The National Office of the Society of American Foresters (SAF) has announced local forester Janet Eger will receive the 2019 Presidential Field Forester Award for District 9. District 9, one of eleven SAF districts is the northeast area of the United States.
Eger works for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources as a District Forester covering Lawrence and Orange Counties. She will be recognized on November 1 at the SAF National Conference in Louisville.
Eger will be recognized for her innovative methods and record of excellence as a forestry practitioner. They noted the special significance of her work with landowners. Eger said, “I’m honored and humbled to be nominated and receive this honor.” She added that there are many deserving foresters.
John McNulty, SAF President congratulated Eger for being recognized for her work on the ground where it matters. Eger responded, “I’ve had a rewarding career as a field forester and have enjoyed the time I spent early in my career on public forestlands, and more so the last several years in dealing with private landowners.”
She said it was such a privilege to be nominated by her peers, and to be awarded this prestigious award from her professional Society, “It makes me want to work harder to live up to the honor.”
Eger said, “The work done by professional foresters is often misunderstood by the general populace.” She and other foresters work hard to manage Indiana’s forests, and she said she is proud to be a member of the Society of American Foresters. She added, “I believe that by being a member, I’ve had opportunities to interact with other professionals, and that has enhanced my learning and career.”
This is the second prestigious national award Eger has received. She was elected as an SAF Fellow in 2006. SAF Fellows are recognized for exemplary action, sustained leadership and advancement of the forestry profession.
