This year, the Society of American Foresters will celebrate 100 years of service to the forestry profession. As part of the centennial celebration, and an ongoing national partnership with Habitat for Humanity, the Montana SAF is planning to show the relationship between forest resources and the need for affordable and decent housing.

The Forest for Humanity 2000 project will include private non-industrial forest landowners that are members of the Montana Tree Farm Program, accredited/certified loggers and professional log haulers, lumber and manufacturing mills, and volunteers to construct a Habitat for Humanity home in Missoula. Tree Farmers from the Missoula area will donate a portion of their trees harvested. Local accredited loggers and professional log haulers will donate their time and equipment to harvest the trees and transport them to local mills. The logging will be accomplished using the latest "high-tech" computerized, "light on the land" Cut-to-Length equipment. The mills in turn will donate their time and process the logs into different products that will be used in the construction of a new Habitat home. The mills may also donate the cash equivalent of the logs to Habitat for Humanity to help purchase other building products for the new home. To complete the cycle, the new homeowners will return to the Tree Farmer’s property and plant trees for the future.

The harvesting will take place throughout the spring and summer. The logs will be manufactured into wood building products during the same period. All culminating in a blitz build construction of a Habitat for Humanity home in Missoula during September 13-16. These dates also coincide with the National Tree Farm Convention and the Montana SAF State Convention, both being held in Missoula that week. The estimated 150 SAF members and the 400-500 Tree Farmers will be holding several joint events, field trips and will jointly supply volunteers for the blitz build of the Habitat home.

The purpose of the Forest for Humanity 2000 project is to create a model which can be replicated elsewhere that shows the relationship between good sustainable forest stewardship, the need for affordable decent housing and the role timber products play in home construction.

This will be a great opportunity, not only to support the community and promote the need for affordable housing, but also show that these homes cannot be constructed without wood products.

For more information, contact Scott Kuehn at 542-3273 or Gordy Sanders at 677-2201

By Bob Sturtevant

Greetings, Montana Foresters! I am your new Council representative whose name and face you will see for the next three years. My first state society meeting as council member was at the Montana Leadership Conference. This well organized meeting was a great introduction to what I expect I will see, time and again, around the district – dedicated members putting on quality meeting and events. I thank Gordy Sanders and his team for a warm welcome to my new position with SAF.

I will admit from the start that I am a true believer in SAF. I didn’t join the society until I found a permanent position with the Colorado State Forest Service. The idea of joining wasn’t really mine. My supervisor handed me an application and said "Here, fill this out and send it in with a check." Being the obedient subordinate, I did what I was told. I have never regretted taking that action, nor was I concerned that my boss "influenced" me into joining. He did me a great favor. The benefits to me personally and professionally have been enormous.

At first, joining SAF wasn’t any different to me then my membership in the National Wildlife Federation. I received magazines and other materials about current forestry issues and research. However, it wasn’t long until my boss was back with another request. He was a Chapter Chair looking to fill a few officer positions. I was soon the chapter secretary. From there, because ours was a small group, I skyrocketed to Chair. As Chair, I was automatically a member of the State Executive committee. Twenty years later, I am still serving on the state committee

The benefits I received over the years include: obtaining leadership skills; accumulating a network of professional acquaintances; receiving hundreds of hours of continuing education; having the opportunity to travel around the country and world; and being recognized for the effort I have given to the profession.

SAF gives us the opportunity to leave our forestry niche and look at what’s happening on the other side of the hill, state and nation. We soon find our situations are not unique. Other foresters are having similar experiences and, by golly, they may have some innovative ideas how to handle the problem. If they don’t have a solution, they will certainly have a great deal of empathy for your situation.

If I had to name the single most important reason I have remained a loyal member of SAF, it would be the relationships I have developed with my fellow SAF members. There are many additional benefits as I have already listed. But, when my dues statement comes each fall, I don’t weigh the amount against the quality of our publications or how much I enjoyed the last convention. I look at the value I have derived by meeting and working with my fellow foresters. I look at what I have learned from the people who spoke at the educational sessions, people who really believe in what they are doing. I see what the professional society is doing for the country and for the world.

From my experiences at the chapter and state level, I have always felt my membership in SAF was worth my time and money. Now that I am on Council and see what is happening throughout the society and at the National Office, I truly believe our dues are a bargain.

I challenge you to look beyond the material benefits of SAF and see the real value of membership.

Bob Sturtevant

Division Supervisor, Conservation Education

Colorado State Forest Service

210 Forestry Bldg, Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO 80521-5060

Direct Phone: 970.491.7598, fax: 970.491.7736

By Russ Gautreaux

I’ve been a member of the Society of American Foresters since 1978 and have had the honor of serving the membership in a variety of capacities at the chapter and state level, as well as working as a volunteer at several National SAF conventions. My involvement in SAF has given me opportunities for professional growth through leadership, involvement in community-based projects, networking and continuing education. Many of these very positive experiences would not have been available to me, otherwise. I can’t imagine what my professional life would be like without the benefits I’ve received through my active involvement.

From the time I joined the SAF I’ve found the members to be a group of community-based individuals that hold their professional ethics in hand and carryout their daily work responsibilities with a lot of pride and enthusiasm. From the start, I knew that SAF members were a great group of individuals with passion for Forestry on and off the job.

