FRA’s 2026 Western Region Technical Writing Award Winner
REDMOND, OR — September 17, 2026 — The Forest Resources Association (FRA) honored Cindy Mitchell, Senior Director of Public Affairs and CFO of the Washington Forest Protection Association (WFPA), as the recipient of the 2026 Western Region Technical Writing Award. FRA presented the award during its 2026 Western Region Fall Meeting at the Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond, OR.
FRA’s Technical Releases are quarterly publications that highlight technical advancements, research, and innovative programs across the forest products industry. Many of these publications are authored by FRA members, and outstanding submissions from each region are selected annually by regional Steering Committees for consideration for national recognition.
Mitchell’s award-winning Technical Release, “Washington Voter Perception of Forest Management,” summarizes the results of the WFPA’s voter perception polling and concluded that active forest management is supported by a majority of the public, with respondents placing a greater value on environmental and health-related benefits rather than economic ones, and more members recognizing that well-managed forests align closely with the values they hold dear, including sustainability, community resilience, and environmental health.
“I’m honored to receive FRA’s Western Region Technical Writing Award. This polling research has already helped shape how our industry talks about forest management, and I’m glad to see that translate into meaningful recognition.”
– Cindy Mitchell
“I am thankful for the work that Cindy Mitchell and the WFPA have done to advance the Forest Industry. The polling has been invaluable, highlighting that the public understands the need for forest management and supports our industry’s efforts to reduce wildfire and provide useful wood products.” – Lindsay Warness, FRA Western Region Manager.
Cindy Mitchell serves as Senior Director of Public Affairs and CFO at the Washington Forest Protection Association, where she leads public information and strategic communications on forest policy. She brings extensive experience in forestry policy, research, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on making complex regulatory and scientific issues accessible and actionable.
About Forest Resources Association (FRA)
FRA is an association representing the interests of more than 300 organizations and businesses in the forest products industry, including forest landowners, suppliers, consuming mills, associated businesses, and state forestry associations. Members all share a common interest – they rely on FRA to promote the public policy interests of the forest products industry’s supply chain on Capitol Hill and our work to advance safety, operational and technical efficiencies, and supply chain relations. FRA has member representation in 49 states and 384 Congressional Districts.
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