Bartow Shaw, Founder of American Forest Management, Named Distinguished Forester by the Association of Consulting Foresters

On Monday, June 11, 2018, Barton S. “Bo” Shaw, Jr., of Sumter, SC was named the 2018 Distinguished Forester by the Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF). ACF is a national association established in 1948 to promote the professionalism, ethics and interests of consulting foresters. Recipients of the Distinguished Forester award exemplify outstanding contributions to forestry and to the association. This encompasses their contributions to the application of forestry on private lands, to the advancement of the profession, to private ownership of forest lands, and to ACF. A member of the association since 1974, Shaw was initially nominated for the award by his fellow South Carolina chapter members, before being approved by over 99% of the national voting membership.

Former ACF president Billy Humphries presented Shaw with his award at the 2018 ACF National Conference in Asheville, NC. During his remarks, Humphries noted, “Bo has provided great service to his profession, his community, friends, family, church. He has served as a supporter and encourager to employees, and many noble and worthy organizations with his time, leadership skills, trustworthiness, and professionalism.”

In 1966, Shaw founded a one-man consulting firm. As stated in his nomination, “With vision, the continual exploration of non-traditional forest and land management practices, and dedication to service, he oversaw the growth of that company into American Forest Management, one of the largest private forest management organizations in North America.” Over the course of his career, Shaw became a leader in issues that affected the forest industry and private forest landowners. He has served in numerous leadership positions for local, state, and national service and forestry organizations, including the Sumter Economic Development Board, the Carolina Forestry Association, and the American Forest and Paper Association, to name a few. Shaw has degrees from both Clemson University and Duke University and has been named a Distinguished Alumni at both schools. Between college and starting his own company, Shaw proudly served as a 1^st Lieutenant in the US Air Force.

During the award presentation, Shaw stated how humbled he was to be named a Distinguished Forester by his peers. He thanked his family in attendance, and gave special thank you to his late wife, Vickey, without whom “none of this would have been possible.”