Our Land Managers
Dean Robert Francis
Co-Owner / President / Secretary
In 1970, Dean’s parents moved the family to Escanaba, Michigan where he currently resides. Dean graduated from Escanaba High School in 1983. From 1983-85, Dean attended Bay De Noc Community College where he received an Associates of Science Degree. From 1985-1988, Dean attended Michigan State University where he graduated in March of 1988 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry. From 1988-1991, Dean worked as a wholesale nursery manager in Lower Michigan. From 1991-1993, Dean held the position of Oceana/Newaygo Soil Conservation District Forester. In 1993, Dean moved back to Escanaba with his wife, Kim, to pursue a career in consulting forestry. Dean and Kim currently have two rambunctious children. A son, Chad and daughter, Rylie.
Qualifications and Awards:
- Michigan Registered Forester #608
- Michigan Certified Forester #54
- Michigan Certified Pesticide Applicator #C001990022
- Certified Forest Stewardship Provider
- Certified Timber Marker/Cruiser – Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- 1997 Michigan Society of American Foresters “Young Forester of the Year”
- 1996 Michigan Society of American Foresters Certificate of Merit – Whitetail Deer Winter Landowner Seminar
Dean’s interests are hunting, fishing, camping, photography and traveling.
James Todd Green
Co-Owner / Vice-President / Treasurer
Todd was born in Escanaba, Michigan. Todd has spent his entire life in Escanaba and traveling the great Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Upon his graduation from Escanaba High School in May of 1992, Todd began his schooling at Michigan Technological University. From 1992-1994, Todd attended the MTU’s School of Forestry, Forest Technician Program. Upon graduating from the Forest Technicians Program, Todd entered into MTU’s Forest Management Program where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry. While at Michigan Technological University, Todd participated in Soren Erickson’s National Games of Logging. In 1996, Todd began his forestry consulting career where his drive and enthusiasm has lead to his current position. Todd currently resides in the area with his wife Christie and their
son, James and daughter Isabelle.
Todd’s interests are hunting, fishing, wood working and operating his portable saw mill.
Qualifications and Awards:
- Michigan Registered Forester #653
- Michigan Certified Pesticide Applicator #C001990025
- Certified Forest Stewardship Provider
- Certified Timber Marker/Cruiser – Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Michigan Society of American Foresters – State Awards Chair
- Soren Erickson’s Game of Logging National Finalist 1995
 Matthew
Dana Watkeys
Staff Forester
Matt was born and raised in suburban Detroit, Michigan and later moved to
Traverse City, Michigan. Upon his graduation from Traverse City Senior High
School , Matt moved to Indiana where he met is future wife, Tina in addition to
purchasing and running a landscaping business. In 1999, Matt graduated Cum Laude
from Vincennes University with an Associates Degree in Agriculture and Natural
Resources. In 2001, Matt graduated from Michigan State University with a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry. From there, Matt and his wife, Tina
traveled to the Ozarks of Missouri where he worked as a subcontractor for the
United States Forest Service. In 2002, Matt and his wife, Tina moved to the
Upper Peninsula of Michigan where Matt continued subcontracting work for the
Ottawa National Forest. From 2003-2006, Matt worked as a Substitute Teacher for
the Ispheming Area Public Schools. In 2006, Matt began working as a Chemistry
Lab Instructor for Northern Michigan University where is still finds time to
teach evening classes. In 2007, Matt was hired as Staff Forester for Upper
Michigan Land Management & Wildlife Services, Inc. of Escanaba, Michigan
where he is responsible for forest planning, timber sale administration, timber
cruising, EAB data collection, tree planting and wildlife habitat improvement.
Matt, his wife Tina and their dogs, Floyd and Charlie currently reside in
Ishpeming.
Matt’s interests are camping, hiking, water and snow skiing
Qualifications and Awards:
- Vincennes
University Dean’s List, Cum Laude Graduate
-
Michigan
State
University
, Forestry Dept. Honor Roll
- Michigan
State University Forestry Club Member
Michael
J. Balaskovitz
Field Equipment Operator
Michael was born in Muskegon, Michigan, August 31, 1972.
Michael grew up spending many family-fishing trips in the great Upper Peninsula
of Michigan. After his graduation from Holton High School in May of 1990,
Michael began his schooling at Michigan Technological University’s Wood
Science program in the School of Forestry.
Concurrently, he earned a Federal Journeyman’s certification in the
Sheet Metal / Fabrication Trades. While enjoying a career designing, fabricating
and repairing mechanical systems, he completed his Bachelors Degree in
Environmental Sciences from Grand Valley State University in 2001.
He is currently a Masters candidate at Central Michigan University.
Michael’s most memorable moments come from the time he shares with his
daughter, Audrey and from the occasions spent in the Upper Peninsula. Michael’s interests are hunting, fishing, metalworking, and
education.
Qualifications and Awards:
- Sheet Metal Workers
International Association Journeyman
#938862
- BAT Certified Sheet Metal
Mechanic
- Michigan Safe2Work certified
- Michigan Certified Pesticide
Applicator # PENDING
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