Many of them are actively involved in their respective local chapters and state societies and care a great deal for their respective communities and the forestlands they manage. It is with this same sense of pride that St. Regis Paper Company foresters began taking Libby’s elementary school kids on educational woods tours in the 1940’s. These efforts have continued to this day and have been a model for other SAF chapters across the country. This same group of professional foresters promoted an international exchange of professional experience with British Columbia foresters to the north.

In response to the evolving nature of our profession and the political and social fabric it is bound to, the Society of American Foresters has broadened the scope of its involvement and sharpened its communication efforts. The National SAF leadership continues to speak out on behalf of its membership and the profession at-large. While I don’t always agree with their position on some issues, I feel that the National Office of SAF makes a valiant attempt to be a voice for us in the debates that surround Forest Management. They are frequently asked to testify at government proceedings on Capital Hill and present the position of the Society on natural resource issues. This has come with some success, a lot of criticism, and certainly its share of frustration. Despite some of the criticism directed at these efforts and the ‘adaptive’ nature of the SAF, I feel that this debate can be healthy and does not have to divide us as foresters.

Belonging to SAF and participating at meetings and conventions has helped me to stay current on what is happening in forestry and associated fields throughout the industry. It is very easy to stay focused only within our small working circle, but state and national meetings are great opportunities to meet our peers and share professional experiences and insights on regional and national forestry-related issues. The Journal of Forestry. the SAF website, The Forestry Source, and the State Society newsletter continue to offer me information that is not only relevant to my job, but to my broader professional interests.

For some, the value of SAF membership is often questioned. I feel that if one is willing to be involved in some capacity, SAF membership more than pays for itself in professional satisfaction alone. Additional values are realized by developing a more in-depth connection through local community-based projects, environmental education and personal friendships that extend across the normal bounds of our employment. If you’re questioning the value of your continued membership in SAF, consider becoming more involved in some form or another. Just going to occasional chapter meetings and reading the journal may not be enough to satisfy your professional needs. I look forward to many more years of involvement with SAF. I’m grateful for the opportunities and the association that I’ve had with foresters that share my passion for this very challenging profession.

By David Stack

I am a professional forester and I belong to the Society of American Foresters because:

Association with other foresters in a society is necessary to maintain my professional status, methods, and ethics. Professionalism enhances my image and the public's willingness to consider my views on topics related to management of natural resources.

I attend SAF meetings, field trips and conventions to learn. We face constant change. Scientific and management knowledge is quickly outdated. SAF membership promotes additional learning opportunities beyond what is offered by employers. Almost every meeting provides me with a new idea, that I can apply to issues I face.

SAF provides opportunities to develop personal relationships with people you may know only through business contacts. Developing relationships with people employed in different capacities, companies, agencies and universities is extremely beneficial. Becoming friends means you are more likely to find workable solutions without compromising your key principals.

SAF is fun and rewarding. Meetings are not all business. Projects, like Forests for Humanity, at the 2000 Montana SAF Convention will be personally rewarding.

By David Klem

SAF has been a group where I can socially and professionally exchange stories and ideas on forestland management with fellow foresters.

From the mid-fifties to the early sixties, I would go to SAF dinner meetings and seminars, when time permitted. Sometime in l963, I attended a meeting where they were taking nominations for Flathead Chapter Vice-Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer. Someone nominated me for Secretary-Treasurer, and I declined. When John Host asked why, I told him I was not a member. Before the meeting was over, I had been invited to join, and did. Since that time, I've been actively working as a Society Forester, serving as Secretary-Treasurer of the Flathead Chapter, Vice-Chairman and later, Chairman (l965-l966) of the Northern Rocky Mountain Section, and Chairman for the l966-l967 term.

I attended the l966 Canadian Institute of Forestry/Society of American Foresters joint meeting in Ottawa, Canada, and the l967 National SAF meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, representing the Northern Rocky Mountain Section as their delegate to the House of Delegates.

I have taken part in many seminars on panels or as emcee. Again, all this time it has been a chance to socially and professionally exchange ideas on forestland management with other foresters.

Since I retired in l984, the Society, through meetings and the Journal of Forestry, have enabled me to keep abreast of many facets

of forest and land management as it is today.

Membership, declining membership and the cost of membership are hot topics. It comes up at every Executive Council Meeting. It is not only Montana members that are commenting and discussing this, Oregon’s SAF January newsletter was all about the benefits of SAF membership.

It is important to know that SAF has charged membership dues ever since the founding of the Society in November of 1900. Montana State Chapter and the Local Chapters determine their own dues amounts. They inform National of that determination; National collects the dues and then reimburses the chapters for that amount. Montana’s state dues are $1.00 per person. Local chapters, except Missoula, are $2.00 per person. The last dues increase took place in January of 1999. Dues increases were necessary because of the increase in the cost of doing business and because of the increase in programs members indicated they would like provided. Dues increases are facilitated through Council. The Council voted to simplify the dues structure so that all professional members will eventually pay a flat rate, rather than the current rate structure that escalates as the number of years of membership affiliation increases. This restructuring is expected to result in a more equitable situation for each member.

However, as part of this restructuring, dues rates in all membership categories increased. The increase was to help fund the substantial enhancements to member benefits that have been developed since 1990, when dues were last raised.

