Spring 2002 Volume II, Number 1
IHLA HONORS LOGGER OF THE YEAR
The annual Tree Farmer Breakfast, held during the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen's
Association Convention on Jan.24, 2002, took time to honor an outstanding person
who has shown true respect for the value and future of Indiana forests. The
Indiana Tree Farm Committee each year takes nominations for Logger of the Year. Applicants for Logger of the Year are judged on
the type and quality of harvest practices, commitment to safety and resource
conservation, and cooperation with resource management professionals.
The 2001 Logger of the Year is Jack Christenberry from Solsberry, Ind. He was nominated by Thom Kinney, a consulting forester and district Tree Farm Chairman from Petersburg, Ind. Christenberry produces four to five million board feet of veneer and sawlogs annually. His high standards for professionalism and safety make him a true leader in the logging community, and he is well respected by other loggers, sawmill owners and timber buyers. "Jack is a very innovative and resourceful logger that will go to great pains to protect trees and soil during a harvest," Kinney said. "I am always pleased to find out when Jack Christenberry is going to log one of my harvest jobs." A key element the judges look for in each nominee's application is the willingness to spread the message of the benefits of sustainable forestry and good harvest practices. Christenberry has donated his time and machinery for use at forestry field days for landowners. He also shares with landowners the benefits of healthy forests and methods for improving forest health, and the need for all loggers to take continuing education courses in chain-saw safety and harvesting techniques. Jack has successfully completed Phases I through IV of Soren Eriksson Professional Timber Cutter Training, and is pursuing Kentucky Master Logger Certification.