COLUMBUS — The Ohio Forestry Association held its annual meeting and awards luncheon on February 6, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Columbus. Loggers, hardwood manufacturers, forestry professionals, and tree farmers from across the state gathered to hear important industry updates and present outstanding service awards. Top of mind for attendees was the economic uncertainty of trade wars and tariffs impacting Ohio’s hardwood industry.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of industry awards. OFA’s highest honor is reserved for the Outstanding Logger of the Year, and Mike Sissel of Sissel Logging in West Portsmouth was named the winner for 2024. Sissel Logging was recognized for its history of service to the Southern Ohio Loggers Chapter and commitment to public education about logging.

Sissel has taken his logging equipment to a county-wide school program at Shawnee State University for more than 10 years and conducted demonstrations for the students. This has cost him production as well as out-of-pocket expenses, demonstrating his passion for telling kids the truth about what loggers do and counteracting the common misconceptions that the public has about logging.

Other OFA awards included:

• Outstanding Individual in Government Service Award: Stephanie Downs (ODNR Division of Forestry, Columbus)

• Outstanding Individual in Industry Award: Adam Conway (Superior Hardwoods of Ohio,Inc., Wellston)

• Outstanding Individual in Private Service Award: Don Rawn (TTG Forestry Services, Jackson)

• Outstanding Logging Activist Award: Irene More (Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District, Steubenville)

• Walt Lange Conservation Education Award: Eric Hayes (Keeping it Native Land Management, Coolville)

Jared Lute of Lucasville began his term as board president at the conclusion of the meeting. Lute began logging for his family business when he was 10 years old. In addition to being a logger for more than 25 years, he is a farmer growing hay and grain crops and raising beef cattle. Jared holds a bachelor’s degree from Shawnee State University in science of education and a master’s degree from the University of Dayton in educational leadership. He is president of the Southern Ohio Loggers Chapter, president of the Northwest Local School District, a volunteer firefighter for Morgan Township and a deacon at Temple Baptist Church in Portsmouth.

The Ohio Tree Farm Committee held its annual meeting and awarded Chris Moser of Moser Woods in Bluffton) as the 2025 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. They will be hosting a Tree Farm of the Year Tour on Sept. 6, which is open to the public. Tom Mills of Findlay received the 2025 Ohio Tree Farm Inspector of the Year award.

The Ohio Forestry Association is a 501(c)(6) that supports the management of Ohio’s forest resources and the strengthening of member business opportunities in the forest products industry and related enterprises.