Morphing from an 8 page newsletter format with clip art to a participant-friendly, on-line format may seem challenging. However, if we can work together to create an attractive, thought-provoking, community of participants here at The Forester, it will be worth the effort! Who am I and why should you join me in this endeavor?    I better introduce myself so you have a better idea who you are dealing with here at The Forester. I mentioned some of my previous work in the lead article (above). I mentioned that I wrote forestry newsletters for Penn State Extension for 6 years. You may be familiar with my previous writings in The Southwest Forester, but if not, feel free to check them out at http://cambria.extension.psu.edu/swforester. The 22 archived issues contain enjoyable reading and helpful information for anyone interested in forests.

Briefly, I would also like to introduce you to the career path I have been on since graduating with a Forest Science degree from Penn State in 1994. First, I was hired as a forest manager by International Paper Co. and was stationed in Tupper Lake, NY for 2 years. While in the “heart of the Adirondacks” I prepared harvest areas, managed logging crews and learned about long-term forest management.

Next, I worked as a timber buyer and forest manager in Pennsylvania for Wenturine Bros. Lumber, Inc. for 5 years. I bought timber from private landowners, inventoried thousands of acres, purchased land with timber value, managed logging jobs, and learned about the forest industry.

From 2001 to 2007, I worked for Penn State Extension as a regional extension forester, covering 9 PA counties. My job was to design, implement and evaluate forestry educational programming for landowners, loggers, foresters, youth and the general public. In the process, I helped develop 2 forest landowner associations and supported 2 others. I also helped develop a local branch of the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) and I’m currently the vice president of the Laurel Highlands QDMA Branch. Over the last 6 years, I have organized over a hundred educational workshops for forest owners, written dozens of forestry-related articles, visited 100’s of private forests, and learned about the educational needs of forest owners. Check out my annual reports/success stories at http://cambria.extension.psu.edu/NResources/AnReport/RegForAR.htm

Now, since July of 2007, I have become a partner with Appalachian Forest Consultants, a Pennsylvania-based forest management company that has been a leader in forest management services for 40 years. I joined the team of Larry and Quinton Powell – men of integrity with a passion for forestry and a great reputation with forest owners and the industry. Appalachian Forest Consultants provides the following forest management services: multiple-use forest management guidance, timber evaluation, timber marketing, forest stewardship assistance and invasive/competetive plant control services. Check out our company web site at www.appalachianforestconsultants.com

Again, welcome to The Forester. It is my hope that interacting with The Forester over the coming years will improve your forest, help you understand forest management and equip you to become a forest management advocate in your community.

Why should you join me? Well, I guess that's a hard one to answer...how about just give me a chance. Read some of my previous writings in The Southwest Forester that are linked above. See if you sense a sincere desire on my part as a forest health advocate. Take a look at some of my annual reports from my Penn State Forestry Extension days. See if you think my forestry education efforts were well-planned and well-placed in the community. Take a look at my current work with Appalachian Forest Consultants on our company website linked above. See if sound forest management seems paramount in our activities. Are you willing to get involved? This journey may just be worth the effort!

Mike Wolf

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