During the last several years SAF has:

· Launched The Forestry Source. The monthly newspaper, first published at the 1995 SAF national convention, prepares readers to address future challenges by keeping them informed of current news and issues affecting natural resources.

· Increased policy efforts. The addition of a congressional liaison to the national office staff strengthens the Society's ability to affect legislative decisions on the federal, state, and local level.

· Created the Certified Forester® Program. The program, initiated in 1995, provides a national standard that identifies a professional's level of education, experience, and commitment.

· Enhanced communications outreach. The hiring of a communications manager in 1995 helps SAF to better keep its members, the public, media, and policymakers accurately informed about forestry issues and practices.

· Created the SAF web site. This added service, which went online in 1996, enables users to exchange ideas, obtain answers, and find out what is happening in SAF and the profession-instantaneously. The web site also allows SAF to reach a broad audience with accurate information and positive messages about the profession.

· Increased state society support. A state society support manager, first hired in 1995, provides resources and guidance for state and local programs.

· Developed the National Leadership Academy. The training program, first held in 1995, strengthens participants' leadership skills, thus enhancing their performance as professionals and SAF volunteers.

Offered liability insurance for local units. Starting in 1994, state societies, divisions, and chapters could obtain general liability insurance that provides coverage for injury and property damage claims resulting from meetings or other events.

In considering the changes, Council reflected on the significant benefits that SAF members have gained during the past nine years. Most of these new or enhanced programs relate to the need for more positive communications with members and the public and for a strengthened dialogue with policymakers.

Sometimes it is difficult to see where dues money is used. Charles Jackson, SAF Director of Finance & Administration noted the many programs that membership dues support. These programs are the Leadership Academy, school accreditation and continuing education, Capitol Hill activities on forest policy, the Certified Forester program, working groups, communications including the WEB, HSD, Foresters' Fund grants, various centennial activities/programs, Committee on Forest Policy, conservation education, and the Forest Science & Technology Board.

SAF also receives grants to apply towards specific programs or services. Grants have been obtained to engage local units to investigate and document forest fragmentation relative to the Chesapeake Bay program accomplished through technical meetings and field trips; for the sustainability project to develop and to conduct regional workshops and virtual demonstration forests; and to participate in the forest inventory and analysis group.

During the last several years, SAF needed to respond to many challenges or risk obsolescence. Many new and enhanced SAF programs and services have been developed to correspond to increased challenges forestry and natural resources professionals handle. In addition to membership fees, SAF works at obtaining financial support through different avenues.

Members should subscribe to the Mission Statement of the Society: the mission of the Society of American Foresters is to advance the science, education, technology, and practice of forestry; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and, to use the knowledge, skills, and conservation ethic of the profession to ensure the continued health and use of forest ecosystems and the present and future availability of forest resources to benefit society. Then decide if the fees are too high for what is received.

Membership reports are distributed to local chapters bi-monthly. These reports reflect the changes within the chapters and give national statistics.

The national figures show a 6% loss in its members in the last year. It shows that Professional members make up 65% of the overall membership. Retired professionals make up 11% of membership. Students make up 10% of the national membership; they make up 13% of Montana’s.

The report shows that 44% of national members have been associated with the Society for less than 10 years. Almost 65% have been involved for less than 20 years. And, while 80% of the members are over age 30, 40% are between the ages of 30 and 50.

It is of no surprise that 98% of the members are Caucasian, or that 88% are male.

As for employment, 23% of members work for the government, either federal, state or local, 20% work for private industry, and 16% are self-employed. Retirees make up 14% of membership; students make up 13%; 8% work in colleges and universities. The remaining 6% are in a variety of different categories such as non-U.S. government, associations, and unemployed.

Mid and Upper level management make up 25% of members

employment positions. Field Foresters and technicians make up around 18% and specialists are almost 10%. Over 30% of members do not indicate their positions.

Almost 30% of members do not share their income either. However, over 11% of members indicate they make over $70,000. Surprisingly, this is the highest single category noted. The next highest was the 8% who indicated they made $30-$35,000 annually.

In some instances, the number of non-indicators makes it difficult to compare what the figures actually mean.

The numbers available to the State Chapter show the number of members who are new, resigned or transfer from chapter to chapter. The following table indicates the changes that have occurred in 2000:

It is an honor and a privilege to represent such an outstanding and dedicated group of professionals. Thank you for the opportunity to lead Montana’s SAF into this 21^st Century during this, our 100^th year as a professional organization.

2000 for SAF in Montana is flying by with April here.

As quickly as it goes, so does tremendous progress, innovation and creativity. We have already accomplished a great deal with extra effort from many SAF members. The Executive Committee has a full compliment of subcommittees, and is functioning in a timely and efficient manner. Montana sponsored the joint Leadership Conference for Montana and Inland Empire leaders. Those of you who didn’t attend missed the opportunity to learn about SAF leadership, membership, organization and above all a great time to meet people and have fun. Remember, the world is run by people who show up!

