Who We Are
About Forest Legacy LLC
Forest Legacy, LLC is an independent forest management firm that aims to help landowners steward their forest resources. We help clients meet their goals and objectives by using various forest management practices. We utilize knowledge that’s based on sound science and experience that we’ve had from practicing silviculture. Silviculture is “the art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society such as wildlife habitat, timber production, water resources, restoration, and recreation on a sustainable basis.” – USFS
You can rest assured knowing that our professional foresters are utilizing the best management practices to manage your forest resource which also create better cover and access to food for focal wildlife species.
You can rest assured knowing that our professional foresters are utilizing the best management practices to manage your forest resource which also create better cover and access to food for focal wildlife species.
Call for a FREE Estimate: (574) 581-0090
Our Team
Meet the Foresters
Cody Widner is the head forester and owner of the company. Cody obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Purdue University in the spring of 2020. He started practicing forestry during his undergraduate career where he worked part/full time for a consulting forester in central and southern Indiana. He further developed his knowledge of forestry through summer internships that included working as an Extension Wildlife Intern with Purdue Extension & Outreach, working as a Forestry Technician with the US Army Corps of Engineers in the floodplains of the Upper Mississippi River, working as a Forestry Technician for an independent forestry consultant and numerous other experiences with other forestry and wildlife professionals.
After graduation, Cody worked as a Forester with the National Wild Turkey Federation in northeast Iowa and northwest Illinois where he provided technical assistance to forest landowners. In this position he helped landowners apply to get cost share to complete timber stand improvement operations by utilizing funding that’s allocated through the Federal Farm Bill Program by the USDA’s local Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) offices.
Cody started Forest Legacy LLC in the summer of 2021 to serve forest landowners in Iowa and has been fulfilling this role since. During this time Cody has also become a member of the Association of Consulting Foresters, a group of independent professionals who manage forests and market forest products for private woodland owners. Cody’s also been an active member of the Society of American Foresters, the Walnut Council, the Iowa Woodland Owners Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Marion Avenue Baptist Church.
During his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife, son and family, hunting and serving others through different ministries in his home church.
CONTACT CODY HERE
After graduation, Cody worked as a Forester with the National Wild Turkey Federation in northeast Iowa and northwest Illinois where he provided technical assistance to forest landowners. In this position he helped landowners apply to get cost share to complete timber stand improvement operations by utilizing funding that’s allocated through the Federal Farm Bill Program by the USDA’s local Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) offices.
Cody started Forest Legacy LLC in the summer of 2021 to serve forest landowners in Iowa and has been fulfilling this role since. During this time Cody has also become a member of the Association of Consulting Foresters, a group of independent professionals who manage forests and market forest products for private woodland owners. Cody’s also been an active member of the Society of American Foresters, the Walnut Council, the Iowa Woodland Owners Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Marion Avenue Baptist Church.
During his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife, son and family, hunting and serving others through different ministries in his home church.
CONTACT CODY HERE
Cassidy Widner obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife from Purdue University in the spring of 2020. She started practicing forestry during her undergraduate career where she worked part/full time for a consulting forester in central and southern Indiana. She further developed her knowledge of forestry through summer internships that included working for an urban tree care company in Afton MN, working for the forestry property managers for Purdue University’s Forestry & Natural Resource Department, and working for a habitat restoration company that focused on prairies, savannas, and wetlands, and numerous other experiences with other forestry and wildlife professionals.
After graduation, Cassidy continued working for a private forestry consultant in Indiana until she landed a job in Iowa as a Forester with the Wildlife Management Institute and Department of Natural Resources. Two months into her role a DNR forester retired that allowed Cassidy to transition to a full time position with the Iowa DNR as a District Forester. This position involved helping private landowners achieve their goals for their property(s), whether that be improving wildlife habitat, increasing timber quality/production, or a combination of both and more. She provided technical assistance, wrote management plans, and helped landowners receive funding for the work through various NRCS and FSA programs. This position also allowed her to write project and management plans on state-owned Wildlife Management Areas and help facilitate various forestry field days throughout the year.
Cassidy stepped down from her position as District Forester in September of 2024 after the birth of their son in July to allow her to focus on her family while also playing a supportive role as an assistant forester for the business. Cassidy is also an active member of the Society of American Foresters and the Marion Avenue Baptist Church.
During her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, son and family, being in the kitchen, reading, and serving others through different ministries in her home church.
CONTACT CASSIDY HERE
After graduation, Cassidy continued working for a private forestry consultant in Indiana until she landed a job in Iowa as a Forester with the Wildlife Management Institute and Department of Natural Resources. Two months into her role a DNR forester retired that allowed Cassidy to transition to a full time position with the Iowa DNR as a District Forester. This position involved helping private landowners achieve their goals for their property(s), whether that be improving wildlife habitat, increasing timber quality/production, or a combination of both and more. She provided technical assistance, wrote management plans, and helped landowners receive funding for the work through various NRCS and FSA programs. This position also allowed her to write project and management plans on state-owned Wildlife Management Areas and help facilitate various forestry field days throughout the year.
Cassidy stepped down from her position as District Forester in September of 2024 after the birth of their son in July to allow her to focus on her family while also playing a supportive role as an assistant forester for the business. Cassidy is also an active member of the Society of American Foresters and the Marion Avenue Baptist Church.
During her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, son and family, being in the kitchen, reading, and serving others through different ministries in her home church.
CONTACT CASSIDY HERE
“Studies have shown that private forest landowners who sell timber with the help of a professional forester receive more money for their timber, cut fewer trees, have more residual volume and economic value left in the forest, and are more satisfied with the whole experience.”
– Hank Stelzer
– Hank Stelzer
GET YOUR FREE ESTIMATE TODAY!
Contact us to get started.