Maryland Forests Association, Inc.
1976-2006
Celebrating 30 years of service to the Maryland forest community
a Special Birthday Message from MFA's Founder

MFA at age 30 - It's hard to believe! It seems only yesterday that we began meeting across the State, talking with like-minded people about the need for an organization representing the interests of all of Maryland's forestland stakeholders. It was apparent then, just as it is now, that forest land loss through conversion to other uses, is the common threat to landowners, timber processors, hunters, and those who simply enjoyed the benefits of a healthy forest land base. It was evident that there were significant problems to be resolved, including poor media perception, lack of public information, and increasingly restrictive legislation and regulations. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of its Board, staff, and members, MFA has met the challenges and continues to do so in this, its 30th year.

Sam Dyke
MFA President, 1976-1987

Leadership
Staff
Milestones
MFA Hall of Presidential Leadership
Samuel H.. Dyke
1976 - 1987

John E. "Jack" Brodie
1988- 1989

Thomas O. TylerIIi
1990 - 1991

John M. Forman
1992 - 1993

Peter H. Miller
1994 - 1995

H. Edward Yates
1996

Calvin D. Lubben
1997 - 1999

Peter P. Alexander
2000 - 2001

Kevin D. Simpson
2002 - 2003

Kirk P. Rodgers
2004

Chris Holmes
2005 - 2006

current Board of Governors

Executive Staff

Hank & Martha DeBruin
1980- 1988, 1990

Dee Horner
1989

Dave Chessler
1989

Susan K. Reinhart
1991 - 1994

Karin E. Miller
1995 to present

 

Significant Milestones

1978 -
A newsletter is created. Regional VPs are elected

1986 -
The first MFA Logger Field Days held at the Tuckahoe Steam Park in Easton

1987 -
The Crosscut & MFA logo are unveiled.

1988 -
Wallace Johnson named MFA's first Logger of the Year.

1990 -
Western Maryland Loggers/Forestry Field Day in Equipment Show unveiled in Garrett County

1993 -
The Maryland Right-to-Practice Forestry bill passed the Maryland Legislature

1995 -
Logger Training Workshops evolve into the Maryland Master Logger Program

1996 -
MFA produces the first of its annual Legislative Notebooks for distribution to the General Assembly. The books contain information on Maryland's forest resources, MFA issues of concern, and on what MFA is and does.

1997-
Thomas O. TylerIII Excellence in Forestry Memorial Scholarship established at Allegany College

1998 -
MFA enters the digital age with the launching of its website at mdforests.org

1998 -
MFA partners with Bituminous Insurance and Koch Insurance to create the Maryland Safety Group Insurance Program for MFA's logger and sawmill members.

1999 -
MFA partners with Davis-Garvin Agency to offer affordable Hunting Lease Liability Insurance

2000 -
MFA receives grant to create Maryland Forests Forever an interactive CD that teaches about our forest resources, forest conservation and forest products industry. The CD is distributed to middle school science classrooms across the State.

2001 -
MFA was instrumental in the formation of the Partnership for Sustainable Forestry. This coalition of pro-forestry organizations hosted its first legislative dinner in January 2001, with featured speaker Dr. Patrick Moore.

2002 -
An accompanying activity guide and website http://mdforests.org/forestsforever.htm are developed to give added support and information to teachers and others using the Maryland Forests Forever CD.

2003 -
MFA hosted its first Legislative Reception in the Baltimore County House Delegation Room in Annapolis. The event has since evolved into an annual reception and exhibition now held in the Presidential Reception Room of the Senate Building and including co-sponsors and exhibits from 16 other pro-forestry organizations.

2004 -
MFA co-hosted a Building Effective Wood Supply Chain Relationships Workshop on the Eastern Shore with staff from the Forest Resources Association (FRA). This one-day workshop brought together landowners, loggers and mill owners to identify, list and constructively discuss the factors leading to positive, as well as to strained business relationships between forest landowners, wood suppliers, and wood consuming mills.in other words to "take the temperature" of the business relationships in the wood fiber supply chain.

2005 -
Record crowds attended the 2005 Annual Meeting "Celebrating Our Past ~ Creating Our Future" held November 4 & 5 at Rocky Gap. The event served as a kick-off for the Maryland Forestry and Parks Centennial celebration. The event's keynote presentation was from the Bully Pulpit of President Theodore Roosevelt, aka Keith McGough. The history of the forest service and conservation efforts of landowners and industry were the focus of the educational sessions.

2006 -
MFA's series of Regional Town Hall Meetings will help shape our next 30 years. Plan now to attend the one nearest you !

Incorporated in 1976, MFA is a statewide, nonprofit , 501(c)(3) organization.

Our members are forest landowners, foresters and other natural resource professionals, hunt clubs and recreational groups, logging and trucking companies, the forest products industries, related businesses and individuals who believe in the wise-use of our forest resources.

Our mission is "to promote the maintenance of a healthy and productive forests land base so as to enhance the economic, environmental, and social well-being of all who live in Maryland."

We believe forest conservation is best accomplished through education; for ourselves and all who benefit from our forest resources.

"For a grassroots organization with a shoestring budget,
MFA consistently accomplishes amazing things.
It is a testimony to the dedication of our volunteers and support of our members."
MFA Executive Director Karin E. Miller, December 2005.
Top Ten Reasons to Join MFA