We also have formally launched Montana’s Forests for Humanity Project! This formal partnership with Habitat for Humanity and Tree Farmers/private landowners donating standing trees has all the qualities of a national approach to advance publicly the link between growing trees and affordable housing. The kickoff event was one of many media opportunities for our 2000 centennial year. Thanks go to Spiker Communications for the press contacts, Rose Qualley (Andie MacDowell) for donating the trees, Judy Barker representing Rose Qualley and Tree Farmers, WW Contracting who donated their time and cost for their cut-to-length/forwarder harvest system, Rod Conat Trucking who donated his costs, and to the mills involved who will donate their manufacturing costs – Plum Creek Timber Company, Stimson Lumber Company, Pyramid Mountain Lumber, Inc., Eagle Stud Mill, and Smurfit-Stone Container. Montana’s Secretary-Treasurer Steve Hayes has set up a separate tracking system to account for the values of contributions.

If you didn’t see it, read it or hear it, press coverage by KPAX, KECI, the Missoulian, and the KUFM Radio interviews were excellent and word is traveling fast. Bev Yelczyn is writing an article for the "Forestry Source", and the National Tree Farm organization has requested copies of any media exposure. Above all, Habitat for Humanity is thrilled with our partnership and newly appointed Executive Director in Missoula, Dave Chrismon, has already written an article in Habitat for Humanity’s newsletter. State Habitat for Humanity field representative Glen Johnson would like us to sponsor all of Montana’s Habitat homes!

Get ready for an old-fashioned barn raising September 13-16 at the annual SAF meeting. The "Blitz Build" habitat home is on schedule with a groundbreaking ceremony and media event at the end of May to follow with foundation, floor, rough wiring, rough plumbing done this summer. The Student Chapter jumped at the chance to put on the roof at the "Blitz Build" and rumor has it they have challenged the Flathead Chapter to complete the north wall, the Missoula Chapter to take the lead on the south wall, the Libby Chapter to take the lead on the west wall, and the Eastside Chapter to take on the east wall! Line up your volunteers to help complete a very worthwhile and rewarding project. Other folks from Habitat for Humanity and Tree Farmers will be there to help along with members of the public. This is going to be good – so don’t miss the opportunity to participate!

The Centennial Committee is also hard at work getting ready for the time capsule and events at our annual meeting. The Missoula Chapter has the annual meeting under control, but they are always looking for good help. The Eastside Chapter’s Centennial Brewery Flats Project on Spring Creek in Lewistown is also moving right along with a tree and shrub planting on April 28- 29, 2000. All SAF members and national officers are invited by the Eastside to attend.

Montana SAF has submitted a Membership Fund Project request to help our efforts to retain membership as well as recruit new members. Our exposure to the public, elected officials, and other land management organizations continues to increase. The Policy Committee continues assessment on a variety of issues such as the President’s Roadless Policy, Lynx, West Slope Cutthroat, and State legislation when appropriate. All members need to understand and believe "we are the professionals," and we can and do make a difference.

A final thought is part of the Mission of the Society of American Foresters:

"Advance the education and practice of forestry and to use the knowledge, skills and conservation ethics of the profession to ensure the continued health and use of forest ecosystems and …. the present and future availability of forest resources to benefit society."

2000 offers our professional society the opportunity to increase its public exposure, and advance the natural, although often forgotten, link between managing forest ecosystems and the goods and services it provides for the long-term benefit of the people in Montana and society as a whole across this great nation.

The Goals for the Montana Society of American Foresters are fun and challenging. The ideas and objectives allow each chapter to fully participate in their own style. Members are encouraged to find a project that excites them and help the state fulfill their goals.

Encourage each chapter to host an open forum or presentation on a natural resource issue, like bringing Patrick Moore to town.

Membership drives – add at least 10 new members.

Sponsor/Co-sponsor Habitat Home to be built in 2001.

Launch Montana Forest for Humanities project.

Conduct the Leadership Conference in coordination with the Inland Empire Society.

Develop Centennial Events for 2000 - Lewistown project, time capsule, and centennial committee report after the annual meeting.

Conduct the annual meeting creating a vision for Professional Forestry into the 21^st Century.

Create three new leaders.

Increase SAF exposure to the public for historic, educational, and professional reasons during the year. Have the Society recognized throughout Montana as "the" professional group with the press and media.

Expand upon the role and involvement of the policy committee, increase their exposure publicly and have others look to them for sound credible information on important issues.

The National Office highlighted its plans for the year 2000:

Mark your calendars and plan to attend this year's Montana SAF State Meeting, which will be September 13-16,2000 in Missoula.

This year's meeting will be on the campus of the University of Montana at the University Center. It will kick off with an Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday evening, immediately followed by an icebreaker, both of which are open to all members. Thursday morning will feature a keynote speaker (to be announced) as well as a slide show illustrating the history of logging and forestry in Montana during the past 100 years. The opportunity to work on the Habitat for Humanity house will begin on Thursday afternoon. There are forestry displays at Fort Missoula, including the operation of a steam-powered sawmill. Thursday evening there will be a Pig Roast and entertainment at the Fort. Fort Missoula is also the site where the SAF Centennial Time Capsule will be dedicated and placed. This meeting will feature special events in celebration of the SAF Centennial.

Friday will feature break-out sessions covering various aspects of the forestry profession. Presentations will focus on future management opportunities and challenges and the role of technology as well as social and political influences on forestry. Our sessions will break in the afternoon for a presentation by Dr. Patrick Moore, co-founder of Greenpeace and advocate of responsible forest management. This presentation is co-sponsored by SAF and the School of Forestry through the Plum Creek Lecture Series. The evening will finish with the Annual Banquet.

