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In Memoriam: Fred Haeussler, A Forester With a Big Heart
Museum Board Member 2006-2011

The Museum mourns the loss of its Board Member and former SAF President, Fred Haeussler. Haeussler joined the National Museum of Forest Service History Board in 2006 and saw it through the public launch of its campaign to build the National Conservation Legacy and Education Center. He built partnerships with forestry industry members and conservation organizations who shared the Museum Board’s vision for a center where the story of conservation and Forest Service history would be brought to life for the public.

He was born June 4, 1932 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Fred and Katherine Alles Haeussler, immigrants from Germany. Proud to be first generation American, Mr. Haeussler was the first of his family to obtain a college education. He adopted as his life's motto words from his high school track coach: "Determination wins!" Haussler graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Forestry in 1954 followed by two years of service as an officer with the United States Air Force. He earned a Masters of Forestry degree from Duke University in 1955.

He enjoyed a long career with the Union Camp Corporation, beginning as a conservation forester and advancing to management positions, including regional land manager of over 1 million acres of timberland. He spent several years for the company in environmental affairs, which included lobbying duties in Washington, D.C.

He was a dedicated member of the Society of American Foresters (SAF), of which he was elected a fellow in 1979. He served as national president of SAF in 1985, and was a delegate to the World Forestry Congress in Mexico City, Mexico. He remained active in SAF until his death, and was recognized with the John A. Beale Memorial Award. He received outstanding alumnus recognition from both the University of Georgia and Duke University forestry schools. He was inducted into the Georgia Forestry Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Alabama Forestry Hall of Fame in 1987. The Georgia Forestry Association presented him the Wise Owl Award in 1997. After retirement from Union Camp in 1995, he acted as a forestry mentor.

His leadership and dedication to the Museum and foresters will be missed by all.