Photo Gallery | Gene Kodama Honored By American Forest Foundation

The American Forest Foundation has recognized South Carolina State Forester Henry E. (Gene) Kodama for his meritorious support of the American Tree Farm System.

The Sustained Excellence Award is presented annually to a state forester who has best championed the cause for supporting tree farms as critical to economic development. Kodama who is the agency head of the Forestry Commission was nominated for his record of reaching out to and encouraging private landowners who’ve dedicated their land to growing the forest resource. Kodama is also recognized for encouraging Commission staff to participate in the Tree Farm Program, to perform inspections and to attend Tree Farm training and workshops as part of their official duties.

"This is a well deserved honor for State Forester Gene Kodama. Gene has a passion for forestry. Under Gene's leadership, the SC Forestry Commission strongly supports the SC Tree Farm Committee making it one of the best programs in the nation,” says Cam Crawford, president of the South Carolina Forestry Association.  “Gene personally advocates for tree farmers at the SC General Assembly, the U.S. Congress, and with the public."