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Barger
ELKINS -- Larry Barger of Elkins spent most of his adulthood doing for a living what he loved best while growing up along the Williams River in Webster County, which was spending days in the forest soaking up what Mother Nature has to offer.
For the past 54 years, Barger has made the woods his life. Because of that, he was recently honored by being inducted into the West Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame.
"It was quite an honor and kind of a shock to be inducted into the Hall of Fame," Barger told The Inter-Mountain. "Some of my friends and colleagues sent me in for nomination and I ended up getting it."
The special honor is reserved for those whose life's work has been deemed to have made a significant contribution to agriculture, forestry and family life in West Virginia.
Barger spent 27 years with the U.S. Forest Service (1967-1994) before retiring. He then started Barger Forestry Service, which he ran and operated for another 27 years (1994-2021). Barger Forestry Service specialized in the sale of timber for small landowners.
"It was a wonderful 27 years working for the Forest Service. It was a great job and I loved every moment of it," Barger said. "Beginning when I was about 12 years old, I started spending a lot of time in the woods. I knew all my tree species and where I lived between Webster Springs and Cowen as a boy was totally surrounded by National Forest. And that's how I originally got interested in working for the Forest Service."
After graduating high school, Barger didn't go directly to college, but instead went to work. While working he spoke to several foresters who urged him to go to college because they felt he would be a great forester. So he made his way to Glenville State College for two years before transferring to West Virginia University and earning a bachelor's degree.
The only flaw in Barger's induction into the Hall of Fame was that he was unable to attend the enshrinement ceremony, which took place at Jackson's Mill on July 24.
"I didn't get to do it because my granddaughter got married the very same day," he said. "So I chose to go to the wedding instead of going to the induction ceremony. I would have gone to the wedding no matter what it would have been, though."
Those attending the West Virginia State Fair this week can see a display that features Barger's photo and all of the others who were inducted into both the 2020 and 2021 classes of the WVAF Hall of Fame.
Barger said there's a chance he may be recognized at next year's induction ceremony, as those involved will be voting on that at the State Fair this week.
He added there isn't a better state in the country than West Virginia in which to be a forester.
"This is one of the best regions in the world for some of the hardwoods that we grow here," Barger said. "The black cherry, the maple and the oaks are some of the best in the world. A lot of people don't realize how rich we are in timber resources here in West Virginia."