2024 southern region award winners announced: celebrating excellence and innovation in forestry

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Chattooga River Ranger District, including Amy McClave, Thomas Black, Bret Sparks, Tim Dean, Steven Roberts, Donna Olson, Rose Rudisill, Barb Ramey, Casey Quarterman and Ryan Williams, are being recognized for their efforts in fire prevention, including an emphasis on education as a key part of their fire prevention strategy and coordinated events involving numerous first responder partners, reaching audiences of all ages.  The District team utilized one-on-one contacts, displays and Smokey Bear appearances, including a 13 foot Smokey Bear inflatable. Their programming reached over 7,100 people and fire management leadership are confident their efforts reduced unwanted ignitions across the district and beyond.

Bill Swartley and Tom Gerow have made significant contributions to forestry and water quality management over the course of their careers with the North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS). Prior to retirement, both Bill and Tom, as Water Resources Branch Program Head and Water Resources Staff Forester respectively, led efforts to advance communication, assessments and implementation of forestry best management practices (BMPs) for water quality. They developed essential programs like the bridgemat loaning initiative and the annual Forestry Water Quality Year-In-Review, which highlights the branch’s accomplishments. Their work includes creating educational materials such as pocket guides and newsletters, supporting research projects that demonstrated BMP effectiveness and updating the North Carolina Forestry BMP Manual. Their efforts have resulted in NCFS being recognized for having one of the premier state forestry water resource programs in the country.