On Saturday, a field trip offers the opportunity to interact with private timberland owners from across the country. (The Tree Farm Association will be holding their national convention in Missoula simultaneously with Montana’s State SAF Meeting.) Field events are planned at Lubrecht Forest and more details are forthcoming.

The 14^th annual Montana Natural Resources Youth Camp will be held from July 23 to July 29, 2000 at the University of Montana’s Lubrecht Forest, 23 miles East of Missoula in the Blackfoot River valley. The Camp is offered to 45 high school age teens who will be entering grades 10 to 12 and who have a keen interest in learning about the natural resources of Montana and how they are managed.

The areas of focus are; Soils, Water, Range, Forestry, Wildlife, Minerals and Geology, and Recreation Management. The instructors for the camp are working professionals in these fields and include a range of backgrounds including: Government, Consulting, Ranching, and Industrial.

The cost of the camp is $175 and the camper is required to provide a $75 deposit at the time of application and pay the rest by July 1^st. The deadline for applications is May 15^th. Campers are encouraged to contact businesses, agencies and groups such as the Society of American Foresters for help with the fees.

By Lars Halstrom

The Montana SAF Eastside Chapter will be needing volunteers to help with the planting of trees and shrubs for the Brewery Flats Restoration Project in Lewistown, Montana on April 28th and 29th.

Approximately 140 7th graders will be part of the activities on April 28th, which will include a curriculum, along with planting of 322 shrubs and trees.

Dennis Davaz is the project's coordinator for the SAF and has done an outstanding job in securing $15,000 in funding to purchase nursery stock of all sizes. The planting holes will be pre-dug for the larger stock by the Eastside Chapter members on April 7th, 8th and 9th.

Brewery Flats is located on Highway 258, adjacent to the south side of the Lewistown city limits on the way to the Big Spring trout hatchery. Bring field clothes, gloves, shovel and a lunch and we will meet at approximately 9am at the parking area along Hwy 258 each day. Lewistown has several motels and RV parks for overnight accommodations. If you would like further information, call Sam Gilbert @ 449-8674.

Libby Chapter has had some very interesting topics in meeting over the last couple of months. March’s meeting presented the history of Lake Missoula, and it impacts on the Pacific Northwest. It was interesting to hear how different the Kootenai Valley geology varies from areas just south along the Clark Fork. February’s meeting hosted representatives from the Forest Service, DNRC and Plum Creek Timber Company. Each entity discussed their different approach to the recent Douglas fir Beetle outbreak including harvest techniques and timber management. State Chair Gordy Sanders attended this meeting.

In April, Libby will celebrate Arbor Day with a tree planting celebration with students from Head Start led by Russ Gautreaux. The three and four-year olds will help to plant trees and meet Smokey the Bear.

SAF members will also participate in a city tree planting

celebration in conjunction with the Libby City Tree Board and the Chamber of Commerce. Larger spruce trees were removed from the main streets in Libby and will be replaced with deciduous trees (Maple and Ash). The Celebration will be held April 28, 2000.

The Annual 5^th Grade Tour is planned for May. SAF members host a daylong field trip for the four classes in Libby and Troy. This 40-plus-year tradition allows students to see aspects of natural resources that affect many of their lives and families’ livelihoods. They learn about fire, low-impact camping, planting, and thinning. Topics can also include disease, slash management, SMZ’s, tree marking, nutrient recycling, wildlife management and species identification. The highlights of the trip are, typically, the FS fire engine and increment boring and Swede Mountain Lookout.

Arbor Day – The Missoula Chapter is planning a special tree-planting event at Fort Missoula for Arbor Day this year. Bev Yelczyn, Scott Kuehn and John Casselli are coordinating the event through the "Flagship" program at Big Sky and Sentinel High Schools. This program is aimed at providing activities for students after regular school hours.

Forestry Day at Fort Missoula – This year’s event will be held on Saturday, April 29 and will again feature a pro/am logging competition, steam sawmill demos, logging history lectures and forestry displays. Come enjoy a fun day with your family at the Fort! Call Scott Kuehn for information.

Tree City USA Fun Run – Don Artley is involved with a Fun Run and presentation regarding Missoula’s participation in the "Tree City USA" program. The festivities will begin at McCormick Park on April 1^st and free trees will be distributed. Call Don for more details.

Certified Foresters – Congratulations to Missoula Chapter member Scott Kuehn for becoming a Certified Forester! Two other members have submitted CF applications and Committee Chair Dale Kerkvliet encourages other Chapters to follow suit!

High Wheels Publication– Scott Kuehn has developed a publication documenting the place of high wheels in logging history. This high quality booklet is full of information and historic photos collected by Scott. It also details the restoration of the high wheels recently completed by Scott and the History Committee. The publication is available for only $5. Call Scott or look for the booklet at the State Meeting this fall.

March Chapter Meeting Features Larex – Our March meeting followed the lead of the Libby and Flathead Chapters with a presentation by Tim Ryan of Larex. Tim gave a very interesting talk on the process used by Larex to extract AG and some of the applications for this exciting new wood extract. Tim graciously answered questions from the membership and even quoted some prices after being cornered by log sellers in the group. Thanks again, Tim!

