Reflecting on NEFF’s 82nd Annual Meeting

On Thursday, June 11, supporters, staff, Board members, volunteers, and partners gathered at Prouty Woods Community Forest for New England Forestry Foundation’s (NEFF’s) 82nd Annual Meeting.

A centerpiece of this year’s meeting was a sneak peek at NEFF’s new strategic plan and Theory of Change. Presented by Executive Director Ryan Owens, the plan outlines the organization’s priorities and vision for the years ahead, while the Theory of Change illustrates how NEFF’s work is designed to create lasting benefits for forests, climate, wildlife, and communities. Readers can look forward to exploring the plan and Theory of Change in the coming weeks.

Ryan also reflected on the momentum NEFF has built in recent years, from significant conservation successes and the permanent protection of additional forestland through conservation easements and land conservation projects to ambitious initiatives such as Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) and Conserving Maine’s Oldest Forests. Together, these accomplishments demonstrate NEFF’s ability to conserve forests, strengthen rural economies, advance climate solutions, and build partnerships across the region. The lessons learned and opportunities created through this work helped inform the strategic plan and will continue to shape the organization’s direction in the years ahead.

The program also featured a fascinating presentation from timber framer William Wallace-Gusakov on the reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

In addition, several individuals were recognized for their contributions to forest conservation across New England.

Timber framer William Wallace-Gusakov speaks about rebuilding Notre-Dame, photo by Tinsley Hunsdorfer

Featured Speaker William Wallace-Gusakov on Rebuilding Notre-Dame

Annual Meeting attendees were treated to a fascinating presentation from timber framer William Wallace-Gusakov, who shared his experience helping reconstruct the timber roof structure above the nave of Notre-Dame Cathedral following the devastating 2019 fire.

As a timber framer who worked on the project, William provided a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on the effort to rebuild one of history’s most iconic structures.

What made the project particularly remarkable was the commitment to honoring the original methods and materials used to construct the cathedral centuries ago. Rather than relying solely on modern substitutes, the restoration team sought to recreate the historic timber framework using traditional techniques wherever possible.

Large trees were sourced from forests in France and elsewhere in Europe and shaped using traditional techniques, including extensive hand-hewing. William explained that much of the fabrication work took place outside of Paris, where the massive timber components were crafted and test-fitted before being transported to the cathedral for final assembly. Because Notre-Dame is not perfectly straight, level, or square, every measurement and calculation needed to be extraordinarily precise to ensure the pieces would fit together once they arrived on site.

The result was a remarkable blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering, demonstrating the level of care, expertise, and attention to detail required to restore a structure that has stood for centuries.

Recognizing Exemplary Service

The meeting also provided an opportunity to recognize several individuals whose contributions have advanced forest conservation across New England.

NEFF Senior Forest Science and Policy Fellow Alec Giffen (left) and Dr. John Hagan, photo by Tinsley Hunsdorfer

Forest Champion Award

This year’s Forest Champion Award was presented to Dr. John Hagan, whose influence on forest conservation in Maine and across the Northeast is difficult to overstate. A scientist, conservationist, and visionary, John has spent decades advancing our understanding of the critical role forests play in addressing climate change, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining healthy ecosystems. His research and leadership have been especially influential in shaping NEFF’s Conserving Maine’s Oldest Forests initiative. In accepting the award, John reflected on the challenges of conservation in a complex world, noting that meaningful progress often requires bringing together diverse perspectives and building partnerships around shared goals.

NEFF Board member Anne Stetson, photo by Tinsley Hunsdorfer

Board Awards

The Board Outstanding Service Award and Board Service Recognition award were presented to Anne Stetson in recognition of her nine years of service on NEFF’s Board of Directors from 2017 to 2026. Anne’s thoughtful guidance, engagement, and commitment helped shape the organization through a period of significant growth and change.

NEFF also recognized Emily Dwyer MacLellan for her service as a member of the Board of Directors from 2023 to 2026. During her tenure, Emily generously shared her expertise, perspective, and professional network in support of the organization’s mission.

Eve Waterfall (left), NEFF Stewardship Manager Beth Gula (center), and Claire Walton, photo by Tinsley Hunsdorfer

Forest Steward of the Year Award

This year’s Forest Steward of the Year Award was presented to Ray Johnson, Claire Walton, and Eve Waterfall for their exceptional volunteer stewardship of Savage Forest in Reading, Vermont.

Through their faithful volunteer service, Ray, Claire, and Eve have helped care for a 179-acre conservation property that adjoins the Arthur Davis Wildlife Management Area, contributing to a large, connected forest landscape that provides important wildlife habitat. Their dedication has helped ensure that this special place remains healthy, accessible, and protected for future generations.

NEFF Stewardship Manager Beth Gula (left) and NEFF Chief Conservation Officer Will Brune, photo by Tinsley Hunsdorfer

Staff Outstanding Service Award

Stewardship Manager Beth Gula, who presented the Forest Steward of the Year Award to Ray, Claire, and Eve, was herself recognized with NEFF’s Staff Outstanding Service Award after being nominated by her colleagues. Beth’s nomination highlighted both her leadership and her dedication to the organization. Among her many contributions, she played a key role in NEFF’s successful land trust accreditation efforts, a major achievement that reflects years of careful work and commitment to conservation excellence. She also helps lead a dedicated stewardship team that cares for NEFF’s growing portfolio of Community Forests and conservation easements throughout New England. Her recognition reflects not only her accomplishments, but also the deep respect she has earned from her peers.

Looking Ahead

Annual Meetings provide an opportunity to reflect on accomplishments, but they also remind us how much remains to be done.

Whether it is conserving Maine’s oldest forests, stewarding Community Forests, supporting landowners, advancing Exemplary Forestry, or building stronger markets for climate-smart wood products, the challenges facing New England’s forests remain significant.

From taking a look at a new strategic plan to the restoration of Notre-Dame and the recognition of volunteers, Board members, staff, and partners, the day highlighted the people whose vision, expertise, and dedication make conservation possible.