Johnny Michell and his wife Elizabeth (who is also a firefighter) display dueling chainsaws and a load of firewood. Submitted photo
Devotion, dedication and determination sum up the work ethic of Johnny Micheel of rural Houston. According to MN DNR Forester Valiree Green, those are the reasons Micheel received the 2011 Buzz Ryan Award.
The Buzz Ryan award is given annually by the MN DNR Forestry Employees Association to a non-agency person who goes above and beyond to promote good forestry. It is named after a man who was a DNR forester beginning in the 1930’s in northern Minnesota. Only one person per year, state wide, receives this award.
“To say Johnny is active is an understatement,” Green said. “He focuses energy on representing good stewardship and conservation in both his private and professional lives. Through these efforts, he has touched countless individuals and has made a significant impact on the land of Southeast Minnesota.”
His professional life revolves around his company, Chimney Rock Forestry. Services offered include planning and implementing conservation practices (tree planting, timber management and prescribed burning). In addition, for a number of years, he has taught chainsaw classes at the local college as well as courses out west for the U.S. Forest Service.
His personal life also focuses upon natural resource conservation. The family property near Stockton is enrolled in the American Tree Farm System where there is a never-ending project list. The Tree Farm has hosted numerous field days as well as activities to inspire youth to love the outdoors. He is an integral part of the Lewiston Sportsman’s Club and helped the Aldo Leopold Foundation create “My Healthy Woods” book.
In his “spare” time, he paints wildfire and wildlife scenery for his part-time business, Burning Brush Artworks, which melds his professional and personal interests in the great outdoors.
