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The Arkansas Foresters Hall of Fame, housed in the Forest Resources Building at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, has inducted three outstanding forestry professionals: Dr. Don C. Bragg, Greg L. Hay and Pete W. Prutzman.

The induction ceremony took place at the Ouachita Society of American Foresters meeting in November 2024, and plaques for individuals inducted were officially displayed in March 2025. The Arkansas Foresters Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to forestry in Arkansas.

“All of these gentlemen have been leaders in the forestry profession not only in the businesses or agencies they worked but in volunteering their time to serve the profession through state- and national-level committees important to Arkansas forestry,” Dr. Michael Blazier, dean of the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources at UAM and director of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, said. “They also give back to the profession regularly through assisting our college through educational and research efforts. A lot of foresters in this state have been enriched by the work of these inductees, myself included.”

Established in 1994, the hall of fame now recognizes 27 members for their exceptional contributions to forestry in Arkansas. It is a testament to their dedication and impact, ensuring their legacies inspire future generations.

Dr. Don C. Bragg (Posthumous Induction)

The late Dr. Don C. Bragg of Monticello was a distinguished research forester and project leader for the USDA Forest Service from 2000 to 2023. Tragically, Bragg lost his life along with three members of his immediate family in December 2023.

A graduate of Michigan Technological University and Utah State University, Bragg was a renowned expert in southern pine silviculture and Arkansas forest history. At the time of his passing, he was a project leader and research forester for the USDA Forest Service stationed at UAM in Monticello.

Additionally, Bragg served as the editor of the Society of American Foresters’ Journal of Forestry from 2013 to 2017 and authored nearly 100 publications. His dedication to forestry earned him numerous accolades from the Forest Service, SAF and the Arkansas Archeology Society. Bragg was a dedicated advocate for forestry and archaeology, leaving a lasting legacy through his contributions to both fields.

Greg L. Hay 

Greg L. Hay, president of the Arkansas Forestry Association and recently retired ArborGen reforestation advisor, dedicated his entire career to Arkansas forestry. Shortly after earning his degree from Stephen F. Austin University, Hay moved to Arkansas in 1977, accepting a position with Weyerhaeuser. Hay spent nearly 10 years with the USDA Forest Service as a silviculturist at the Ouachita National Forest and later held management positions with Timberland Enterprises, CellFor, Nutrien Solutions and ArborGen.

A highly engaged SAF member, Hay received the SAF Fellow honor in 2000 and the District Field Forester Award in 2022. Additionally, he was appointed to the Arkansas Plant Board, was chair of the Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Consulting Foresters and received the President’s Award from the Arkansas Forestry Association in 2017.

Pete W. Prutzman

Pete W. Prutzman, president emeritus of Kingwood Forestry Services, Inc., has been a leader in Arkansas forestry since 1978. As a co-owner of Kingwood from its founding in 1983 until his retirement, Prutzman played a pivotal role in providing forestry services to Arkansas timberland owners. A graduate of Pennsylvania State University’s forestry program, Prutzman received honors from his alma mater by being named the Outstanding Alumnus of its School of Forest Resources.

Prutzman served as president of the Arkansas Forestry Association from 2014 to 2016 and received the organization’s President’s Award in 2018. Over the past 25 years, he has held multiple governor-appointed positions to Arkansas forestry boards, including the Arkansas Board of Registration for Foresters, the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board and the Arkansas Forestry Commission. He is a past chair of the Arkansas Chapter of American Consulting Foresters and an SAF Fellow, among other honors.