H. James Hovind
Inducted September 21, 1993
Plaque Engraving:
In recognition of a 50 year career in public forestry (1938-1986) as a professional forester with the Department of Natural Resources, H. James Hovind began his career as forester of the Marinette area directing the restoration and management of county forestlands. He has left a legacy of accomplishments in field assignments, supervision and administration of public forestry programs. He authored the first state forestry assessment in 1980, co authored the Strategic Plan for Wisconsin Forests in 1983 and assisted in the 1985 revision of the Wisconsin Assessment all landmark publications guiding Wisconsin forestry into the 20th Century.
More about H. James Hovind:
James Hovind retired from state service for the first time in May of 1977, after 41 years with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. A forestry graduate of the University of Minnesota, he began his career in 1936, in the Marinette area. Today, this is one of the most productive and profitable county forest areas in the state.
In 1955, he was promoted to supervisor of the Forest Management Program for the northeast portion of Wisconsin. Foresters and other professional managers looked to him for advice and direction with respect and admiration of his knowledge and ability.
Hovind became assistant director, Bureau of Forest Management in 1970. The position was retitled chief, Forest Management Section upon creation of the Bureau of Forestry. Serving in this capacity until his retirement, outstanding results were achieved through his administrative efforts in state forests, county forests, assistance to private landowners, state nurseries, forest tax programs, insect and disease control. He also assisted with the Menominee Tribal Forest.
Jim’s formal retirement was short-lived. He returned to the Bureau of Forestry in the Department of Natural Resources to work on the first statewide forestry plan in June of 1977. Jim used his wealth of knowledge and experience to put together the first state forest assessment which was published in 1980. He continued his contributions to the compilation and publication of the Strategic Plan for Wisconsin Forests in 1983. Not content to leave forestry, Jim worked on the 1985 revision of the Wisconsin Assessment which updated the earlier effort.
Jim finally retired in July of 1936, exactly 50 years to the day he started his career with the then Wisconsin Conservation Department. His tenure of service to the profession of forestry, and the people of Wisconsin will be difficult to match.
