Don Bragg among three Inducted into the Arkansas Foresters Hall of Fame
Bragg joins the Arkansas Foresters Hall of Fame roster along with Greg L. Hay and Pete Prutzman
By The U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
March 14, 2025
Fast Facts:
- Don C. Bragg, Greg L. Hay and Pete W. Prutzman inducted into the Arkansas Foresters Hall of Fame
- The Arkansas Foresters Hall of Fame now recognizes 27 individuals for their outstanding contributions to forestry in Arkansas
(742 words)
(with art of inductees, Image of Don and Hope Bragg)
MONTICELLO, Ark. — Don Bragg — one of three inducted into the Arkansas Foresters Hall
of Fame — was a forester who loved science and sharing that passion with others.
Bragg joins the Arkansas Foresters Hall of Fame roster along with Greg L. Hay and Pete Prutzman.
The hall is housed in the Forest Resources Building at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and plaques honoring the three were officially hung in March following last November’s induction ceremony took place at the Ouachita Society of American Foresters. 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 also in volunteering their time to serve the profession through state- and national-level committees important to Arkansas forestry, said Michael Blazier, dean of the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources. “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.”
Don C. Bragg (Posthumous Induction)
Don Bragg was a project leader for the U.S. Forest Service with an office at the University of Arkansas at Monticello starting in 2000. His wife Hope was a STEM instructor for the Cooperative Extension Service’s 4-H program, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The two imbued their children with a love of science, technology and history, and the family shared those interests together on hikes, archaeological digs and 4-H youth development activities.
Don, Hope and two of their adult children were killed in December 2023 in a house explosion.
Don Bragg was a distinguished research forester and project leader for the USDA Forest Service from 2000 to 2023.
A graduate of Michigan Technological University and Utah State University, Bragg was a renowned expert in southern pine silviculture and Arkansas forest history and a distinguished research forester.
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. A scholarship has been established in honor of the Bragg family.
“Don was one of the best silviculture researchers in the U.S., and we were blessed to have him as a close colleague to our faculty,” Blazier said. “His intelligence, helpfulness, and insight are greatly missed.”
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 The 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.
Established in 1994, the Hall of Fame now recognizes 27 members for their exceptional contributions to forestry in Arkansas. The Hall of Fame is a testament to their dedication and impact, ensuring their legacies inspire future generations.
About the Arkansas Division of the Ouachita Society of American Foresters
The Arkansas Division of the Ouachita Society of American Foresters is dedicated to advancing the science, education and practice of forestry within the state of Arkansas. As a professional organization, the Arkansas Division serves foresters, land managers and natural resource professionals by promoting sustainable forest management, fostering collaboration, and advocating for sound forestry policies. Through educational programs, networking opportunities and professional development initiatives, the organization works to enhance the knowledge and skills of its members while ensuring the health and sustainability of forest ecosystems.
About the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center
The College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, a University of Arkansas System Center of Excellence, brings together interdisciplinary expertise through a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The College and Center are headquartered at the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus, but their programs range statewide with the mission of developing and delivering teaching, research, and extension programs that enhance and ensure the sustainability and productivity of forest-based natural resources and agricultural systems. Academic programs are delivered by the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources through the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, research is administered by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and extension and outreach activities are coordinated by the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
The University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offer all of their programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment)
without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital
or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other
legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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