Robert Shaffer, left, and Bernie Smith. |
Dr. Robert M. Shaffer was
presented with VFA’s Distinguished Service Award at the VFA
Annual Convention in April. The award recognizes an
individual or organization that has made a significant
contribution to Forestry and/or related resources of
Virginia for the best interest of current and succeeding
generations. There have only been 18 Distinguished Service
Awards given since 1984.
Shaffer graduated from Auburn University with a degree in
forestry. He earned an M.B.A. and Ph.D. in Forest Management
from the University of Missouri. In April, the Virginia Tech
Board of Visitors conferred the title of “Professor
Emeritus” to Robert M. Shaffer as the Charles Nettleton
Professor of Forest Operations.
Shaffer has conducted hundreds of workshops, short courses,
and extension programs about forestry operation. He has
written numerous articles for publications, including a
Virginia Forests magazine column, and has received many
awards for technical writing.
Shaffer served as president of the Virginia Forestry
Association, 1995-96, and chaired several VFA Committees. He
was instrumental in the establishing of the Virgina Loggers
Council, now known as the Virginia Loggers Association.
Shaffer was a founding member of the Forestry Task Force for
Water Quality and was instrumental in developing the State
Forestry BMP Guidelines and the Logger BMP handbook. He has
been active in the VFA’s Sustainable Forestry Initiative
State Implementation Committee. He has developed Logger
Education programs throughout Virginia, serving as chair of
the Logger Education Task Group. Virginia’s program received
national recognition due to Bob’s participation and
leadership.
Bob has been recognized by many state, regional, and
national groups and has earned numerous honors and awards.
In 1998, Bob was recognized as VFA’s “Man of the Year in
Forestry.”
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