2014 Root Cause Award winners announced for excellency in the local forest products industry and sustainable forestry

From a press release:

2014 Root Cause Award winners announced for excellency in the local forest products industry and sustainable forestry

(Asheville, NC)—The second annual Root Cause Awards, celebrating achievement in the local forest products industry and sustainable forestry have been announced.

The three winners are:

Cullowhee-based non-profit forest stewardship consulting group Forest Stewards is the recipient of the 2014 Award for Sustainable Forestry for its efforts in promoting sustainable forestry in the Appalachians. By offering stewardship services to land owners and educating the public about the important role our forests play in the region, Forest Stewards has made our forests stronger.

Furniture-maker Max Woody of Marion, NC is the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award winner for his lifetime of work in the wood products industry. His beautifully designed chairs are a reminder of the great forest products industry heritage in our region and the many businesses that rely on its survival.

Al Platt and Platt Architecture of Brevard, NC are the recipients of the 2014 Award for Support of Local Wood Products for their efforts to use local forest products in many of the homes they design. Platt has shown that with proper planning and effort our local forests, businesses and craftspeople can be supported and better utilized.

“It was a pleasure to give these three awards to such good advocates of our forests,” said Lang Hornthal, Root Cause founder. “Our hope is that as we work to raise awareness with Root Cause, the community will continue to support businesses and non-profits that recognize the importance of sustainable forestry and our forest product-based businesses.”

A directory of Root Cause affiliates is available online and others in the local forest products industry are invited to join. This includes all segments of the forest products industry from foresters to woodworkers and all related businesses and organizations in between that make up western North Carolina’s vast forest products industry. Those involved with forestry or any forest-based businesses are invited to contact Appalachian Designs to get involved with the Root Cause Directory and receive recognition and support for their business.

The Root Cause initiative is committed to raising awareness in the southern Appalachians for the use of local forest products and sustainable forestry. As people seek to buy locally grown food, Root Cause emphasizes that that thinking can be extended to local forest products, which can stimulate the Western North Carolina economy while allowing for the mindful use of natural regional assets. In the region that is the birthplace of Forest Conservation in the United States, Root Cause seeks to continue WNC’s historic commitment to modern forestry.

Root Cause founder Lang Hornthal is the owner of Appalachian Designs, which specializes in outfitting rustic homes and landscapes, designing and building a wide range of solid wood furniture, stairs and railings, architectural elements, and custom designs.