COLUMBUS, OH – Robert Boyles, Ohio's state forester, was recently named a Fellow by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
"Robert's work to promote sound forestry practices throughout Ohio has been invaluable toward efforts to maintain healthy, productive forests across the nation," said ODNR Director James Zehringer. "His dedication and leadership continue to raise awareness with private woodland owners, business owners, outdoor enthusiasts, young people and leaders in government and academia about the importance our forests and woodlands hold in our daily lives."
Awardees are recognized for exemplary action and sustained leadership over many years in advancing the forestry profession at the local, state and national level.
The SAF Fellow is recognized as an ambassador for the advancement of forestry and is the highest award given to SAF members by their peers.
The SAF was founded in 1900 by Gifford Pinchot, first chief of the U.S. Forest Service. SAF's mission is to advance sustainable management of forest resources through science, education and technology. Their mission is also to enhance the competency of its members and to establish professional excellence. SAF urges members to use their knowledge, skills and conservation ethic to ensure the continued health, integrity and use of forests to benefit society in perpetuity.
Under Boyles' leadership, ODNR obtained independent review and recertification this year for all of the 21 state forests under the management of the ODNR Division of Forestry. The division received recertification to the principles and criteria of two internationally recognized organizations - the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). The SFI integrates principles of environmental protection, while the FSC promotes responsible forest stewardship worldwide. All of Ohio's 21 state forests covering more than 200,000 acres are recertified.
Ohio was also recently recognized as the leading Tree City USA state in the nation for the 35th consecutive year. The Buckeye State has 241 participating cities, villages and townships that have achieved the Tree City USA designation.
Boyles will be recognized at the SAF National Convention in Madison, Wisconsin, in November and at the Ohio SAF 2017 Winter Meeting at The Ohio State University in March.
The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio's public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio's woodlands, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
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For more information, contact:
Stephanie Leis, ODNR Office of Communications
614-265-6860
