Aune Lifetime Achievement Award from FVMC

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor today to present this Lifetime Achievement Award to Philip S. ‘Phil’ Aune—a true pioneer and dedicated steward of our forests for over 50 remarkable years.

Phil’s extraordinary journey in forestry began in 1962 when he joined the U.S. Forest Service as a Forestry Technician on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest’s Coffee Creek Ranger District.

What started as hands-on fieldwork quickly evolved into a distinguished 37-year career with the agency, culminating in his retirement in 1999.

 During those decades, Phil served on four California National Forests, building expertise from the ground up:

•  1962–1966: Forestry Technician, Shasta-Trinity National Forest (Coffee Creek RD)

•  1966–1970: Forester, Sequoia National Forest (Cannell Meadow RD)

•  1970–1975: Silviculturist, Six Rivers National Forest (Mad River Ranger District)

•  1975–1987: Forest Silviculturist and (for one year) Timber Management Officer, Tahoe National Forest

In the later stages of his Forest Service tenure, Phil took on high-level research and leadership roles that shaped silviculture and ecosystem management across the West. For his final 12 years, he served as Research Program Manager at the Pacific Southwest Research Station’s Redding Silviculture Laboratory. In that capacity, he supervised silviculture research across California, overseeing four dedicated research units.

He also lent his expertise to major national initiatives, including:

•  Program Manager for the landmark Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project

•  Staff Forester in the Washington Office’s Forest Management branch, guiding western forest management research efforts

These roles positioned Phil as a key influencer in advancing science-based, sustainable forestry practices during a transformative era for public lands.

After retiring from the Forest Service, Phil continued his commitment to the profession. From 2000 to 2005, he served as Vice President of the California Forestry Association (CFA)—a vital trade association representing forest products industries, biomass energy producers, forest landowners, and natural resource professionals. Under his leadership, CFA advocated for environmentally sound policies, responsible forestry practices, and the sustainable use of our natural resources.

Even today, Phil remains actively engaged as a (former) part-time consultant for the American Forest Resource Council, where he monitors national forest management programs on the Colville and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests in northeast Washington—ensuring thoughtful stewardship amid ongoing challenges like wildfire, ecosystem health, and collaborative restoration. Additionally her sits on the board of directors for the Evergreen Foundation and the board of directors for the National Museum of Forest Service History which is slated to open this year on March 17th , with grand opening festivities this summer.

Beyond his professional roles, Phil has been a foundational force in our field. He is a founding member of the Forest Vegetation Management Conference (FVMC), which began in 1979 and has grown into one of the premier gatherings for vegetation management professionals on the West Coast. For decades, Phil has returned faithfully to this annual event—sharing insights, learning from peers, and contributing to best practices that benefit forests from California to the Pacific Northwest.

For the past 20 years, Phil has called Spokane, Washington, home. Yet he frequently returns to California—to visit his grandchildren, to witness the impacts of wildfires firsthand, and, of course, to attend the FVMC. His enduring passion for these landscapes and the people who care for them is truly inspiring.

Phil Aune’s career is a testament to dedication, expertise, and quiet leadership. He has mentored generations, advanced sustainable management, and helped ensure our forests remain resilient and productive for the future.

Phil, on behalf of everyone here—and the countless acres of forest that have benefited from your work—thank you. This Lifetime Achievement Award is but a small recognition of your immense contributions and I personally and I know so many in this year are blessed to call you a friend and colleague. Congratulations!”

Danielle Lindler, CEO
Registered Professional Forester # 2691
Pest Control Advisor #70419

JEFFERSON RESOURCE COMPANY, INC
C 530.859.4040 O: 530.841.2630 
PO BOX 6, MT. SHASTA CA  96067
www.jeffersonresource.com