Green Horizons

There are many loggers scattered throughout Missouri who do an outstanding job harvesting timber. In an effort to recognize their efforts, the Missouri Department of Conservation has established the Regional and State Logger of the Year Award.

The awards are given to those loggers who exemplify low-impact logging. Some of the evaluation criteria include: proper planning of skid trails and log decks, minimal damage to remaining trees, prevention of soil erosion, aesthetics of the site after the harvest is complete, safe work performance and use of equipment, and the desire to address wildlife management concerns. In addition, the logger must have completed the Professional Timber Harvester Training Program sponsored by the Missouri Forest Products Association and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The 2007 Regional Loggers of the Year were Tom Heidlage – Southwest; Dustin Lindgren – Southeast; Roger Whetstine – Northwest; Jack & Brad Buster – Northeast; Ron Tuttle – Ozarks; and Kenneth Williams – Ozarks runner- up.

The State Logger of the Year was selected from the regional winners and the 2007 award went to Ron Tuttle. Ron has always done an exceptional job on his state land sales, totaling several million board feet. He also has an excellent reputation for logging on private land, including Pioneer Forest, who co-nominated Ron along with the Sunklands Conservation Area work team. Tuttle’s harvesting operations leave little residual damage because they use Best Management Practices, directional felling, insistence on Outstanding Loggers Recognized John Tuttle, MO Department of Conservation using cable skidders, and a conscientious mindset while operating in the woods.

Crader Distributing Company, the exclusive distributor of Stihl Outdoor Power Equipment in MO, KS, NE, and southern IL, is sponsoring the program by presenting each regional winner with a protective kit valued over $475 as well as a new chainsaw to the state winner.

Do you know of a logger in your neck of the woods deserving of such an award? If so, contact your local Department of Conservation forester and nominate them for the 2008 Logger of the Year!