Woodland Owners Receive 2005 State Conservation Association Award

The Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association (WWOA) has been named the 2005 State Conservation Association of the Year by the Wisconsin Conservation Congress. WWOA works to educate Wisconsin’s private woodland owners about sustainably managing their woodlands for timber, wildlife, and recreation. The award was presented to WWOA for their educational efforts during their 25th year celebration in 2004.

WWOA celebrated its 25th year through a variety of special projects in 2004. A historical coffee table book - "One Hundred Years of Wisconsin Forestry 1904-2004" - was published in conjunction with the 2004 Year of Wisconsin Forestry. The book is available through the WWOA gift shop on their website at www.wisconsinwoodlands.org

WWOA’s quarterly magazine, Woodland Management, edited by Tim Eisele, produced special issues with many articles from members about managing their woodlands. WWOA’s 2004 annual meeting included a special quilt made by members of the association for a raffle and sharing exhibits by members of their woodlands.

WWOA’s special celebration was extended beyond the membership by inviting the public to an “Open Woods” event on WWOA woodlands in 54 counties around Wisconsin on May 15, 2004. Private consulting foresters, industrial foresters and foresters employed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources-Division of Forestry donated their time to answer questions from attendees. The statewide event attracted more than 1400 guests to take a walk in private woodlands and learn more about their management. Topics presented around the state included tree planting, tree identification, wildlife ponds, growing Christmas trees, hiking a blue bird trail, different timber harvesting methods to produce income and wildlife benefits, maple syrup production, prairie restorations and sawmill demonstrations. Many WWOA members also had exhibits, a variety of children’s activities and refreshments.

While WWOA’s 25th year celebration only happens once, WWOA continues to provide a variety of opportunities for private woodland owners to learn more about projects and activities for their woodlands. WWOA has 14 local chapters throughout the state that provide field days, speakers, and opportunities to share experiences with other woodland owners.

WWOA is a co-sponsor of six regional winter conferences covering a variety of topics such as invasive species, tracking wildlife, better wildlife photography, and timber harvesting. WWOA's annual meeting is the highlight of each year. This September the meeting will be held in Marinette with four days of tours, speakers, exhibitors and a hands on field day. Visit WWOA’s website to learn more about the organization and for information on upcoming events, chapter activities, links to informative publications and websites and items available through WWOA’s gift shop or call the WWOA office at 715-346-4798.

WWOA Board of Directors receives the 2005 State Conservation Association of the Year award from the Conservation Congress. Board members from left: Eugene Roark, Madison; Jim Zdanovec, Oshkosh; Donna Johnston, Oconto Falls; Mike Gehrke, Winter; Penny Shackelford, Milton; President Elect Dale Zaug, Tigerton; Merlin Becker, Manawa; President Al Barden, Eagle River; Marv Meier, Wausau; Nancy Livingston, Hancock; William Horvath, Stevens Point.