Nominate a Logger for the 2026 WV Outstanding Logger Award
The West Virginia Forestry Association is officially searching for the 2026 WV Outstanding Logger—the independent contractor who represents the absolute best of our industry
This isn’t just about production; it’s about honoring the professionals who combine operational efficiency with unwavering stewardship and a “safety-first” culture
Why Nominate?
- National Recognition: As a direct partner of the Forest Resources Association (FRA), our state winner gains a prestigious pathway to regional and national awards
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Industry Leadership: Help us identify the businesses that provide professional models for the next generation of loggers.
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Nominator Reward: If your nominee is selected as the 2026 WV Outstanding Logger, you will receive a $100 reward as a thank you for helping us find the best in the business!
Click Here to enter your simplified nomination today! Nominators will just need some basic information about the logging business they are nominating (name, address, and such) and a few sentences explaining “What makes this nominee an outstanding logger – with safety, BMPs, business practices, and community involvement.”
Completed nominations forms must be submitted no later than April 17, 2026.
Outstanding Logger Award Committee Chair: Mike Moran | [email protected]
Evaluation Process:
Nominees will be evaluated based on the suggested guidelines provided below. Consideration will be given to the type of operation, equipment involved, the desired results, available markets, economic limitations of the logger, and limitations by the landowner specifications.
The minimum requirements for nomination of “WV Outstanding Logger” are:
- All timbering operations will have “Notification Forms” on file with the WV Division of Forestry.
- All loggers will use appropriate safety gear for eye, ear, head, foot, hand, and leg protection as hazards dictate.
- All loggers will not have had a compliance order, suspension order, or citation from the WV Division of Forestry in the past 2 years.
The WV Outstanding Logger Selection Committee will evaluate each written nomination and select State Finalists based on the details provided in the written nomination in May and conduct field visits to select the State Winner by early June.
The State Finalists and the State Winner will be recognized at the WVFA Annual Meeting in July.
Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 WV Logger of the Year Nominations
What is the purpose of the Logger of the Year award?
The program honors outstanding loggers who serve as the foundation of the state’s timber industry. By spotlighting elite professionals who combine operational efficiency with unwavering stewardship and a “safety-first” culture, we raise the bar for the entire forestry community and provide positive examples for others to emulate
Who is eligible to be nominated?
- Location: Businesses do not have to be based in WV but must regularly harvest timber in the state.
- Membership: Nominees should ideally be a member of the West Virginia Forestry Association.
- Past Winners: Winners are not eligible for re-nomination for 3 years after winning.
- Compliance: Nominees must have a clean record with no compliance or suspension orders and no citations in the last two years.
Who can submit a nomination?
Nominations are open, and anyone in the WV forest industry is eligible to nominate a logger. While Committee members should recruit and encourage nominators within their area of influence, they should avoid nominating candidates themselves.
What are the key deadlines for the 2026 cycle?
- Nomination Deadline: April 17, 2026.
- Initial Screening: Late April following the deadline.
- Finalist Field Visits: Late May or early June.
How does the screening and selection process work?
Once a nomination is submitted, it undergoes a rigorous multi-stage review:
- Initial Screening: The committee verifies compliance, including checking for suspension orders over the last 2 years, OSHA inspection results, and Secretary of State compliance.
- Verification: The committee confirms Workers’ Comp coverage and policy details with the WVDOF.
- Technical Evaluations: Finalists receive a WVDOF evaluation of a closed-out job site and an on-site safety audit. A passing score of 80.0 is required on the safety audit to proceed.
- Committee Field Visit: Finalists are visited at an active site to evaluate harvesting configuration, market utilization, and BMP performance.
What makes a "Safety Leadership" description stand out?
Don’t just state that the nominee is safe; the committee looks for a distinct safety culture. Describe specific examples of their training routines, equipment standards, or how they integrate safety into daily operations. Note that finalists must achieve a passing score of 80.0 during a formal on-site safety audit to move forward.
How should I describe "Best Management Practices" (BMPs)?
Focus on how the nominee demonstrates exceptional stewardship of land and water resources. Highlight their specific skills in stabilizing skid trails, protecting water quality, or their excellence in site close-outs. A high-quality nomination often mentions techniques that go beyond the standard requirements.
What details are needed for "Timber Harvesting" and "Business Management"?
- Harvesting: Describe the quality of their felling and skidding, how well they maximize wood utilization (merchandising), and the care they take to protect the residual stand.
- Business: Focus on the nominee’s operational efficiency, professional reputation, business organization practieces, and reliability within the industry.
Why is "Community and Industry Involvement" so important?
This factor plays a significant role in distinguishing a logger at the regional and national level competitions hosted by the Forest Resources Association (FRA). Describe how they support their local community or advocate for the timber industry to show they are a true ambassador for the profession.