MT SAF Policy Committee has been addressing several policy issues:

Roadless Area Proposal: MT SAF sent a letter to the Forest Service recommending that no change be made to the current policies governing roadless area management. We expressed concern that the proposed rulemaking process contradicted the Forest Service’s emphasis on collaborative decision-making, planning process & forest management in general.

Lynx Listing: MT SAF sent a second letter to the USFWS opposing listing of the Canada lynx at this time. Literature reviews suggest there is insufficient scientific evidence to support listing of the species. While MT SAF does not recommend listing, we do support realistic conservation strategies as well as research & management actions needed to maintain lynx populations.

Forest Certification: The Policy Committee has been following progress on Forest Stewardship Council’s efforts to develop Forest Certification Standards for the Rocky Mountain Region. The Stewardship Council has suspended development of Standards for now but will continue to monitor progress should efforts be reinitiated.

Proposed Planning Rule Regulations: MT SAF believes there is no consensus about how the Forest Service should manage the National Forest System. This lack of consensus is one of the fundamental reasons why the agency is the target of an unprecedented level of criticism that originates from all sides of the issues. The lack of mission is demonstrated by the President’s announcement regarding road-less areas. This action alone makes forest planning useless as it seeks to change land management without using the planning process.

The MT SAF further believes the new planning regulations contain ambiguities that could create more (not less) debate over how the National Forest System should be managed. Therefore, we recommend the agency defer action on the proposed rules until more agreement is reached on common definitions. We suggest that Natural Resource Professional Societies aid in this effort.

The proposed management policy for Forest Service Roads is

open for public comment until May 2, 2000.

Written comments sent through the mail should be addressed

to USDA Forest Service CAET, Attn: Roads, P.O Box 221090,

Salt Lake City, UT 84122. E-Mail comments go to

roads/wo_caet-slc@fs.fed.us

The Missoula Chapter received $500 from the Foresters Fund for interpretive signs at the Forestry Interpretive Area at Fort Missoula. The building expansion for the sawmill has just been completed. The building was extended by 33'. This newly rebuilt area will house the edger and planer. Pyramid Mountain Lumber and Plum Creek donated the lumber for this work. The Fort Missoula Theater Company is paying to move a pole building that Plum Creek donated several years ago. The Theater Company needed the room to build bathrooms and a concession stand. Once the Theater Company moves the building, the plan is to add an 48' of exhibit space.

The Forestry Expo provides public environmental education about multiple use resource management. The Expo received $750.00 from the Foresters Fund towards the week-long event which provides environmental education on all aspects of forest management for 1,000 to 2,000 adults and 1,200 fifth grade school children. This year’s program is May 1-5,2000, at the Trumbull Creek Demonstration Forest located near Columbia Falls.

The Expo site includes a demonstration area where many phases of forest management are demonstrated. School classes follow a Forest Walking Tour, which is an interpretative, and educational nature trail. A special effort is made to give students a "hands on" experience.

The general public is invited to participate in the same program on Saturday and Sunday. In addition, there are two large tents with more exhibits about forest management, plus free tours of local saw and plywood mills.

A diversified team of organizations and dedicated

Montana SAF cooperates with the Inland Empire SAF every spring to offer the Leadership Conference. This February, Montana hosted the conference at Lubrecht Experimental Forest. Twenty-four members, which included student members, participated in the conference that covers all the nuts and bolts of the SAF organization, including ideas for working with groups from different perspectives.

The conference supplied a very diverse group of speakers who provided good information on SAF structure, including the House of Society Delegates and the standing committees. Kris Russell, Plum Creek’s Corporate Affairs Director, shared ideas on communications and Keith Olson; the Banquet speaker presented an entertaining monologue on the Montana Logging Association ‘s (MLA) history. There was also a presentation about working with the Montana Legislature and a discussion on National SAF issues.

In a conference evaluation participants commented on everything from the opportunity to network and the ability to interact with professional leaders, to the great facility and good cooks. Many members also recommended encouraging more members to participate next year.

State Officers are to be commended for the excellent job organizing this event and for the diverse speakers retained for the workshop. Speakers included the following: Bob Bosworth, Dan Pittman, Kris Russell, Doug Mood, Keith Blatner, Keith Olson, Bob Sturdevant, Peter Tucker and Bruce Buchman.

Would your state society like to honor a member’s outstanding contributions to forestry and to SAF? If so, now is the time to start considering nominations for Fellows, Council representatives, and vice-president.

Fellows – Being elected a Fellow is the highest form of recognition by the Society. Fellows have demonstrated their commitment to SAF and the forestry profession by volunteering to serve on SAF committees at the local and national levels, SAF Council, SAF science groups, grassroots media and policy programs, and/or as advisors or reviewers for SAF publications. In addition, many Fellows show their leadership by initiating local educational programs for children and adults or by implementing an innovative program to help advance the science and technology of the forestry profession. The common element of all Fellows’ contributions is that they were made in the spirit of volunteerism, which makes this achievement such an honor. If you know members who qualify, please nominate them.

Nominations for Fellows are being accepted through May 31, 2000.

