The New York Society of American Foresters Recognizes Len Cronin as Forester of the Year

Glens Falls, N.Y. – Leonard Cronin, Regional Manager of Finch Forest Management, was presented the 2017 Forester of the Year award by the New York Society of American Foresters (NYSAF). This honor recognizes Len’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, notes “Len has had an outstanding career with over 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.”

Len 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 Vice President, Forestry Michael McLarty explains, “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. Mr. McLarty continues, “Len has led our forestry team and is highly regarded by landowners, environmental organizations and government agencies across the region.”

Len’s dedication to the profession goes beyond his responsibilities at Finch. Mr. Breitmeyer said “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 over 100,000 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.”