wooded landscape," she said.

This event was made possible in part due to the generosity of its sponsors: Huber Resources Corp & Sewall Forestry, ED Bessey & Son, Hancock Lumber, Eaton Peabody, and Lumbra Hardwoods. Maine TREE congratulates all those who were recognized this year for their invaluable contributions to Maine’s forest and thanks all those who attended for helping us celebrate the award winners' achievements and our 35th anniversary.