Vice-President - A vice-president will be elected this year. S/he holds that office for one year, then serves one year as president, and one year as immediate past-president. Council and vice president petitions are due by July 1, 2000. Petitions are available from Barbara Weitzer, Executive Assistant, (301) 897-8720, ext. 121 or e-mail: weitzerb@safnet.org.

Working Group Officers - The SAF working groups are beginning the process of electing new officers. They are soliciting names of working group members who are interested in becoming group officers. This is a great opportunity to serve your profession, provide leadership on important issues, and valuable gain leadership experience through attendance at the SAF Leadership Academy.

Please contact the chair-elect of the working groups to which you belong with your suggested nominees for the open positions. Terms begin January 1, 2001 and run through December 21, 2002.

Most chair-elect and some secretary positions are open for nomination. Incumbent chairs-elect will become the new chairs when the current chairs complete their terms at the end of 2000. Additional information on working groups can be found at: http://www.safnet.org/science/wgdesc.htm

The Society of American Foresters’ Forest Science and Technology Board has created a technical advisory committee to investigate whether to update the 1980 SAF publication Forest Cover Types of the United States and Canada. Members of the committee include Tom Schmidt, Terry Sharik, and Keith Moser.

Published by SAF, the forest cover type book is used to classify forests by species composition into forest types. These forest cover types are used worldwide for comparisons and to determine trends in volume, growth, removals, mortality, and land-use change. Forest cover types are one of the unifying themes between forest industry, environmental organizations, and federal, state, and local governmental agencies. This classification system is used to determine existing forest types, their composition, what changes are occurring, and what we can expect in the future.

This initiative is based on input that the 1980 publication needs

to be expanded to include additional forest types, correlations with landscape classification systems, and additional North American classifications outside of the United States. The goal of the advisory committee is to make SAF's forest cover type descriptions more user friendly through expanded descriptions and types.

We would like input from members who currently use the 1980 publication since changes in the current forest type classifications might have a large impact on how forests are classified, inventoried and compared. If you use the forest cover type book, please contact Tom Schmidt at e-mail: Tschmidt/nc@fs.fed.us; (612) 649-5131; or fax (612) 649-5285.

With your input, the technical advisory committee will determine if there is a need to update the 1980 publication. If so, the update will begin in the summer of 2000.

The National Committee on Cultural Diversity recently mailed materials regarding the diversity student scholarship program to some 350 colleges and universities. The program will support student attendance at the 2000 National Convention in Washington, DC, November, 16-20. The materials were mailed to the attention of SAF faculty representatives and to department heads or deans at schools without SAF affiliation. A follow-up mailing of the application will be sent to these same colleges and universities.

To be eligible, students must complete the application, state their interest in forestry or natural resources as a career, and describe how they meet the diversity criteria as described in the mission of the diversity committee. Submit completed applications by April 10, 2000 to the SAF National Office, c/o National Committee on Cultural Diversity, 5400 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814-2198. The scholarships cover travel to Washington, DC, lodging, registration, and some meals. The application will be available on the SAF website within the next week.

Please direct any questions about the scholarship program to Rebecca Staebler at (301) 897-8720 ext. 133 or e-mail: staebler@safnet.org.

Lisa J. Bate, primary author of an upcoming PNW-GTR publication on log sampling methods in the Columbia River Basin region, will address both stand and landscape log sampling methods, the advantages and disadvantages of two different log sampling methods, landscape stratification, and computer analyses in an upcoming field workshop on the Tally Lake Ranger District, Flathead National Forest, May 16-18.

Participants will start 5/16 at 12:30 pm with a ½ day introduction, followed on the 17^th with a long day in field collecting data [7:00 am to 5:00 pm?], and then the 18^th in the office conducting analysis.

Attendance is limited to 20 people on a first-come basis. The training will cancelled if we have fewer than 12 participants. On that basis, the cost of the training is estimated to be approximately $60-100/person. We will make collections at the training session and the exact charge will be prorated among attendees. Please respond by e-mail by April 14 to Doug Berglund, dberglund@fs.fed.us Flathead National Forest if you plan on attending.

The Forest Stewardship Workshop will provide practical information, a course notebook, topographic map/aerial photograph of your property, and the tools and equipment necessary for you to learn more about your property.

You must be willing to spend 16-24 hours between days 3 and 4 of the workshop completing a stewardship inventory and gathering information about your property.

During the workshop, you will develop a Stewardship Plan

designed to achieve the goals you have for your property.

Your Plan can be certified immediately following the workshop.

Helena: May 15-17, 22, 23, 2000 at Carroll College Campus

Kalispell: June 14-16, 18, 19, 2000 at Cavanaugh’s Outlaw

Bozeman: July 11-13, 18, 19, 2000 at MSU – Bozeman

Yellow Bay: August 22-24, 29, 30 at UM Biological Station

Missoula: September 12-14, 19, 20, 2000 at UofM Campus

Deer Lodge: Sept/Oct – for more info call (406) 243-2773

For any questions or additional information, contact Extension Forestry, (406) 243-2773

The MLA sponsors many workshops throughout the year. Some of the courses offered are outlined here. This information is edited for inclusion. Please contact the MLA for specifics about these workshops. MLA, P.O. Box 1716, Kalispell, MT 59903 1-877-MLA-LOGS. mla@digisys.net

Silvicultural Prescriptions for Private Lands – April 10-11, 2000 in Kalispell and April 27-28, 2000 in Missoula

This workshop is designed to give participants up-to-date information about how to adapt classical silvicultural principles to better meet Montana’s unique ecology and landowner objectives. This workshop will be SAF CFE rated.

