GREENSBORO, NC - Columbia Forest Products' Jim Sitts will receive the 2015 Forest Conservationist of the Year award from the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. Sitts, who is Appalachian Timber Manager at Columbia Forest, is being recognized as part of the Governor’s Conservation Achievement program honoring conservation activism.
 
The award will be presented to Sitts at the Annual Governor’s Awards Banquet on September 12, 2015 in Raleigh, NC.
 
Sitts is a 45-year veteran of the forest products industry and has been with Columbia Forest Products since 1981.  He is a Registered Forester in the state of North Carolina and has earned the designation of Certified Forester through the Society of American Foresters.
 
In addition to his work as a forest conservationist, Sitts has served on the boards of organizations such as the Hardwood Federation, the Forestry Mutual Insurance Company and the National Woodland Owners Association.  He holds degrees from Paul Smith’s College and North Carolina State University.
 
 “Jim understands the perspectives of companies in the industry as well as the importance of good forest conservation practices," said T. Edward Nickens, chairman of the NCWF Awards Committee. "His deep knowledge and wide-ranging perspectives make his ideas and insights both realistic and achievable – and hence highly beneficial to furthering the habitat conservation and restoration goals of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.”
 
Established in 1945, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation’s mission is to protect, conserve and restore wildlife and habitat in the state of North Carolina. It is affiliated with the National Wildlife Federation. Established in 1957, Columbia Forest Products produces hardwood plywood panels to the woodworking industry for cabinetry, fine furniture, architectural millwork and commercial fixtures. It is an employee stock owned manufacturing firm.