What Ohio Forestry Association does

The Ohio Forestry Association (OFA), founded in 1903 as the Ohio State Forestry Society and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a non-profit trade association serving Ohio's forest products industry. OFA represents more than 600 members across wood products manufacturers, sawmills, logging companies, forestry consultants, forest landowners, equipment suppliers, and service firms. The organization operates as the unified industry voice for a sector that contributes $30 billion in annual economic impact and supports 50,000+ jobs across Ohio's 8 million acres of forestland.

OFA's product portfolio spans five program categories: (1) professional certification and training (Master Logger Company Program, CSAW chainsaw training with Basic/Level 1/Level 2 tiers, Lumber Grading Short Course, Kiln Drying Short Course); (2) industry events (the flagship Paul Bunyan Show annual exposition attracting 7,500+ attendees, Annual Meeting, Summer Outing, Lumberman's Outing); (3) landowner and conservation programs (Ohio Tree Farm Program under ATFS, Conservation Education Grants, E.B. Miller Memorial Scholarship, Camp Canopy youth forestry camp with 10,000+ alumni since 1950); (4) member business services (Membership Directory, Career Center, Classified Advertising, Savings4Members discount program, Workers Compensation Group Rating via Sedgwick, hunting lease liability insurance via Outdoor Underwriters); and (5) publications (Ohio Woodland Journal quarterly and TimberTalk weekly newsletter). The organization uses YourMembership.com as its underlying association management platform.

OFA generates revenue through six streams: tiered membership dues ($40 individual to $600 pulp and paper manufacturer), annual corporate sponsorships at four tiers ($1,000 Poplar to $7,500 Walnut), event registration and exhibitor booth fees (the Paul Bunyan Show is the dominant revenue event), training program fees ($175-$550 per participant), classified advertising, and insurance partnership residuals. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors led by President Don Rawn with three Vice Presidents from industry firms (Rudd Equipment, Hummel Group, Koppers), and staffed by 9 employees including Executive Director Jenna Reese.

Name

Ohio Forestry Association

Legal name

Ohio Forestry Association, Inc.

Website

https://ohioforest.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1903

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Ohio Forestry Association is a 1903-founded non-profit trade association serving 600+ members in Ohio's forest products industry, including sawmills, logging companies, foresters, landowners, and equipment suppliers, through certification programs, training, events, and advocacy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Forestry Trade Association Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Forestry (1153), Support Activities for Forestry (115310)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

Forestry & Reforestation (BPAGAGAD)

Keywords

• Forestry trade association
• Forest products advocacy
• Logger certification programs
• Woodland stewardship training
• Timber industry networking

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues collected at various tiers based on member type (Pulp & Paper Manufacturers, Primary Manufacturers, Consulting Foresters, Loggers, Tree Farmers, Individuals, Students). Provides core recurring revenue.
2. Annual Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship packages at multiple levels (Walnut $7,500, Oak $5,000, Maple $2,500, Poplar $1,000 annually) with benefits including directory listings, show program placement, website advertising, and event booth access.
3. Event Registration and Exhibitor Fees: Revenue from Paul Bunyan Show exhibitor registrations, Annual Meeting registration, Summer Outing, Lumberman's Outing, and other events. Includes booth fees, sponsor registrations, and guide advertising.
4. Training Programs: Fees for CSAW chainsaw training ($175 member/$250 non-member per day), Lumber Grading Short Courses ($450 member/$550 non-member), Kiln Drying Short Courses, and Master Logger certification training.
5. Classified Advertising: Classified advertisements for members (no charge) and non-members ($15 per item per month). Paul Bunyan Show Guide advertising sold separately.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Ohio Forestry Association is a not-for-profit trade association that supports the management of Ohio's forest resources and strengthens member business opportunities in the forest products industry. It delivers membership services, professional certification programs (Master Logger, CSAW chainsaw safety, Lumber Grading, Kiln Drying), legislative advocacy, annual events (Paul Bunyan Show, Annual Meeting, Summer Outing, Lumberman's Outing), the Ohio Tree Farm woodland certification program, member benefit programs (workers compensation, insurance, savings), publications (Ohio Woodland Journal, TimberTalk), and youth education (Camp Canopy).

