Forestry Student Spotlight – Ryan Beechnau

Forestry student, Ryan Beechnau of Dewitt, MI, speaks about his early experiences in forestry including his work in the W.K. Kellogg Research Forest.

MSU Forestry undergraduate student Ryan Beechnau

Ryan J. Beachnau

Hometown: Dewitt, MI

Expected Graduation: 2022

Favorite hobbies?

Hunting, Fishing, Woodworking, riding horses, taking care of my cows.

Forestry Experience:

I am currently working for the W.K. Kellogg Research Forest in Augusta, Michigan, and I have been able to oversee red pine harvest operations that are being conducted in the forest. I have also been able to create prescribed fire management plans for some of the compartments here at the forest.

Why Forestry?

My best friend is an MSU forestry graduate and when I met him back in 2017 or 2018, and he introduced me to the world of forestry, and I realized that no career field suited me more than forestry did.

Career Goals

At some point I would like to be involved with wildland firefighting, and/or prescribed fire management. I would like to work for a harvesting/logging company or work at a lumber mill in some capacity.

 Advice For New Forestry Students:

Study hard and spend as much time in the woods as you can. There is no better way to learn than being out in the forest and learning in person what it means to be a forester.

Other Comments:

God Bless, and Party On!

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