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Celebrating the 4th Annual Forest Awards Night
Maine TREE hosted the 4th Annual Forest Awards Night on October 22nd at the Morgan Hill Event Center in Hermon, bringing together a blended community of friends, family, seasoned and early-career professionals. The evening celebrated the individuals and organizations working to support the stewardship and future of Maine’s forests.
Logan Johnson, Executive Director of Maine TREE, opened the evening by highlighting the diversity of professions represented in the crowd. He invited attendees to stand and identify themselves as loggers, foresters, landowners, researchers, students, and educators. Johnson emphasized how each role contributes to Maine’s forest community and, together, supports sustainable forest stewardship and inspires the next generation of forest-based professionals.
The Next Generation of Maine’s Forest Stewardship
Kayci Willis, Maine TREE’s Forest Programs Director, invited students from the Forestry Immersion Program (FIP) to the stage to share their experiences and lessons learned throughout the program.
Maine TREE’s newest program, established through unique collaboration with the Brewer School Department, the Forestry Immersion Program, is a six-week, forest-based summer educational experience for Maine high school students that connects participants with the ecological, economic, and social importance of Maine’s forest landscapes. Through a student-led approach, participants engage directly with industry professionals, receive technical training, and gain hands-on experience that extends beyond the forest.
The students reflected on the importance of teamwork, the development of life skills, and the program's encouragement to step outside their comfort zones. Milo, a FIP participant, shared how the experience taught them the value of taking action. The program encourages students to step up, take initiative, and work together rather than waiting for change. Their reflections highlighted how FIP’s impact extends beyond forestry education, helping to build confidence and foster pride and responsibility among participants.
The evening also featured two videos showcasing Maine TREE Foundation’s signature programs, the Forests of Maine Teachers Tour and HOLT Research Forest. The first highlighted the 2026 Forests of Maine Teachers’ Tour, featuring participants reflecting on their favorite moments from the week and the value of real-world experience from hands-on forestry education.
The second video, Under the Canopy, follows the 2026 research technicians at the HOLT Research Forest as they navigate long-term data collection and the forest together.
These videos celebrate the programs' impact and the collaborations and connections they foster to strengthen the future of Maine’s forest communities.
Excellence in Maine’s Logging Profession
Jim O’Malley, Operations Manager for Huber Resources, presented the evening's first awards, recognizing this year’s Certified Logging Professionals (CLP). The CLP of the Year Awards honor individuals in each professional category: conventional, mechanical, and contractor/supervisor, who demonstrate excellence in their field and a strong commitment to safety, contributing to responsible practices and long-term, sustainable management of Maine’s forests.
Ben Savage received the 2026 Conventional CLP of the Year Award. With more than 15 years of full-time logging experience, Ben is committed to safety, thoughtful harvest planning, and operational excellence. Through a strong work ethic, he has completed logging projects at the 2026 Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year, Williamsburg Forest. Beyond the woods, Ben supports the next generation of forestry professionals by mentoring students through the Forestry Immersion Program and sharing his expertise at community forestry events.
Kaine Kingsbury received the 2026 Mechanical CLP of the Year Award. Although he couldn't attend the evening, Kingsbury was recognized for his technical precision, high-quality timber harvesting, and commitment to sustainable forestry practices. Trusted by landowners and foresters alike, he has built strong professional relationships grounded in integrity and respect. Through collaboration and educational efforts with the Maine Forest Service, Kaine continues to uphold the highest standard of the logging profession.
Alvin Wasson and Scott DeMoranville received the 2026 CLP Supervisor/Contractor of the Year Award for their shared commitment to workforce development, safety education, and expanding industry opportunities. They co-deliver Certified Logging Professional training to residents at Mountain View Correctional Facility, teaching safe, sustainable forestry practices and building skills for future professionals. As active members of the CLP Advisory Committee, both contribute to strengthening standards, workforce development, and employment opportunities. Beyond the facility, Scott also volunteers with the Forestry Immersion Program to provide chainsaw safety instructions to early-career forestry professionals. Their achievement was featured on News Center Maine; click here to read more.
Dedication Through the Maine Tree Farm Program
Kevin Allcroft, the Hancock County Chair for the Maine Tree Farm Program, took the stage next to present the Maine Tree Farm Program awards. The Maine Tree Farm Program supports family woodland owners in practicing responsible forest stewardship and promoting long-term forest health. Their awards recognize individuals and groups who reflect that strong commitment to sustainable forest management.
Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) Executive Director Kacey Weber and District Forester Jim Ferrante accepted the Maine Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Award. The award recognizes forest owners who go above and beyond to conserve natural resources while fostering healthy, productive woodland. PCSWCD is recognized for transforming abandoned farmland into an active outdoor classroom in the 266-acre Williamsburg Forest near Brownville. Through its commitment to responsible land management and resource sustainability, the district exemplifies the Maine Tree Farm Program's values. It demonstrates how land management can benefit both the environment and future generations.
Brian Reader received the Inspecting Forester of the Year Award, which recognizes a volunteer forester who makes outstanding contributions to the Maine Tree Farm Program and goes above and beyond in serving Maine’s family forest owners. With more than 20 years of service, Brian has distinguished himself by completing hundreds of inspections and helping landowners practice responsible forest management. His dedication reflects a strong commitment to supporting Maine’s family forest owners and strengthening the forest sector.
The Maine Tree Farm Program’s Lifetime Achievement Award honors the lasting dedication of individuals who have consistently supported responsible forest management. This year, Paul Larrivee accepted the award for decades of devoted service to the program and continued support for Maine’s family forest owners.
Throughout his career, Paul has worked across many areas of the industry, providing leadership and education and strengthening connections with Maine's forests. Paul emphasized the importance of learning and supporting one another, sharing, “It's the mentors along the way that help me tremendously. If it's something you want to do, do it.”
Paul’s commitment to sustainable forestry, education, and mentorship has left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit the Maine Tree Farm Program, the broader forest communities, and the future of Maine’s forests.
Leadership in Forest Stewardship and Education
The Anita Smith PLT Steward Award honors individuals committed to environmental education who foster a lifelong appreciation and understanding of forests, their intricate ecological systems, and the role people play in forest resource management. This year's award recognizes David Larrabee, who has provided outdoor learning opportunities for children in the Litchfield area by organizing a multi-day series of forest-based activities that let students explore the outdoors and build a deeper connection to Maine’s forests. Through his enthusiasm, patience, and dedication, David helps foster curiosity and forest stewardship in young Mainers, values they will carry for years to come. Although David couldn't accept his award in person, we hope everyone who crosses his path in the woods this winter takes a moment to congratulate him and thank him for helping to inspire the next generation of forest stewards.
The Sherry Huber Forest Champion Award is named for the Maine TREE’s former Executive Director, Sherry Huber, who dedicated over two decades to growing the organization and championing forest-based education, including inspiring the flagship Forests of Maine Teachers' Tour. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to educating the public and students about Maine's forests and advancing forestry and forest product initiatives.
This year's recipient, Patty Cormier, is recognized for her decades of service to Maine's forest community and unwavering commitment to responsible management and education. She has served as Maine State Forester since 2019 and previously served as a district forester for the Maine Forest Service and a Landowner Assistance Forester for Georgia-Pacific Corporation. Throughout her career, Patty has championed forest stewardship for these organizations, the Maine Tree Farm Committee, and Maine Woodland Owners. Her leadership and support of Maine TREE’s educational programs highlight her lasting commitment to forest stewardship, community engagement, and the next generation.
The Austin H. Wilkins Forest Stewardship Award, presented annually by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) in partnership with the Maine TREE, recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional and sustainable management of Maine's working forests. This year, the award went to Will and Don Cole, owners of the family-run logging business Trees Ltd.
As Master Loggers and former Maine TREE board members, Will & Don have demonstrated their remarkable dedication to sustainable forest stewardship. Through student visits and public field tours, the brothers take responsible forest management to the next level. Maine State Forester Patty Cormier described their work as “the L.L. Bean of loggers” for knowing their business, their customers, and for their dedication. As the evening came to a close, Don said, “No one hears your words if they don't see what you do.” That is a testimony to the entire forest sector: by being a leading example, practicing what we preach, and sharing it with others, we can all help sustain Maine’s forests for generations to come.
Maine TREE congratulates all those recognized this year for their invaluable contributions to Maine’s forests and thanks everyone who attended for helping us celebrate the award winners' achievements. This event was made possible in part by the generosity of its sponsors: Huber Resources Corp & Sewall Forestry, Katahdin Law, and the School of Forest Resources.
