Pelkki honored by Society of American Foresters for contributions to forestry

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Pelkki named a Fellow by Society of American Foresters
Pelkki has more than 30 years of experience in the forestry industry

MONTICELLO — Matthew Pelkki, head of the Arkansas Center for Forest Business, has received a top honor from the Society of American Foresters by being awarded Fellow status with the organization.
This award was given in recognition of Pelkki’s long-standing dedication to the field of forestry and the impact he has made on the forestry industry at the local, state and national levels. This honor is a highlight to his career marked by exemplary leadership, education and unwavering commitment to the advancement of forestry.
Matthew Pelkki has been named a Fellow of the Society of American Foresters. (UA Monticello image)
Pelkki has been an active member of SAF since 1992; a milestone year he considers the beginning of his professional journey in forestry. He was hired by the UAM College of Forestry in 2001 and has since been appointed to full professorship, George H. Clippert endowment chair and director of the Arkansas Center for Forest Business. Pelkki is also part of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Along with holding prestigious professional titles, Pelkki has numerous scholarly contributions to the forestry industry. His contributions include teaching a variety of forestry courses to undergraduate and graduate students, publishing dozens of research articles, leading forestry related symposiums, presenting at numerous forestry association meetings, and providing continuing forestry education opportunities. His nomination for this award boasts the high regard held by his peers towards his contributions to forestry.

“SAF has benefitted from Pelkki’s leadership for parts of four decades,” said Joseph Friend, forester with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff – Keep It In the Family Program and one of the nominating parties for the award. “He is a national authority in forest economics, and his high profile has also elevated SAF within the forestry community.”
“I have known Dr. Pelkki since 2021 and continue to be impressed with his passion for the profession and the energy of his dynamic personality,” said Greg Hay, forestry regeneration specialist with ArborGen and additional nominating member. “His service to our profession is simply exhaustive, and I enthusiastically endorse his nomination for Fellow in the Society of American Foresters.”
Beyond his scholarly accomplishments, Pelkki has a deep appreciation for Arkansas forest and its people. His passion for Arkansas forestry has been a driving force behind his success.
“The most remarkable memory I have about working in Arkansas’ forests are the people,” said Pelkki. “Those who work in Arkansas’ forests show so much dedication to the forest, their families, and their communities. Arkansas’ forests are made better by the people who work and play in them.”
Michael Blazier, dean of the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and Director of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, has worked closely with Pelkki for nearly 20 years.
“Matt’s major driving force is selflessness; he constantly and consistently works toward the greater good of our students, our college, the forestry profession, and the communities throughout Arkansas and beyond who depend on forestry-related enterprises for their livelihoods and quality of life. This level of recognition for his tireless work toward the greater good is well-deserved,” said Blazier.
The SAF Fellow Award acknowledges professional members who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to SAF volunteer activities and significant leadership within the forestry profession. This award reinforces Pelkki’s reputation as an ambassador for forestry and underscores his lasting impact on future generations of forestry professionals.
Pelkki’s recognition was celebrated during the Ouachita Society of American Forester’s annual meeting on Nov. 7 and at the SAF National Convention on Sept. 19.