October 16, 2008
The Mississippi Forestry Foundation presented John Guthrie Sr. of Wiggins with a Special Service Award. Mr. Guthrie received this award at the president’s banquet October 16 at the Mississippi Forestry Association Annual Meeting held in Choctaw. The Foundation is MFA’s partner organization providing tax deductible support of signature projects to ensure a growing forestry community.
In 1948, fresh from Purdue University’s School of Forestry, this Guthrie was hired by the Illinois Central Railroad to help replant Mississippi’s forests. And that was just the beginning. For 60 years, he has significantly contributed to the reforestation of the South, from introducing an innovative tree planter to starring in the Johnny Pinetree radio program. He served as MFA’s president in 1985 and has faithfully served on many MFA committees and board of directors throughout the years. Mr. Guthrie received a standing ovation as Lloyd Young, Mississippi Forestry Foundation Chair presented Mr. Guthrie with an honorary plaque. “Since we are celebrating MFA’s 70th anniversary this year, the Foundation wanted to recognize Mr. Guthrie’s 60 years of dedicated service to Mississippi’s forestry community,” said Lloyd Young, Foundation chair
Mississippi Forestry Association’s vision is to serve as The Voice of Forestry in Mississippi. In 1938 MFA was formed to guard and grow Mississippi’s forests and that is still the mission today. MFA is the only organization that represents every group in the forestry community. MFA leads the efforts in protecting landowner rights, improving the forest products economy and educating the community about the ecological benefits of healthy, renewable forests and of the forest industry. MFA is a private (non government), nonprofit association. To learn more, visit at www.msforestry.net.