Lindgren receives state recognition for logging (2013)

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has named Dustin Lindgren of Patton as Missouri’s Logger of the Year for 2013. Lindgren was first awarded a regional award before he competed with other regional winners from across Missouri to win the state level recognition.

Crader Distributing Company, headquartered in Marble Hill, assisted in recognizing the loggers’ accomplishments and dedication to practicing what MDC has established as forestry Best Management Practices.

The MDC’s annual logger award is given to the logger that demonstrates the ability to carry out a timber harvest in a manner that causes the least amount of damage to the remaining resources on site. The purpose is to recognize the abilities of loggers who practice low impact logging and take extra time to harvest forest resources responsibly.

MDC Resource Forester Marty Calvert nominated Lindgren for the state award. He said Lindgren understands a “clean” logging job is a direct reflection on himself and his company.

“Dustin knows the importance of forest products utilization and is supportive of timber stand improvement practices,” Calvert said.

Calvert said the MDC desires to recognize loggers throughout the state that do an outstanding job in timber harvesting operations and there’s extensive criteria for the award.

“Some of the things we look for include good working relationships with landowners and foresters, minimal damage to remaining trees and resources, and prevention of soil erosion,” Calvert said. “Other important factors include the aesthetics of a site after harvesting is completed, safe work performance and use of equipment, utilization of harvested trees, the desire to address wildlife management concerns, and use of proper forest management techniques.

“Dustin has consistently shown his dedication to and expertise in Professional Timber Harvesting,” said MDC Resource Forester Marty Calvert. “Each time reviewing a sale, he and his crew are wearing safety gear and attention to detail is always on his mind.”

Additionally, loggers must have completed the Professional Timber Harvester’s Training Program sponsored by the Missouri Forest Products Association and the MDC.

As state winners, Lindgren and his crew received signed prints acknowledging their accomplishment from the Conservation Department. They also received a new MS 441 C-M STIHL MAGNUM chainsaw that features some of the latest advancements in technology from Crader Distributing.

For more information on forest management in Missouri, go online to mdc.mo.gov/node/3352.