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“Conservation of a renewable resource is what forestry is all
about,” said Dan Balser, chief of the Division of
Forestry. “Our inductees have been passionate leaders in
innovative forest practices and have enabled many other
foresters, students, and landowners to practice better forest
stewardship.”
Trees were planted in the Forest of Honor to recognize the
following recipients:
Gary Kaster
Gary Kaster significantly advanced commercial, private, and
public forestry in Ohio by being instrumental in developing and
implementing successful improvements to forestry practices that
can be used at all levels of forest management in Ohio. Many of
Gary’s achievements involved extensive experimental tree
planting on American Electric Power’s (AEP) surface mine
reclamation sites. He also served multiple terms on Ohio’s
Forestry Advisory Council, including significant time as
chairman.
Dave Apsley
Dave Apsley’s name is synonymous with forestry education in
Ohio. His outstanding leadership and innovation are based on his
tireless hard work and ability to network to accomplish well
thought-out goals. He is the primary coordinator and leader of
the very successful “A Day in the Woods-2nd Friday Series”
programming, now in its eighth year at Vinton Furnace State
Forest and other southeastern Ohio locations. Due to his
leadership, more than 100 presenters and partners have
collaborated to teach and sponsor 70 programs to more than 3,000
woodland owners and enthusiasts representing the 125,000 acres
of woodlands they own.
Ohio FFA Camp Muskingum
Located in Carroll County on the banks of Leesville Lake, FFA
Camp Muskingum has been offering unique outdoor experiences
since 1942. The forests, hillside, and lake offer prime
opportunities for nature studies. When Camp Canopy (formerly
“Ohio Forestry Association Forestry and Wildlife Conservation
Camp”) needed a new home, FFA Camp Muskingum rose to accept the
opportunity in the mid-1990s. They have been very accommodating
and bring a high-quality staff to work with the high schoolers
that attend Camp Canopy to learn about natural resources
stewardship.
Induction into the Forest of Honor recognizes individuals,
groups, and organizations that have contributed significantly to
the accomplishment of the Division of Forestry’s mission and the
advancement of Ohio forestry in one or more of the following
ways:
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Develop and/or implement successful improvements to forestry
practices that can be used at all levels of forest
management in Ohio;
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Raise public awareness about the benefits of well-managed
forest resources;
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Champion legislation that results in a successful policy
change to forestry practices.
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Educate students in the knowledge, appreciation, and
problem-solving skills related to trees and forest
management.
To learn more about the Forest of Honor, visit
forestry.ohiodnr.gov/forestofhonor.
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