Product overview

The Ohio Forestry Association operates as a membership-based trade association offering a unified platform of programs and services for Ohio's forest products industry. The portfolio includes professional certification programs (Master Logger Program), safety training (CSAW Chainsaw Training, Lumber Grading Short Course, Kiln Drying Short Course), signature events (Paul Bunyan Show annual exposition, Annual Meeting, Summer Outing, Lumberman's Outing), youth education (Camp Canopy), publications (Ohio Woodland Journal, Timber Talk Newsletter), member business tools (Career Center, Classified Advertisements, Membership Directory), insurance and benefits programs (Workers Compensation Group Program, Savings4Members, Hunting Land Advisors), and conservation initiatives (Ohio Tree Farm Program, Conservation Education Grants, E.B. Miller Memorial Scholarship). The organization serves over 600 members representing wood products manufacturers, sawmills, logging companies, foresters, landowners, and service firms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Master Logger Company Program Voluntary certification program for logging contractors involving training in chainsaw safety, Best Management Practices for soil and water protection, and first aid/CPR. Requires periodic re-certification and BMP monitoring inspections.
• CSAW Training (Chainsaw Safety Awareness that Works) Chainsaw safety education program offering multiple levels (Basic, Level 1, Level 2, Custom) for professional loggers, landowners, city/county workers, and emergency response teams. Covers tree felling, bucking, maintenance, and safety practices.
• Lumber Grading Short Course Four-day workshop providing introduction to lumber inspection covering NFLA rule book, grade standards (FAS, 1 Common, 2 Common, 3 Common), defect definitions, and hands-on grading practice. Includes NHLA Rule Book, Introduction to Lumber Grading Manual, lunch each day, and Certificate of Completion.
• Kiln Drying Short Course Three-day comprehensive training on wood drying techniques covering moisture content measurement, kiln schedules, drying procedures, defect causes and cures, and kiln operations.
• Paul Bunyan Show Annual logging and forest products industry exposition featuring equipment sales, demonstrations, competitions, entertainment, and wood crafts. Includes booth sales, sponsorships, and show guide advertising. Attracts thousands of trade and consumer participants annually.
• Annual Meeting Annual conference featuring educational sessions, networking opportunities, awards, and industry updates. Two-day event with speakers, ODNR updates, awards luncheon, and industry presentations.
• Summer Outing Annual networking event featuring fishing tournament, golf, and clay shooting activities for member engagement. Registration $225 for OFA Members and $325 for non-members.
• Lumberman's Outing Annual golf and sporting clays event raising funds for the Lumberman's Benevolent Fund to support forest industry families in tragedy. Sponsorship tiers include Gold ($1,500), Silver ($1,000), Bronze ($500), Beverage ($750), Golf Tee ($200), and Clay Station ($200).
• Ohio Tree Farm Program Private woodland certification program operated through the American Tree Farm System, promoting sustainable forest management with focus on wood production, wildlife habitat, water quality, and recreation.
• Ohio Woodland Journal Quarterly official publication of the Ohio Tree Farm System providing educational information on managing and protecting Ohio's forest, wildlife, and water resources. Free to Ohio Tree Farmers, OFA members, Tree Farm inspectors, state legislators, and landowners with Forest Stewardship Plans; $20/year subscription otherwise.
• Career Center Online job board connecting job seekers with forest products industry employers. Supports job searching, posting, and subscription services.
• Membership Directory Searchable directory of Ohio Forestry Association members including Master Loggers, sawmills, logging companies, foresters, and service firms. Available online to signed-in members and through the Official Media Guide.
• Classified Advertisements Free marketplace for OFA members to buy and sell forestry-related items. Non-members may advertise for $15 per item per month. Paul Bunyan Show Guide advertising sold separately.
• Conservation Education Grant Program Small-scale grant program supporting conservation education activities with maximum individual grant amount of $2,500 per project.
• E.B. Miller Memorial Scholarship Annual scholarship program for Ohio high school graduates pursuing forest resource education at approved universities, colleges, or technical schools.
• Camp Canopy Annual one-week residential forestry camp for high school students, teaching forest resource management in a natural outdoor setting. More than 10,000 students have participated since 1950.
• Savings4Members Discount program providing pre-negotiated savings in over 20 categories including credit card processing, fuel, office supplies, and payroll services for OFA members.
• Workers Compensation Group Safety Program Partnership with Sedgwick offering group rating programs for Ohio employers to maximize premium savings on workers compensation coverage. On average, clients save $11 for every $1 spent on fees (1000% ROI).
• Hunting Land Advisors and Insurance Services including hunting lease liability insurance, woodland liability coverage, and land evaluation for income potential and feasibility, provided exclusively to OFA members through Outdoor Underwriters.

