College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Forestry

Dear MSU Forestry Alumni and Friends,

This issue’s theme of ‘New Chapters’ provides an inside look into the everyday dynamism of MSU Forestry. We are a leading forestry program with a growing national and international reputation because of our fantastic students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

You might think that a competitive pressure-cooker environment goes along with being a top academic program, but that is far from reality. We value high-quality work and are a supportive community that welcomes and provides opportunities to talented individuals, regardless of their background or economic means. This has been an integral part of our history and remains an important part of our character.

As a top forestry program, our faculty are pursuing important issues that could have profound implications for the future of the forestry profession. Raju Pokharel’s newly funded research project on the implications of forest carbon markets on timber supply and ‘leakage’ is a great example of the cutting-edge research occurring here. As a top forestry program, our faculty receive prestigious awards and fellowships, as illustrated by Dave MacFarlane’s recent Fulbright Global Scholar Award, which is taking him to Mexico and Italy. Our top faculty attract top students, who push disciplinary boundaries, as demonstrated by PhD student Hailey Becker, who may be the first MSU student to pursue joint degrees in forestry and studio art.

We value contributions to the MSU Forestry community, which makes this Department a more interesting and vibrant place for everyone. Alum Barb Heidel (BS ‘86) experienced this support and family-like atmosphere in the 1980s – a time when few women entered the profession – and these community-minded values persist in our character today. Our extended family encompasses alumni, like Barb, who have been incredibly generous in engaging with our students. Similarly, the late David Jessup (see below) was exceptionally generous in giving back, establishing with his wife the David and Mary Jessup Summer Camp Endowment, which has provided the financial support for a transformational field experience for hundreds of MSU Forestry students. We are sorry to report David’s recent passing and the loss of an ardent fan and generous donor.

A supportive environment with high expectations fosters long-term commitment. A perfect illustration of this commitment is Alumnus Paul Bloese, MSU Forestry’s Tree Improvement Manager for 40 years, who recently began enjoying the new chapter of retirement. Paul made incredible contributions to genetic improvements of important tree species, including increased productivity of red pine and disease resistance of hardwood species. While focused on genetics, Paul was always available to provide guidance and help on a wide range of research projects at the Tree Research Center. Paul, we appreciate your many contributions and congratulations!

If you are interested in sharing your story and learning more about MSU Forestry’s innovative programs, please feel free to reach out. The support of our alumni and friends is critically important in these challenging times for higher education. But I am confident that through working together as a community, MSU Forestry’s star will continue to rise.

Go Green!

Rich