Berlin Lumber and Potts recognized by the Ohio Forestry Association
Berlin Lumber, LLC, of Berlin, was recognized as the 2010 Ohio Logger of the Year by the Ohio Forestry Association, Inc. (OFA), at its annual meeting on March 5-6, in Dublin. In addition, OFA selected Dick Potts of Potts Tree Farm in Millersburg to receive the 2010 Outstanding Individual in Private Service award.Berlin Lumber, owned and operated by Allen Troyer, was chosen as the best logging company in Ohio based on its record of meeting the standards of the Ohio Master Logging Company Program. Berlin Lumber is a certified Master Logging Company, which means that the company has voluntarily elected to acquire special training and operate according to the standards of Ohio Master Logging Company Program, which is administered by OFA.
“The award is given to a company each year that goes above and beyond regular standards to demonstrate good forestry and logging practices,” said John Dorka, executive director of OFA. “Allen has been a master logger since 1997 when he was with Schlabach Lumber. He continues to perform at a very high level and deserves this award.”
Berlin Lumber is a member of the East Central Ohio Loggers’ Chapter, which meets regularly in Millersburg. There are 158 Master Logging companies in Ohio.
Dick Potts owns Potts Tree Farm along with his wife, Carol. Both have been heavily involved in tree farming for decades and have become models for landowners who want to manage their forestland wisely both for the present and future.
Potts was recognized as the Ohio Tree Farmer of the Year in 1989 and was recognized on the national level as the northeastern regional Tree Farmer of the Year in 1990. A professor of chemistry from the University of Michigan-Dearborn from 1966-2000, Potts has since retired and dedicated himself to being an outstanding woodland owner.
“Dick is one of those truly dedicated volunteers, committed to the Ohio Tree Farm Program, who is heavily involved in many activities to promote good forestry and woodland practices,” Dorka said. “He is also someone who walks the walk with a wonderfully managed tree farm, as the finest example of what good woodland management is all about.”
Dorka added, “Both Allen and Dick exemplify the best of what good forestry and good practices are all about. They mean healthy forests and wood products for generations to come.”