Pennsylvania Forestry Association: Events and Programs Update

The winners of the 2020 PFA awards, announced at our 134th Annual Symposium held virtually in October, are:

• Joseph T. Rothrock Conservationist of the Year Award – Reneé Carey
• Sandy Cochran Award for Excellence in Natural Resources Education – Jean Devlin
• Mira Lloyd Dock Outstanding Woman Conservationist Award – Sally Zaino

Although we were unable to have the awards handed to them at an in-person event, I am happy that when they were announced during October's online event, there were more people watching than we usually have at the in-person Annual Symposium. With many heroes out there working for forest sustainability and deserving recognition, it is nice to be able to bring some of them to your attention. Also, the Annual Symposium speakers' videos are available to view online at www.paforestry.org.

PFA continues to plan for future events such as the virtual Conservation Fundraiser in March (we can't really call it the Conservation Dinner this time as there will be no dinner). Due to the curtailed nature of this event, it is essential that we sell all 350 tickets. The winner receives $10,000. The odds of winning at 350:1 are better than any state lottery. Please consider supporting the PFA by purchasing a ticket. Contact the PFA office at 800-835-8065 to get yours. Note the $100 ticket price can be split among a group if you like. We look forward to holding this event live and in person in the future—it's a fun evening of food, auctions, raffles, and anticipation of the drawdown to the final ticket, the $10,000 winner. Don't miss out, virtually this year or in-person in years ahead!

Work is progressing on future issues of the Pennsylvania Forests magazine and I thank all involved in that major endeavor. The Forest Heritage Committee expects to have the second installment of its video series up and running by the end of 2020. You can view current and upcoming videos on the Pennsylvania Forestry Association's YouTube channel. The Finance Committee has met to review the Association investments and to set the proposed 2021 budget. Finally, I want to congratulate Matt Gabler as he takes on the reins of the PA Forest Products Association. We look forward to working with him on mutual forestry concerns.

For more information about PFA, visit the website at www.paforestry.org or call 800-835-8065.

Written by Mark Ott, Pennsylvania Forestry Association President