Benjie Tarbutton presents Bill Guthrie with the 2025 Wise Owl Award | Georgia Forestry Association
JEKYLL ISLAND, GA – At this year’s Annual Conference & Forestry Expo, the Georgia Forestry Association proudly honored several members for their exceptional service and dedication in keeping Georgia as the leading forestry state in the nation.
Since 1980, GFA has awarded individuals who have dedicated their careers to the growth and wellbeing of forestry in Georgia as it represents true commitment to the advancement of the entire forestry community, the Wise Owl Award is GFA’s highest honor.
In 2025, GFA presented Bill Guthrie, General Manager of DS Smith, with the Wise Owl Award.
“I think Russ [Yeomans] said earlier that we stand on the shoulders of giants, and the Wise Owl Award is how we recognize those giants,” said Benjie Tarbutton while introducing Guthrie. “This individual certainly belongs in that group.”
Guthrie has made significant policy contributions to the forestry industry, playing a hugely valuable role in advancing the Forest Land Protection Act (FLPA) to improve tax treatment and establish greater parity with surrounding states. He was instrumental in crafting and driving timber theft legislation to safeguard landowners, and his contributions to truck weight legislation were described as invaluable.
Beyond his policy work, he is widely respected for his wisdom and integrity—someone whose word is truly his bond. Colleagues often refer to him as a “second-level thinker,” or even a “third-level thinker,” with a rare ability to distill complex situations to their essence in a matter of seconds.
He promotes Georgia’s forestry industry and GFA tirelessly, always working behind the scenes and never seeking credit. His influence is deeply felt through the many individuals he has mentored over the years, a legacy clearly visible in the number of industry professionals who stood in recognition of his impact.
“I can’t tell you how humbled I am by this and appreciative,” said Guthrie. “This is a fantastic industry full of fantastic people. I’ve made some of my best friends that I’ll carry with me long after I retire from this industry.”
