BANGOR, ME - The Northeastern Loggers' Association (NELA) recently honored Jake Rosa and Dry Brook Custom Sawmilling and Logging of Arkville, NY as the winner of its 2010 Outstanding Logging Operator Award. NELA President Jeff Durst presented the award at the Annual Loggers' Banquet in Bangor, Maine, in a ceremony attended by over 200 members of the Northeast's forest products industry. Jake was one of eight forestry professionals recognized for excellence in categories including logging operator, sawmill operator, and contributors to safety, leadership, education and activism.

Jake's family has lived in Arkville, New York since the mid-1800s. Jake's great-great grandfather and great-grandfather were both sawyers, and his grandfather was a forest ranger. When asked about his decision to become a logger, Jake said, "I've always loved being in the woods and you can't make money deer hunting, so I wanted to find an alternative way to make a living in the woods."

Taking great pride in the quality of his work, Jake stands out as logger who is environmentally conscious of sustainability and water quality issues associated with logging. Working alongside the landowner to meet their goals and objectives, Jake often bridges the gap a forester usually fills.

Jake is Trained Logger Certified (TLC) with New York Logger Training (NYLT), a statewide initiative that promotes safety, productivity and environmental awareness in the woods. Jake strongly advocates for the TLC training on behalf of his peers. Jake also works closely with the Watershed Agricultural Council's Forestry Program. He routinely utilizes the Best Management Practice (BMP) Program to implement BMPs to protect water quality and counteract any erosion issues that may occur during or after a timber harvest. BMPs installed by Jake can be seen throughout Siuslaw Model Forest, an educational facility located in Acra, NY that is operated by CCE-Greene County in a collaborative partnership with the Watershed Agricultural Council, NYC Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Forest Service.

 An active member of the Empire State Forest Products Association (ESFPA), Jake routinely speaks with State legislators on issues that affect the capability of landowners to own and manage forestland and loggers' ability to make a living at their profession. Jake also serves on the Catskill Forest Association Board of Directors and the Watershed Agricultural Council's Forestry Program Committee and Watershed Logger Training Working Group. He's also a Catskill WoodNet member. Asked what he loves most about his job, Jake simply says, "I just love being in the woods."

Landowners interested in harvesting timber can contact Jake at (607) 434-0351.

For more on the Watershed Agricultural Council, the Forestry Program or Catskill WoodNet, visit www.nycwatershed.org.

The Watershed Agricultural Council assists private landowners to improve their farm and forest lands in order to protect clean drinking water for nine million New York City residents.  The Council works with nearly 1,000 property landowners in developing conservation plans and applying those practices in accordance with farm and forest management plans. Working with farmers, agribusinesses, forest landowners, forest industry professionals and others, WAC seeks to enhance both business profitability and environmental stewardship. The Council champions the working landscape model by holding over 20,000 acres in conservation easements. Landowners use a variety of best management practices, tools and approaches, such as conservation easements, to keep property within a working landscape.

The Council also supports strong, viable agriculture and forestry businesses through its "Buy Local" branding campaigns, Pure Catskills. The Council accomplishes its work in land conservation and water quality protection within the New York City watershed region by embracing partnerships with other nonprofits organizations, government agencies and community stakeholders to achieve its purpose. The nonprofit is funded by The New York City Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service and other federal and foundation sources.  The WAC is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

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