Georgia Forest Conservation Champion wins National Honor

Most people are in favor of preserving abundant natural resources for their grandchildren. Some people work every single day to ensure that happens. Georgia Forestry Commission Management Forester Jeff Kastle is one of those people and his work is being recognized by a group of national conservation organizations. The National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP) has awarded Kastle with its highest honor for developing and implementing outstanding conservation plans and techniques. “Jeff has provided Georgia landowners with tremendous knowledge in a way that makes conservation a sensible and efficient process,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Tim Lowrimore. “He’s developed working relationships with so many strong partners and we’re thrilled he’s being singled out for this important award.” A number of accomplishments contributed to Kastle’s recognition. He is noted for establishing and leading a successful relationship with one of Georgia’s largest and most successful regional forest landowner associations located in his work area. He is a highly regarded forestry technical service advisor for the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency. He has shown outstanding commitment to promoting continuing forestry and logger education and his commitment to partnerships serves as a model for other GFC employees. Kastle received a special plaque for winning the NCPP’s 2023 Hugh Hammond Bennett Southeast Region Planner Award for Conservation Excellence. The NCPP is comprised of national conservation partners including the NRCS, National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA), National Conservation District Employees Association (NCDEA), and National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (NARCDC). For more information about forest management and services of the GFC, visit GaTrees.org.