Edward S. Kocjancic, Inc. has a rich and storied history.
Edward F. Kocjancic (2/19/32 – 5/9/06)
Born in a Lumber Camp, Sheffield, Pennsylvania, in 1932, Edward F. Kocjancic lived in six different lumber camps run by his mother, Rose Kocjancic, from 1932 to 1960. The youngest of four brothers, he lost his father in an auto accident when he was just five years old.
After graduating from Mt. Jewett High School in 1950, Ed Kocjancic went on to receive a B.S. Degree of Forestry at Penn State University – Class of 1954. He then served in the army for two years, and after that, worked as a logging contractor for eight years.
The work ethic in those days was incomparable. The work was arduous and grueling, the days were long, usually from dawn to dusk, and the equipment was primitive by today’s standards. Ed and his three brothers competed professionally in world class logging competitions from 1950 to 1987 and were known nationally for their expertise with the crosscut.
In 1967, Edward F. Kocjancic, Inc., Consulting Foresters was formed. Since that time the business has seen many changes in land ownership trends, stewardship philosophy, clientele and in the development of technology used in natural resource management. Since the mid-1980’s the core staff has remained constant, expanding their capability with the addition in the 2000’s of a crew of 4 to 7 associated forest technicians.
Forestry is a science and a responsible forester is well educated and experienced in matters of silviculture, timber evaluation, soil erosion and sedimentation control, and many environmental issues. A good forester demonstrates by example the importance of forest stewardship, sustainability and multiple-use in the management of private forestland.
Chosen as Kane’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year 2001, Ed Kocjancic also was recipient of the Life-member of Penn State Alumni Association, Penn State Mount Nittany Society 2000 Inductee, 2002 Outstanding School of Forest Resources Alumni at Penn State University, Penn State Armsby Honor Society, and the Penn State University Alumni Fellow for 2005.
Since Ed’s passing in 2006, his eldest son, Edward S. Kocjancic, is President of Edward S. Kocjancic Inc., and carrying on the legacy of his father.