The HFF’s Gifford Pinchot Award recognizes significant corporate achievement in promoting sustainable forestry. Gifford Pinchot (1865-1946) was a forester, conservationist, first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, and Society of American Forester founder and president. His leadership and direction gave the U.S. Forest Service an innovative philosophy, “To make the forest produce the largest amount of whatever crop or service is most useful, and keep on producing it for generations after generation of men and trees.” Pinchot’s lasting legacy to forest management and conservation (wise use of resources) is mirrored in the goals of the Hardwood Forestry Fund.

Hardwood Forestry chairman Rick Phillips says, “Columbia’s corporate efforts made their nomination shine. Extensive education and training for employees, private landowners and students; active and leadership roles in forest products certification; longtime tree replacement efforts with the HFF; increased efficiencies in resource acquisition and manufacturing; leadership with associations and coalitions to promote legal and sustainable practices in the forest products industry. The HFF is proud to recognize Columbia Forest Products for these achievements.”