PULLMAN, Wash. — Richard I. Woods, a professional forester who has spent 44 years in timber harvesting, marketing and appraising, has received the Washington State University Alumni Achievement Award. He was recognized by WSU at a surprise 70th birthday party given by his wife, Leslie, at the Kelso-Longview Elks Club Oct. 6.
Since 1981, Woods has owned and operated 4S Tree/Northwest, Inc. in Kelso.
“His goal has been to maximize income from forest land, but still leave resources for the next generation,” according to Charles J. Chambers, WSU alumni director from Shelton, who was among those nominating Woods for the award. “Dick has enhanced and promoted the application of the Selection Cut Management of Douglas fir developed by Richard Smith in the ‘50s and ‘60s. This system is an alternative management for Douglas fir to the non-industrial landowners wishing not to clear cut.”
During his professional career Woods has held positions with the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources, WSU Cooperative Extension Service and Federal Land Bank. Prior to founding his own company, he spent a decade with the Woodland Management Co. as a consulting forester for non-industrial woodlot owners. In that capacity, he provided management needs, including forest property inventories, selected harvesting and appraisals. He served two three-year terms on the Washington State Forest Practices Board, and was president of both the Association of Consulting Foresters of America, 1990-92, and the Washington Farm Forestry Association, 1973-74.
Active in his community, he was a member of the Kelso City Council for 18 years, 1974-92, followed by eight years as mayor of Kelso.
Woods earned a degree in forestry management in 1958. He was president of Waller Hall, Senior Class president, and active in the WSU Forestry Club.
