About W. M. Beaty
Our History
Discover the captivating story of W. M. Beaty & Associates and its management of the long-standing lands with a legacy dating back to the late 1800s. Initially, these pine-dominated forests in the upper Midwest were acquired by lumberman T.B. Walker as he expanded his Red River Lumber Company from Minnesota to northeastern California in pursuit of a reliable timber supply to keep his mills running. His vision was kept alive by his heirs, who established the Shasta Forests Company or "SHAFCO," continuing the tradition of sustainable timber harvests.
As the Walker family's interests shifted, William Beaty, the General Manager of SHAFCO, was inspired to create a new organization focused exclusively on forest management, and W. M. Beaty & Associates, or “WBA,” was born in 1969. Today, WBA remains dedicated to sustainable forestry and environmental stewardship while managing the same lands owned by Walker family heirs and descendants for generations.
Our Philosophy
Trees have a life of their own, growing and flourishing in their natural environment. At W. M. Beaty & Associates, this fundamental principle is the cornerstone of our management philosophy. As responsible stewards of the land, we ensure that our forest management activities comply with State and Federal laws and meet private landowners' objectives while protecting the societal benefits and public trust resources provided by sustainable forests. Our expert understanding of forest ecosystem dynamics enables us to generate economic returns on private land investments and preserve the precious resources found in healthy forests, such as wildlife habitat, soil, and watershed processes.
At WBA, we pride ourselves on our ability to develop long-term planning solutions for our clients. We have a proven track record of creating systems that provide long-term financial benefits, as demonstrated by our experience managing multiple generations of families.
Our Team of Resource Experts
The W. M. Beaty & Associates team includes California Registered Professional Foresters, California Licensed Qualified Applicators, a Certified Arborist, a Wildlife Biologist with a Scientific Collection Permit and Incidental Take Permit and a Spotted Owl Expert. Technical proficiency includes Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and data management. The state of California authorizes Registered Professional Foresters to practice forestry on private timberland. The present resource professionals have over 200 years of collective experience at W. M. Beaty & Associates, with an average tenure of almost 20 years.
Executive Leadership
Jeff Pudlicki
President / General Manager
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Education Background & Certifications:
A.A.S. Forestry, Hocking College Nelsonville, Ohio 1981
B.S. Forest Resource Management, Humboldt State University 1986
Certified Archaeological Surveyor 1990
California Registered Professional Forester 1990
Chairman, California Forestry Association 2023
Jeff Pudlicki is the President and General Manager of W. M. Beaty & Associates, a prominent player in the forest industry in California. With a career spanning many years, Jeff has developed exceptional professionalism and interpersonal skills that have seen him rise through the ranks, from an Assistant Forester position to middle-management, and ultimately to his current position as President and General Manager.
At W. M. Beaty & Associates, Jeff is responsible for overseeing the company's operations and ensuring that it continues to maintain its reputation as a leader in the forest industry. Jeff's expertise lies in forest management, and he specializes in developing sustainable and eco-friendly strategies for managing forests. He is known for his commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the environment while promoting responsible and sustainable forest management practices.
One of Jeff's favorite parts of his job is the pride he feels in the excellent reputation of W. M. Beaty & Associates in the forest industry in California. He is dedicated to ensuring that the company continues to uphold its high standards and maintain its position as a trusted and respected player in the industry.
With his extensive experience and deep knowledge of forest management practices, Jeff is a valuable asset to the company and the wider forest industry. His commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness, combined with his exceptional leadership skills, makes him an ideal choice to lead W. M. Beaty & Associates into the future.
Ryan Hilburn
Chief Forester
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Education Background & Certifications:
Registered Professional Forester #2782
B.S. Forestry and Natural Resources
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
M.S. Forestry Sciences
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Ryan Hilburn is the Chief Forester at WM Beaty, a forestry consulting firm that provides sustainable forest management solutions to landowners across California. As a Registered Professional Forester (#2782) with a B.S. in Forestry and Natural Resources and an M.S. in Forestry Sciences from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Ryan has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of forestry.
As Chief Forester at WM Beaty, Ryan is responsible for overseeing and directing all forest management activities for the company's clients. This includes developing forest management plans, conducting timber inventories, designing silvicultural treatments, and monitoring forest health. Ryan works closely with landowners to understand their objectives and develop customized management strategies that meet their needs.
