Forestry Recognition

Melissa Nash, Garrett County Project Manager and Forester (and GCFB Secretary) - has been selected as this year's recipient of the Northeast-Mid-Atlantic Regional Cooperative Forest Management (CFM) Forester of the Year!

In mid-February, Melissa was noted as MD's 2020 Forester of the Year. As our MD Forester of the Year, Melissa was entered into the Regional CFM Forester of the Year selection process, which encompasses the 20-states in the Northeastern-Mid-Atlantic Region of the US Forest Service (Region 9). Melissa was selected as the Regional CFM Forester of the Year!

Melissa began working for the MD Forest Service on a seasonal basis in 2006 and started full time as a watershed forester in 2011. She has been the Garrett Project Manager since 2015. Congratulations Melissa!

Mike Minnick was recognized this spring by the Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards with a MEL Award! This award is named after the late Mel Noland, who was a former president of the Association. It recognizes those Forestry Board members who have made outstanding contributions to their local boards.

Mike has served on the GCFB since 2012 and has been its chair since 2015. He is always looking for innovative ways to promote forestry in Garrett County and collaborate with other local groups. As a Natural Resource Career Camp alumni, Mike has been a strong supporter of NRCC and encouraging local students to attend to explore careers in natural resources fields. He has also spearheaded efforts to preserve local genetics of surviving American chestnut trees. Congratulations Mike!