Missouri forester gets national award

Michael P. Anderson of Perryville, Mo. was recognized by the Missouri Society of American Foresters with its Presidential Forester Award. Anderson is a forestry district supervisor with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), an agency for which he has worked for the past 26 years.Southeast Missourian

The Society of American Foresters has recognized Michael P. Anderson of Perryville, Mo., with its Presidential Field Forester Award.

Anderson is a forestry district supervisor with the Missouri Department of Conservation, for which he has worked for the past 26 years.

Throughout his career, he has provided forest management assistance to landowners; managed MDC conservation areas; prepared and delivered forestry and conservation programs, tours, and workshops; supervised the training of field foresters; and has been involved in several fire prevention activities, including the training of rural fire departments.

Anderson also has extensive knowledge on the regeneration of eastern oak and hickory forest types and an ability to balance forestry practices with concerns for wildlife habitat, aesthetics and recreation. He joined SAF in 1975.

Anderson will receive his award at the 2003 SAF National Convention, which will be held Oct. 25-29 in Buffalo, N.Y.

Given the regional differences in forestry, an award recipient is selected from each of the 11 SAF voting districts. For more information about all of the award winners, visit the SAF Web site: www.safnet.org/who/nationalawards.html.

The purpose of the award is to recognize foresters who have dedicated their professional careers to the application of forestry on the ground using scientific methods and adaptive management strategies. Previous awards were presented to those who have displayed uncommon talent, skill and innovative methods to achieve a record of excellence in the application of forest management.

Initiated by SAF past-president Fred Ebel in 2000, the award recognizes foresters who have displayed uncommon talent and innovative methods to achieve a record of excellence in the application of forest management.

"Forester practitioners are the true foundation of our profession," Ebel said. "They often operate in complete anonymity, yet their actions are the single most important contribution to the viability and understanding of our profession. This is where forestry truly happens."

The Society of American Foresters represents more than 17,000 professional foresters and natural resource professionals.