Lindgren named Southeast Region Logger of the Year

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Crader Distributing Company, headquartered in Marble Hill, recently assisted in the recognition of a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Logger of the Year. Dustin Lindgren of Patton was named the Southeast Regional Logger of the Year for 2012.

Crader Distributing Company is the exclusive distributor of STIHL Outdoor Power Equipment in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Southern Illinois, and has awarded Lindgren with two protective kits for his crew valued at $160 each to commemorate his accomplishment.

The MDC's Southeast Regional Logger Award is given to the logger that demonstrates the ability to carry out a timber harvest in a manner that causes the least amount of damage to the remaining resources on site. The purpose is to recognize the abilities of loggers who practice low impact logging and take extra time to harvest forest resources responsibly. MDC Resource Forester, Marty Calvert, said Lindgren understands a "clean" logging job is a direct reflection on himself and his company.

"Dustin knows the importance of forest products utilization and is supportive of timber stand improvement practices," Calvert said.

Calvert said the MDC desires to recognize loggers throughout the state that do an outstanding job in timber harvesting operations and there's extensive criteria for the award.

"Some of the things we look for include good working relationships with landowners and foresters, minimal damage to remaining trees and resources, and prevention of soil erosion," Calvert said. "Other important factors include the aesthetics of a site after harvesting is completed, safe work performance and use of equipment, utilization of harvested trees, the desire to address wildlife management concerns, and use of proper forest management techniques.

"Dustin has consistently shown his dedication to and expertise in Professional Timber Harvesting," Calvert said. "Each time reviewing a sale, he and his crew are wearing safety gear and attention to detail is always on his mind."

Additionally, loggers must have completed the Professional Timber Harvester's Training Program sponsored by the Missouri Forest Products Association and the MDC.

For more information on forest management in Missouri, go online to http://mdc.mo.gov/node/3352.