John R. Seifert of North Vernon received the John F. Datena Distinguished Forester Award at the recent Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Association annual conference.

Seifert has worked for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry since 2005. He works with other professional foresters to assist woodland owners with their property and to achieve sustainable forest management practices.

This award recognizes Seifert’s career as a leader in forest conservation and his support for Indiana woodland owners. Before becoming state forester, he was an extension forester for Purdue University and taught classes for woodland owners, training thousands over his career.

He continues to volunteer for the Indiana Forestry Educational Foundation and Society of American Foresters.

“John’s love and appreciation for Indiana forestry is evident by his leadership and his long career helping woodland owners,” said Liz Jackson, executive director of IFWOA.

Additional honorees for the 2021 class of the John F. Datena award were Bill Hoover of West Lafayette and Janet Eger of Shoals.

This award was presented by the Indiana Hardwoods Lumbermen’s Association, Indiana Association of Consulting Foresters, Indiana Society of American Foresters and Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Association.

IFWOA promotes good stewardship of Indiana’s woodlands. Members own their woods for many reasons but share an interest in conserving our natural resources. There are more than 500 members statewide.

For information, visit ifwoa.org.