WATCH THE EVENTS SECTION ON THE FRONT PAGE FOR DETAILS ON FUTURE VIRTUAL MEETINGS
March 16: Marketing opportunities for small landowners, by Dorian Smith and Dan Kingsbury
April 5: Figured maple: Finding, understanding and growing "gold" in the woods, by John Keller
May 1: Impact of state programs and regulation on small forest landowners. 3 speakers from UW
May 5: Site preparation, by Dick Hopkins
In Memoriam: George McNelly, 1943-2021
George G. McNelly was called home to Heaven Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021. He was born in Olympia, Wash., Jan. 3, 1943, to George R. and Virginia (Berdine) McNelly. He had five siblings, Denis McNelly, Joel (Cathleen) McNelly, Howie (Annie) McNelly, Kathleen (John) Taylor, and Eileen McNelly, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews, that he loved to spend time with
George, also known as "Buzz", had great memories of growing up in Winlock, Wash. He told stories of earning money for extras by picking strawberries, peeling bark, harvesting timber cone for seed, collecting scrap metal, mowing lawns, etc. He said his parents taught them to earn their “own stuff”.
After graduation, he attended Saint Martin's University while working part time. George enjoyed a long banking career and retired in 2009. He spent many hours during his retirement working on his tree farms, restoring a vintage motorcycle, visiting and reminiscing with friends, cutting wood, and faithfully watching Jeopardy.
Although George and Anne (Fosse) celebrated their 40th anniversary at home due to COVID-19, not all anniversaries were so uneventful. One of George’s fondest memories was their 25th anniversary trip to New Brunswick where he was able to explore his familial roots. They were blessed with two daughters, Megan and Leigh. George’s eyes always lit up talking about his girls and he always made sure his family was taken care of first... every time.
A graveside service will held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Fern Hill Cemetery in Menlo, Wash. Arrangements are in care of Stoller’s Mortuary in Raymond, Wash. You may visit www.StollersMortuary.com to leave condolences for the family.
Go to the Pacific Chapter page for a memorial written by a WFFA member.
Summary of October 2020 Meeting
Our October meeting was held online. Todd Olson, Department of Natural Resources, Regulation Assistance Forester, talked about Washington rules and regulations, Forest Practice regulations, water typing, and ways that he can help small forest land owners.
Summary of September 2020 Meeting
Our September meeting was held online. Nick Somero, Pacific County Farm Forestry Association President and formerly employed by Natural Resources Conservation Service gave a presentation titled "Tree Farm Roads - Managing Your Second Largest Investment." If you missed the live presentation, you can view the recorded version.
Summary of February 2020 Meeting
At the Annual Meeting in February, the following officers and board members were elected:
President: Dave Roberts Treasurer: Norma Green
North Board Position: Ken Lentz South Board Position: Russ Armitage
The positions of Vice-President and Secretary are unfilled. We are seeking volunteers who are willing to help keep the chapter viable. If you are interested, please contact any board member.
The terms of Board Members Chuck Higgins and Rick Kuykendall continue through 2020.
Jason Alves gave a presentation on his Ag/Forestry trip to Ecuador and the Meskill Tree Farm represented by John Arata was named Lewis County Tree Farmer of the Year for 2020.