Recognition and awards programs

About

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is seeking to recognize those forest operators who 'go the extra mile' to protect Oregon's natural resources while working in the forest. Any size of forest management activity or operation is eligible, and companies, contractors or individuals may be recognized. Awards are not limited to logging but may include activities such as thinning, fuels reduction work, building bridges over forest streams, and replacing culverts to improve fish habitat or other forest activities. Landowners may be recognized if the landowner is the entity performing the work.

The Oregon Board of Forestry and Oregon Department of Forestry recognize these important contributions and efforts by landowners, land managers, researchers, operators, or other forestry professionals through several recognition and awards programs. These annual recognition programs select winners from nominations that meet the criteria and can be submitted by anyone. Instructions for these nominations are included below along with a sperate email address for each program. Please evaluate the various awards and submit a nomination that best fits the various recognition program.

Operator of the Year Award

Summary

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is seeking to recognize those forest practices operators that 'go the extra mile' for protecting Oregon's natural resources while working in the forest. Any size of forest management activity or operation is eligible, and companies, contractors or individuals may be recognized. Awards are not limited to harvesting operations. Landowners may be recognized if the landowner is the entity performing the work.

Winners are selected by Oregon's Regional Forest Practices Committees from northwest, southwest and eastern Oregon. Nominees are evaluated on consistent positive performance, innovation in project design, relative difficulty of the operation and commitment to protecting Oregon's natural resources.

View past Operator of the Year Award winners below.

2025 Award nominations open November 2024 - June 2025

Deadline for operator nominations is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Operator of the Year nomination instructions and WORD form

Operator of the Year nomination instructions and PDF form

Once completed, please email the completed form and any attachments to ooy.nominations@odf.oregon.gov or print and return/mail to:
Oregon Department of Forestry
Greg Wagenblast
2600 State Street
Salem, OR 97310

Climate Smart Forestry Award

Summary

The Climate Smart Forestry Award recognizes landowners, land managers, researchers, operators, or other forestry professionals who use climate change-adapted practices, or develop innovative methods for carbon capture, retention, or reduced carbon release.

2025 Award nominations closed December 2024

Nomination form instructions

Note: The form does not work from iOS platforms (iPhones/iPads). If using Mac OS, download the form with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Access the application using the button below, download to your computer, and complete the application.
Once completed, use the submit button provided on the form or email the completed form and any attachments to csf.award@odf.oregon.gov, or print and return/mail to:
Oregon Department of Forestry
Danny Norlander
2600 State Street
Salem, OR 97310

Climate Smart Forestry Award nomination form