The Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Department at Cal Poly has established an endowment for Excellence in Forestry Education in honor of Dr. Doug Piirto’s passionate commitment to the profession of forestry and education for the next generation of foresters. In a professional career that has spanned more than four decades, Doug was a valued faculty member, served as department head for 14 years, and was a member of the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection for four years. Those who know Doug recognize that this brief summary of his distinguished career merely touches on his most publicly notable accomplishments and contributions. What really mattered to Doug was how he touched individual lives in both professional and personal ways.
The Piirto Fund offers a means for people who share the same goals as Doug to contribute monetarily and ensure that his legacy continues. The funds collected will be invested by the University Foundation with payouts made, at the discretion of the department head, from the interest earned to advance Cal Poly forestry education, including, but not limited to:
- assistance for field trips to Swanton Pacific Ranch or other locations;
- assistance for SAF club activities, and travel to professional meetings, and related events; and
- purchase of forestry-related tools.
To donate to the endowment, checks may be written to “Cal Poly State University” with “Dr. Douglas D. Piirto Endowment” written in the memo section of the check and/ or a note may be attached with the check, stating the same. Mail donations to Russ Kabaker, Assistant Dean of Advancement and External Relations, CAFES, Cal Poly State University, 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407.
