ODNR Deputy Director and State Forester Robert Boyles (center) is pictured honoring Jack Vimmerstedt and Ron Cornell as the 2014 inductees to the Forest of Honor at Zaleski State Forest.
Two outstanding foresters were honored this month at the Forest of Honor ceremony at Zaleski State Forest near McArthur. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) honored individuals and their families with a tree planting ceremony at the ODNR Division of Forestry’s Forest of Honor.

“We are pleased to recognize outstanding individuals dedicated to good forest stewardship,” said ODNR Deputy Director and State Forester Robert Boyles. “Every Ohioan benefits when we wisely care for and use our valuable forest resources.”

Dr. Jack Vimmerstedt, of Wooster, was recognized for his research and inspirational teaching in forestry and forest soils. Vimmerstedt is retired from the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) of Ohio State University. He served on the Ohio Forestry Advisory Council through which he significantly advanced Ohio’s commercial, private and public forestry practices. Vimmerstedt has been recognized nationally as a Fellow in the Society of American Foresters.

Ron Cornell, of Ft. Meyers, Florida, was honored for his leadership in Ohio’s forest industry. Cornell served the Ohio Forestry Association (OFA) as its executive director and developed programming to improve logger safety, logging practices, chainsaw training and insurance. Cornell initiated regional logger groups and industry networks to promote best practices and standards. He was instrumental in establishing Project Learning Tree and a scholarship program to help youth understand forestry.

Two trees were planted in the Forest of Honor for these recipients, to recognize Vimmerstedt for his significant contributions to forestry in Ohio, and to honor Cornell for his outstanding promotion of forestry practices.

The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, forest health and tree care, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov.