ODF release - SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) is seeking nominations from across Oregon for forest operator of the year. Anyone can nominate. Deadline to nominate is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25.  “ODF wants to recognize operators working in the forest whose practices ‘go the extra mile’ to protect Oregon’s natural resources,” said ODF’s Greg Wagenblast, who heads up the recognition program. “Any size of forest practices operation is eligible, and companies, contractors or individuals may be recognized.”  Wagenblast said nominations don’t have to be limited to timber harvesting. Thinning operations, culvert replacements, and bridge building over forest streams are examples of other kinds of acceptable nominations.  He added that landowners may be recognized if the landowner is the entity performing the work, or the landowner provided significant direction of a larger project.  “Winners are selected by Oregon’s Regional Forest Practices Committees from northwest, southwest and eastern Oregon.  Nominees are evaluated on an operator’s consistency of positive performance, innovation in project design, relative difficulty of the harvest or other operation and commitment to protecting Oregon’s natural resources, such as water quality, soils, and wildlife,” said Wagenblast.  Nomination forms can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/pages/recognition-and-awards-programs.aspx  Once completed, please email the completed form and any attachments to [email protected] or print and return/mail to:  Oregon Department of Forestry, Greg Wagenblast.