Employee Training Professional Timber Harvester Workshop – April 25, 26, 2000 at Condon Work Center

This workshop is designed to provide operational decisions regarding Forest Stewardship, Montana Forestry BMPs and the SMZ Law and rules. It will include basics about silviculture and tree selection, slash management, forest insects and diseases, wildlife habitat and noxious weeds. Registration is on a first-come-first serve basis.

Geology Soils and Roads 2000 – May 1-3, 2000 at Yellow Bay

This workshop is designed to improve skills related to the location, design and construction of all forest roads. SAF CFE rated at 24 credits.

Effective Communication & Advocacy – May 4 in Missoula and May 5 in Kalispell

Stefany Bales of IFA and Cary Hegreberg of MWPA offer this course on becoming more effective in communicating. The MLA flyer comments: "Whether it is in our local community, or in a government hearing, we all need to learn how to be more effective in telling our story to gather public support."

Streamside Management Zone Law & Rules – One day workshops are offered May 8-16 in Kalispell, Libby, Missoula, Townsend, Roundup, Ashland and Belgrade. Contact MLA for exact day and location. This course is SAF CFE certified for 8 credits.

Forest Understory Vegetation and Weed Management – May 24, 2000 at Yogo Inn, Lewiston

This workshop is designed to cover the basics of harvesting to minimize potential weed invasion, maximize desired grass and forb species and control invasive weeds. This course is SAF CFE certified for 16 hrs of credit.

Intermountain Logging Safety Conference 2000 – "Safety – A Learned Behavior," April 5, 2000

2000 Intermoutain Logging Conference – April 5, 2000 at Coeur d’Alene Resort

The schedule for Continuing Education for Professional Foresters’ courses through the Western Forestry and Conservation Association was distributed. The following are course offered April, May and June. Course offered later in the year will appear in the next newsletter. For more information on offerings, contact the association at 4033 SW Canyon Rd., Portland, OR 97221, 1-888-722-9416, at richard@westernforestry.org or www.westernforestry.org

Riparian Management Areas: The Ecology, Functions and Management – April 24-25, 2000, Wilsonville, OR

An opportunity to learn how riparian areas function in the forested landscape and to discuss management opportunities.

Amphibians and Forest Management – May 8, 2000, Olympia WA

Learn how amphibians live in the forest and how to incorporate them into your management plan.

Advances and Challenges in Forest Regeneration – June 1-2, 2000, Portland, OR

Find out the newest and the best methods for forest regeneration as well as refresh yourself on the fundamentals of growing trees.

Variable Probability Sampling – June 12-16, 2000, Missoula, MT

This popular session will cover two methods of timber cruising. It will cover principles as well as computation techniques.

Chapter One reveals how crucial wood was to nineteenth-century Americans, and why some believed forestry offered a way to produce timber without destroying the forests. Chapter Two explores the growth of the profession, the creation of the Forest Service, and the controversies that often erupted over new practices and controls. Following World War II, the intensifying demand for wood for housing and an emerging environmental consciousness brought new challenges to the profession, as Chapter Three makes clear. Finally, Chapter Four examines how the last quarter-century, foresters have extended the nation's wood supply.

Through photograph and word, The Greatest Good illustrates the many contributions that foresters and forestry have made to our society.

"'The greatest good, for the greatest number, for the long run' was the ethic that Gifford Pinchot believed should define the mi

"'The greatest good, for the greatest number, for the long run' was the ethic that Gifford Pinchot believed should define the mission of forestry. His words are just as relevant today as they were at the turn of the century." William H. Banzhaf, Executive Vice-President, Society of American Foresters, From the foreword.

Thank you to Rebecca Hendrix for all the work she has done as Cultural Diversity and Membership Chair. Bev Yelczyn is the new Membership Chair. It was unfortunate to have Melissa Squire, Chair of the Communications Committee. also resign her position this winter. Ed Stoots and Glenn Keopke will be co-chairing this committee.

Welcome to the newest members: Thomas Schultz, Jakob Besmer, Drew Robinson and Elisa Stamm in the Student Chapter and Terry Crouch in the Flathead Chapter. Welcome, also, to several members that have transferred into the Montana SAF: Elizabeth Bailard and Brian Avery in the Missoula Chapter and Janette Kaiser in the Eastern Montana Chapter.

This edition of the newsletter has been fun and exciting to put together because of all the interesting articles submitted. Thank you to all the members who helped by presenting opinions and material. Members are invited and encouraged to submit material at any time. The next newsletter deadline is June 15, for distribution on July 1^st.

The newsletter gives members the opportunity to share what is happening, what activities are upcoming, what meeting presentations have worked well, and general occurrences that affect the profession.

Don’t forget the ability to reach members through the newsletter.

I also appreciate all the feedback I have been receiving lately about the contents. If there is something you miss seeing or wish to see in the newsletter, I would like to hear about it.

Advertisers are welcome in the newsletter.

Catherine Faulkner