Dina Del Dotto
Accounting Department Manager
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Dina was born and raised in Red Bluff, California and graduated from California State University, Chico with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, concentrating in Finance and Accounting. She has 25+ years of high-level accounting experience starting her career in public accounting.
Dina has 3 children and 2 grandchildren. She loves spending time with her large family, hunting, cycling, baking, and spending time with her new Boxer puppy, Lexi.
John Mills
Lands Manager
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Education Background & Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree in 1989 in Business Administration from San Diego State University
Master’s degree in forestry in 1995 from Humboldt State University
California Registered Professional Forester
Member of the California Licensed Foresters Association and the Association of Consulting Foresters of America
John Mills is a Lands Manager with a strong educational background and extensive experience in the forestry industry. He received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University in 1989, and in 1995, he obtained a master's degree in forestry from Humboldt State University. He is also a California Registered Professional Forester and a member of the California Licensed Foresters Association and the Association of Consulting Foresters of America.
At the company, John specializes in a wide range of forestry-related activities, including sampling design, GIS, forest inventory, growth and yield modeling, forest planning, timberland appraisal, acquisitions and sales, property, and yield taxes. He has developed an expertise in all aspects of forest management, from planning and inventory to sales and taxation.
John continues to be an important member of the team at the company and a driving force behind its continued success.
Stuart Farber
Senior Wildlife Biologist
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Education Background & Certifications:
California Scientific Collection Permit (Legacy SCP-0797((SC-183510002)
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Scientific Taking Permit (Permit #007-23)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Bird Banding Permit (Permit #22514, inactive)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Recovery Permit (Permit # TE20178A-1, inactive)
Registered Professional Forester #2585
Bachelor of Science, Humboldt State University
Former Member of the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (2013 -2017)
Former Chair, Management Committee, California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (2014-2017)
Member of the California Licensed Foresters Association
Member of The Wildlife Society
Ross Brazil
Operations Forester
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Education Background & Certifications:
Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry and Natural Resources from California Polytechnic State University
Registered Professional Forester
Ross Brazil is an Operations Forester at W. M. Beaty & Associates, Inc., a leading forestry company based in California. Ross's forestry career began immediately following graduation from Cal Poly, where he worked for Lewis Logging on the north coast. He quickly gained skills and knowledge at an operational level, setting him on a path towards a successful career in forestry.
In 2007, Ross was hired as a forestry technician for Scotia Pacific Company in Scotia, CA, where he honed his skills in layout and writing Timber Harvesting Plans. In September 2008, he joined the team at W. M. Beaty & Associates, Inc. as an Operations Forester.
At W. M. Beaty & Associates, Ross specializes in overseeing the company's forestry operations, ensuring that they are carried out efficiently, effectively, and in compliance with state and federal regulations. His deep knowledge of forestry practices and his hands-on experience in the field make him an invaluable asset to the company.
Team Members
DaShayne Sewart
Inventory Forester
Mike Milke
Forester I
Dustin Hixon
Wildlife Biologist
Shane Compton
Forester III
Justin Maytum
Forester II
Sam Tenneson
Forester III
Kevin Trotter
Wildlife Technician
Glenn Dempsey
GIS Technician
Forest Stewardship & Sustainable Forestry
W. M. Beaty & Associates is recognized as a leader in providing Forest Stewardship and Sustainable Forestry management services. In 1997 the 100-Year Sustained Yield Plan (SYP) we prepared for one client was the first such approved California. In 2000, WBA secured the approval of two additional SYPs that remain in effect. These long-term, landscape-scale planning documents provide multiple benefits for landowners who choose to complete them.
W. M. Beaty & Associates, Inc. offers services to clients who may wish to have their lands Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC®). This independent organization evaluates forestry operations to ensure environmentally friendly practices are applied. Our company has been involved in the FSC® certification process since 2000 and has consistently achieved exceptional scores during the annual audits conducted as part of the certification process.
WBA and the landowners have committed to managing Red River Forests in compliance with the latest FSC® standard and policies. Our forest management techniques are among the best in the industry, offering environmental services such as protection for watersheds, conservation of forests, and preservation of habitats.