SHERMER LOGGING RECOGNIZED AS NATIONAL OUTSTANDING LOGGER: DONATES AWARD TO LOG AND LOAD FOR KIDS

Fernandina Beach, FL May 2 1, 2019-- The Forest Resources Association and STIHL Incorporated honored Shermer Logging of Gheen, Minnesota as the National Outstanding Logger at FRA’s Annual Meeting in Fernandina Beach, Florida on May 21. FRA chairman Lee Alexander presented Cliff Shermer, along with his family, a wooden plaque and a $1,000 check from STIHL incorporated recognizing the honor. Immediately upon receiving the check, Shermer announced that he would donate the award to Log-A-Load for Kids-Gillette Children’s Hospital, who had representatives and presented at the annual meeting.

Cliff Shermer was very complimentary upon receiving the award. He thanked the many public land managers for their efforts in managing the forests as well as Minnesota’s forestry trade associations who work with elected officials and decision makers to improve forest management and the business climate. “Without the efforts of the Minnesota Timber Producers and Minnesota Forest Industries forest management would look a lot different in Minnesota. Our forests are well-managed. We now have more acres, more trees, and larger trees than we did 50 years ago,” said Shermer.

Shermer also recognized the work of the Gubernatorial appointed Minnesota Forest Resources Council that was created in 1995. “Twenty-five years ago the Council developed Statewide Forest Management Guidelines that the loggers implement during a timber harvest. These guidelines cover everything from road building, forest regeneration, riparian management, and wildlife habitat. The guidelines have raised the level of professionalism for the logging community,” said Shermer.

Tim O’Hara, FRA’s Manager, Government Affairs and the Lake States Region said, “Cliff and Mary Shermer are well deserving of the National Outstanding Logger of the Year Recognition. Shermer logging is known for working with family forest owners. Shermer Logging’s employed forester works with landowners to develop a forest management plan to help meet the landowner's forestland management objectives. Cliff is highly spoken of by his colleagues and foresters in the State.”

Cliff Shermer of Shermer Logging in Gheen, MN (third from left) along with his wife Mary and two daughters is presented with a plaque and $1,000 check from STIHL for the National Outstanding Logger Award. Presenting the check is Tim O’Hara – FRA Government Affairs and Lake States Manager (left), Deb Hawkinson – FRA President (second from right), and Lee Alexander – FRA Chairman (right).

In April 2018, Shermer Logging was recognized as the Minnesota Logger of the Year by the MN Sustainable Forest Initiative Implementation Committee. In September 2018, Shermer Logging was the FRA’s Lakes States Region Outstanding Logger of the Year.

The Forest Resources Association (FRA) represents the interests of nearly 300 organizations and businesses in the forest products industry. FRA members include forest landowners, suppliers, consuming mills, associated businesses, and state forestry associations. FRA has member representation in 48 states and 320 Congressional Districts.