Leonard Cronin, regional manager of Finch Forest Management, a division of Finch Paper, Glens Falls, N.Y., USA, was presented the 2017 Forester of the Year award by the New York Society of American Foresters (NYSAF). This honor recognizes Cronin’s outstanding contributions to the profession of forestry, the stewardship of forest resources in New York, and the objectives of the Society of American Foresters.

Bruce Breitmeyer, NYSAF awards committee chair, noted that "Len has had an outstanding career with more than 30 years of ‘feet in the forest’ in the Adirondacks and Upstate New York. His leadership at Finch in his forestry profession has been outstanding and his efforts directly contributed to the excellent condition of some of the most prestigious lands in the Adirondacks."

Cronin has been managing forests for Finch since 1986. His work exemplifies the company’s dedication to cultivate the vast Adirondack lands to satisfy the demand for wood while at the same time conserving natural resources and the wildlife that make their homes there. 

Finch Paper VP, Forestry Michael McLarty explained that "as other paper companies have walked away from forest management, we have undeniable passion to stay directly involved with the long-term health of the forest." In 2009, Finch launched a consulting forestry services division, Finch Forest Management, whereby the tenured foresters work on behalf of private and public landowners. 

McLarty added that "Len has led our forestry team and is highly regarded by landowners, environmental organizations, and government agencies across the region." 

Cronin’s dedication to the profession goes beyond his responsibilities at Finch. Breitmeyer said that "Len always takes time to mentor foresters just starting their career and is active in his promotion of the profession throughout the community. He is actively involved in SAF, Ranger School, BOCES, and has made numerous presentations to students of all ages. He is always looking for ways to promote good forestry."

Finch hired one of the nation’s first professional foresters, Howard Churchill, in 1910 and has been caring for 100,000-plus acres of land for generations. "There’s no doubt that Mr. Churchill would share in our pride for Len’s work, integrity, and leadership," said Debabrata Mukherjee, president of Finch Paper LLC. "He is most deserving of this honor given by his fellow professionals at the NYSAF."

Finch Paper LLC is a privately-owned and vertically integrated paper manufacturer specializing in high-bright, uncoated papers for North American printing, packaging, and converting markets. Finch Paper was the first integrated paper manufacturer in the U.S. to receive both the Forest Management and Chain-of-Custody certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council® and Sustainable Forestry Initiative®. Finch papers are made using two-thirds renewable energy produced by on-site hydroelectric and cogeneration facilities and has been a responsible, sustainable New York State manufacturer for more than a century. To learn more, visit Finch Paper online.

Finch Forest Management provides forest management services to private and public landowners interested in long-term forest health, increased revenue, reduced ownership costs, and/or superior recreation and wildlife management. Its specialties include sustainable forestry and third-party certification, timber valuation, and inventory, responsible harvesting, and recreational leases. To learn more, visit Finch Forest Management online.