David Smith receives Society of American Foresters award

David Smith of Blacksburg, the Shelton H. and Short Jr. Professor Emeritus of Forestry and former associate dean in the College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech, was presented the Society of American Foresters’ John A. Beale Memorial Award, which recognizes outstanding efforts over a sustained period in the promotion of forestry through voluntary service to the society.

Smith joined the Society of American Foresters (SAF) in 1967, was elected a fellow in 1998, and served as president in 2003. As president of the society, he played a significant role in its forestry policy work and has testified before U.S. House and Senate committees.

After his term as Society of American Foresters president, Smith has continue to contribute to the professional society, which promotes forest stewardship through science and education, by chairing the Volunteer Organization Structure Task Force, SAF working groups, and national committees. He has also been appointed by Gov. Tim Kaine in 2006 to serve on the Virginia Board of Forestry.

Recipients of the John A. Beal Memorial Award, one of eight national awards given annually by the society, are nominated by their peers, with the winner chosen through a vigorous review process. Smith’s dedication to SAF and his role as mentor to many students through the years were deciding factors. In past years, he has received SAF’s Carl Alwin Schenck Award for excellence in forestry education.

Smith received his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Ph.D. from Iowa State University.

The College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech consistently ranks among the top five programs of its kind in the nation. Faculty members stress both the technical and human elements of natural resources and instill in students a sense of stewardship and land-use ethics. Areas of studies include environmental resource management, fisheries and wildlife sciences, forestry, geospatial and environmental analysis, natural resource recreation, urban forestry, wood science and forest products, geography, and international development.