ROCKVILLE — Baird Sawmill Inc. of Rockville was recognized as the Logger of the Year by the Indiana Tree Farm Committee at the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association annual convention in Indianapolis on Feb. 7.
Baird Sawmill and their logging crew were nominated for this award by Perry Seitzinger, Consulting Forester for Seitzinger Forestry and received letters of recommendation from landowners and foresters attesting to the professionalism and quality of the logging work they do. Some of the comments recommending Baird Sawmill for the award:
• “The quality of their logging is truly second to none. Their logging crew led by Billy Baird are the ultimate professionals that elevate the forest industry in every aspect. Baird Sawmill exemplifies the best the forest industry has to offer.”
• “I hope I have expressed how pleased I was and still am at how Billy treated my forest. He did an exemplary job of executing his plan and went above and beyond.”
• “The logger is a vital part of implementing a forest management/harvest plan and Baird Sawmill do their part exceptionally well. To their testament I have several clients who have requested to have Baird Sawmill return to assist them with their next timber sale.”
Baird Sawmill and the Baird logging crew utilize modern logging equipment like feller-buncher harvesters for enhanced safety and efficient harvesting, as well as timber bridges and seeders to protect stream crossings and minimize erosion following the logging job. In addition, they use innovative practices like installing bumper poles along logging trails to protect unharvested trees. Baird has also received several phases of logger training to improve safety, efficiency, and reduce erosion on logging sites.
Baird Sawmill has also been active locally and at the state level with professional involvement, charity event sponsorships and education of youth and community members on the benefits of forest management and the wood products industry.
The Logger of the Year Award is presented annually by the Indiana Tree Farm Committee at the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association convention in Indianapolis. The American Tree Farm system is a national organization working to give people the tools they need to be effective stewards of America’s forests. ATFS is the largest and oldest sustainable woodland system in the United States, recognizing the importance of private woodland owners to the health and sustainability of forests. The Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association is a member-driven trade association, whose members share a passion for producing the worlds finest hardwood products for more than 125 years, and are determined to maintain the sustainable productivity of our nation’s forest resources. IHLA is one of the largest and most active hardwood industry associations in the country and draws more than 1,000 participants to their annual convention in Indianapolis.