Quantifiable outcome

• $30 billion annual economic impact for Ohio forest products industry
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOFA supports Sustainable Forestry Initiative promoting sustainable forestry practices. Includes Ohio SFI State Implementation Committee participation and sustainable forestry standards for the industry.
• American Tree Farm System (ATFS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOFA operates the Ohio Tree Farm Program under ATFS guidelines (oldest private woodland certification system since 1941). ATFS is sponsored by American Forest Foundation.
• American Forest FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsors the American Tree Farm System and supplies funding supporting Ohio Tree Farm Committee activities.
• ODNR Division of ForestrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsor of Ohio Tree Farm Committee. Provides forestry advice and service foresters for the program. Works with OFA on Master Logger program and BMP training.
• OSU ExtensionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on woodland owner education, Ohio Woodland Journal, Camp Canopy instructors, and A Day in the Woods Program.
• Ohio Department of AgricultureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on promoting wood product exports and agricultural programs.
• SedgwickcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkers compensation group rating program endorsed by OFA. Helps employers maximize premium savings. On average, clients save $11 for every $1 spent on fees.
• Outdoor UnderwritersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides OFA INSURANCE PROGRAM exclusively to OFA members. Offers hunt club liability insurance and timberland/woodland owner liability coverage.
• Savings4MembersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDiscount program partnered with hundreds of organizations to provide savings across 20+ categories including credit card processing, fuel, office supplies, payroll.
• Air Evac LifeteamminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAir medical evacuation membership offered to OFA members at discounted rates.
• Forestry Suppliers Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOFA members receive 7% discount on all orders. Also offers $35 discount on HAIX boots for members.
• Ohio Society of American Foresters (OSAF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on Tree Farm Committee and inspector training programs.
• Ohio Soil and Water Conservation DistrictsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with SWCDs on Tree Farm inspections and regional woodland interest groups.
• Ohio SFI State Implementation CommitteeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOFA participates in committee promoting sustainable forestry implementation in Ohio.
• Project Learning TreeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational program for teaching forestry and environmental concepts. OFA promotes through training programs.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI): North American sustainability nonprofit that sets standards for forest management and chain-of-custody certification. OFA is an active partner in SFI's Ohio State Implementation Committee. Comparable in promoting sustainable forestry practices and engaging the same logger/manufacturer audience.
• National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA): National trade association for the hardwood lumber industry whose NHLA rule book is taught in OFA's Lumber Grading Short Course. Comparable in serving hardwood sawmills, providing grading standards, and offering inspector training programs.
• American Forest Foundation: National nonprofit that sponsors the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) under which OFA operates the Ohio Tree Farm Program. Directly comparable in mission (family forest stewardship) and program architecture, but operates nationally with a larger staff and budget.

Regional players

• Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association: Indiana-based state forestry association serving woodland owners and the forest products industry. Closely comparable as a state-level peer organization with overlapping Tree Farm and landowner programming.
• Pennsylvania Forestry Association: State-level forestry association in neighboring Pennsylvania. Closely comparable in mission, structure, membership categories, and programming (training, advocacy, landowner engagement) to OFA's model, but operating in a different state.
• National Association of State Foresters (NASF): Represents state forestry agencies nationwide. While OFA is a private trade association and NASF represents state government agencies, both advocate for forest products industry interests and partner with state-level ODNR-equivalent agencies.
• Michigan Forest Products Council: Regional trade association representing Michigan's forest products industry, including loggers, sawmills, and manufacturers. Closely comparable in target membership, advocacy focus, and industry promotion to OFA.

Direct peers

• Society of American Foresters (SAF): National membership organization for forestry professionals, with state societies including the Ohio Society of American Foresters (OSAF) that collaborates with OFA on Tree Farm inspector training. Directly comparable as a professional forestry membership body.
• Forest Landowners Association: National trade association representing private forest landowners, a core member segment of OFA. Directly comparable in serving the same landowner base, providing advocacy, education, and Tree Farm-aligned programming.
• American Loggers Council: National trade association representing professional loggers, the same core member segment OFA's Master Logger and CSAW programs serve. Directly comparable in advocating for logger interests, safety training, and BMP standards.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@OFAPBS/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/OhioForestry
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ohio-forestry-association

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ohio Forestry Association