Page 13 - Tree Line - North Carolina Forestry Association - Third Quarter 2023
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identify ways to incentivize them to address the legal challenges. It bolsters my pitch
by telling them that if we can clear title
and stabilize ownership of the property, they can improve their stewardship and enjoyment of this important asset.
Approaching my work with clients
in this way improved my capabilities
and enjoyment as an attorney. Attorneys and foresters are alike in that we help clients problem-solve and strategize, and we provide counsel. I believe foresters
are much happier because they get to be outside and connect deeply with their clients on their land. I followed their lead and started going to the landowner when I can. I happily visit my clients at their homes across eastern North Carolina. Doing so reinforced my determination to help them achieve their goals. It also got me outside!
My love for forestry has taken my career in an unexpected direction. I eventually became Director of the SFLR program as an employee of the American Forest Foundation. This year, I will take my journey into natural resources to Harvard Graduate School of Design as a member of the Loeb Fellowship, where
I will be able to fortify my practice and expand my vision in service of the natural environment. I never imagined I would be at this point in my legal career, where I get to advise landowner clients of how to keep their land in forests and get to spend time outside. I have forestry to thank for this and I’m forever grateful.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mavis Gragg is a seasoned attorney and conservation professional with nearly two decades of experience in real estate, conflict resolution, estate planning, and probate. Mavis earned her Juris Doctor Law degree at Pepperdine Law and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Relations at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
MAINLINE
NATURAL RESOURCES, PC
Forest Operations Contracting and Consulting
Contract Hand Falling Forest Operations Specialists
North Carolina Registered Forester #1707
(540) 808-7832 | MainlineNR@outlook.com mainlinenaturalresources.com
ncforestry.org / THIRD QUARTER 2023 11
