MFA Goals and Accomplishments for 2007
serving the Maryland forest community since 1976
"MD's Voice for Forest, Wildlife, and Natural Resources Management."
"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

GOAL: To serve as an advocate for forest landowners, forestry professionals, and forest industry in all areas relating to forests and forestry.

  • Conducted another successful annual Forestry Legislative Reception in Annapolis, co-sponsored by the following forestry and conservation partner organizations:
    Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
    Association of Forest Industries
    Chesapeake Bay Foundation
    Forest Resources Association
    Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology
    Izaak Walton League of America, Maryland Division
    MARBIDCO
    Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards
    Maryland Christmas Tree Association, Inc.
    MD/DE Master Logger Program
    MD/DE Society of American Foresters
    Partnership for Sustainable Forestry
    Rural Maryland Council
    Southern Maryland RC&D
    The Conservation Fund
    The Nature Conservancy
    and
    University of Maryland Cooperative Extension
  • Represented MFA and forestry on Governor's Transition Team on Environment and Natural Resources. Members served on and contributed to Subcommittee on Living Resources and the Subcommittee on Resource-Based Industries
  • MFA officers, Board members, and members serve on Rural Legacy Advisory Committee, MALPF Board of Trustees, MARBIDCO Board of Directors, Agro-Ecology Center Board, NRCS EQIP State Technical Committee, MD Forests and Parks Centennial Committee, the Governor's Commission on Agriculture, and numerous county forestry boards.
  • MFA maintained a listserve to our members during Session to inform them of issues of concern to the forest community.
  • MFA continues to provide MFA members insurance at very competitive rates for forest products operators, hunt clubs, and forest landowners. Since 1998, both the Safety Group Insurance Program for forest products operators and the Hunting Lease Liability Insurance Program for hunt clubs and forest landowners have been available to our members.
  • Nearly 1/4 of a million dollars in dividends were paid to Safety Group Insurance Participants by Bitimunious Insurance to reflect 10% of premiums paid as a reward for a low loss ratio in 2006.

    GOAL: To effectively communicate to the public information about forests and forestry issues in Maryland, and inform members and non-members of Association action.

  • Sponsored the biennial Western Maryland Loggers/Forestry Field Day and Equipment Show in McHenry. More than a equipment show, the event showcases forestry and the forest industry to the public through educational exhibits, demonstrations and seminars.
  • THE CROSSCUT, MFA's official newsletter, is published bimonthly containing articles about MFA's activities and news from around the state and nation affecting the forest community. Complimentary copies are also sent to all legislators, government officials and department heads.

    GOAL: To promote professional development for foresters, loggers, truckers, and others in the forest products industry.

  • Provides administrative support to the MD/DE Master Logger Program.
  • MFA's Annual Meetings consistently serves as a source of continuing education credits for professional foresters and loggers.

    GOAL: To support effective informational and educational programs on forestry for members, youths and the public at large.

  • Sponsor for the Natural Resource Careers Week Conference at Hickory.
  • Sponsor for Project Learning Tree workshops at Frostburg State University.
  • Sponsor for the Maryland Envirothon.
  • Sponsor for Thomas Tyler Excellence in Forestry Scholarship at Allegany College of Maryland. This year's recipient is Melissa Stevens, a second year student from Cumberland, MD. The scholarship is awarded solely on merit to a full-time student enrolled in the forest technology curriculum or the forestry transfer curriculum of the Allegany College of Maryland. Applicants for the scholarship must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average.

    GOAL: To recognize those who have personally promoted sound forest management and conservation through their efforts .

  • R&S Logging of Millington, MD was named MFA's 2007 Logger of the Year having been nominated for their work by consultant forester Jim Klunk. Since 1987, MFA has presented the Logger of the Year Award to a logger or logging company who truly epitomizes a Master Logger by their forest management practices and logging skills.
  • In 2005 MFA created a totally new award category and entitled it the Outstanding Legacy Award. MFA is proud to present this award to Robert and Anne Hess of Somerset County, 2007 Maryland Tree Farmers of the Year, for their steadfast commitment to the guiding principals of forest conservation and service to Maryland's forest community.
  • The Outstanding Service to Forestry award was presented to Larry Walton, Vision Forestry, LLC, for his countless efforts on behalf of forests, forestry and the forest products industry throughout the many years he has been on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
    MFA - Maryland's voice for forestry and natural resources management!

    The mission of the Maryland Forests Association 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."