Inspiring Family Forest Owners

JW Nuckills' Ranch, owned by JW and Thea Nuckolls is an outstanding Tree Farm to promote "Forests for Generations" campaign as the Ranch is being operated currently by the second, third and fourth generations of the Nuckolls family. The Nuckolls were first certified into the American Tree Farm System in 1986. For as many as nine decades the family has been utilizing any opportunities to manage their forest for the future generations.

Jim's passion for the natural resources and resource management is what makes him outstanding.  He is a major proponent of active forest management.  The knowledge he has gained is actively applied to his property and he is always seeking additional input and expertise from natural resource professionals on how to better manage the ranch.  This has led to forest management work that has improved not only his forested acres but also range and water.

Jim's passion for the natural resources and resource management is what makes him outstanding.  He is a major proponent of active forest management.  The knowledge he has gained is actively applied to his property and he is always seeking additional input and expertise from natural resource professionals on how to better manage the ranch.  This has led to forest management work that has improved not only his forested acres but also range and water.

Dale has spent many years in the woods, and his love of it is evident as soon as you meet him. He serves as an excellent ambassador of sound forestry to the public. The fact that he cuts his own timber ties him even more to his property. Dale even used to turn it into lumber back when he worked at a local sawmill. He often says, I just want to leave it better than I found it, leave it in good shape for the next person.  Dale and Cathy’s love for the woods is contagious as it is boundless, and now their son Andrew is beginning to acquire his own properties which he is managing using the guiding principles which were laid down by Dale and Cathy.

The Parker Family Trust (Peter & Julie Parker) promote outstanding forest stewardship by example.  They initially acquired 187 acres in 1981 and enrolled the woodland in both ˜Tree Farm’ and the Vermont Current Use Program shortly thereafter.  Four adjacent parcels were added over the next 15 years and their ownership now totals 560 acres.   

Peter and Julie are committed to long term, sustainable stewardship of their land.  They have developed and followed Forest Management Plans for 35+ years, actively promoted tree farming/forest management to their neighbors, and kept up to date with forestry issues.  

Nestled between Logansport and Longstreet in northwest Louisiana, St. Lucia Plantation is comprised of approximately 1,833 contiguous acres of land and is a shining example of the Gamble family’s vision, hard work, and determination. The Gamble family has created a unique parcel which has been managed to promote timber production, recreation, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity.  At only 30 years of age, Hanna shows commitment to cultivating and improving her family’s timber farm while practicing good stewardship.

The Oakes family, with patriarch and matriarch, Donald and Donna Oakes, are passionate about the sustainable forestry practices they implement on their land. They value continuing education, sharing forestry with others, and establishing generational family connections to the land. 

Granade Farms in Wilkes County, Georgia, is owned and operated by Dr. James A. Granade, Jr., his wife, Janet and their sons, Dr. James A. Granade III, a dentist, and Jonathan R. Granade, a  lawyer and judge. Conservation comes naturally to a place that has had to be sustainable from the beginning.  Tom and Alice Granade built their home in 1886 on land from their families.  The home still exists, beautifully and lovingly restored.  The Farm has grown timber through seven generations of devotion to the land and forests.  Granade Farms has been operated continuously as a family farm and has seen the transition from frontier, to row crop, to beef cattle, to timberland.  The Farm has weathered the storms of Civil War, boll weevil, Great Depression, droughts and pine beetle.

The McCollum Land Company, Inc. was established to oversee the management of the McCollum family tree farm in Columbia County, Arkansas. The company is comprised of 72 shareholders and currently has members that make up the 5th generation of the McCollum family with at least two more generations in place for future roles.

The Stoner Tree Farm is a wonderful example of how an abandoned subsistence farm can be transformed into a well-managed resource for family, community, and wildlife.  With the assistance of dedicated foresters, inspired environmental educators, a skilled professional logger, State and Federal environmental experts, and hard work by Dave and his family, a tree farm has been created that epitomizes the mission and goals of the Tree Farm community.  

Sally truly cares about conservation as she is actively involved in several conservation organizations and activities in Michigan, such as the local Conservation District. Most people have no desire to own property that was used as a farm dump site, but Sally recently purchased a neighboring parcel like this. She plans to restore and cleanup the site.

Jerry Riggs with Big Medicine Ranch of Weston County if deserving of Tree Farmer of the Year award due to the impact he has made for management in his geographical area. Jerry has done a lot to get good forest management on the ground, not only on his place but also on state ground, and convinced neighbors, that previously were anti-logging, of the importance of forest management, which resulted in them doing management on their own land.

Jimmy Sanders is a true conservationist, taking meticulous care of his three Tree Farms.  From careful stabilization of roads and firebreaks to diligent control of invasive species, Jimmy sets an example for others to follow.  In fact, he hosted a tour for Master Tree Farmer participants on his property, showing these students the results of his land stewardship.

The Cafferatas have a deep back ground in forestry. For 35 years, Steve served as a professional forester for Weyerhaeuser. He has a wealth of forestry knowledge and a solid background in forest science, which he willingly shares with others. The family has many natural resource experiences. Son, Mike Cafferata, is a forester with the Oregon Department of Forestry and Daughter, Francesca Coe, is a consulting wildlife biologist. 

When Dick and Mary Czaja attempted to sell their first timber sale in the early 90s to a commercial logging company, they discovered a problem faced by many small woodlot owners: no interest from the logging community due to low timber volume and difficult access. Instead of becoming discouraged, Dick and Mary used their ingenuity and hard work to get the job done themselves.

Dr. Loyd has completed more on-the-ground forest management and wildlife improvement practices than any other landowner that I have worked with in my 25+ year career. He is an outstanding Tree Farmer of the Natural Resources that he has managed and the property certainly exemplifies it.

Originally purchased in 1899, the JD Angus Farm owned by Jeffrey Stutler was awarded West Virginia 2016 Tree Farm of the Year.  The WV Senate awarded him a resolution acknowledging him for this accomplishment.  Jeff and his family have won conservation awards and are active in implementing forestry, wildlife, recreation, and wetland practices on their 318-acre farm.  Their first forest stewardship plan was developed in 1994 and ever since Jeff has worked improving the productivity of his woodlands.  

The Culp Family is very hands-on with the on the ground management activities.  Jim personally has completed TSI, road, ditch and property line maintenance work on both tree farms, utilizing both hand tools and machinery.  He has installed several hunting stands and a number of wildlife feeding stations on the Colonna Road Tree Farm.

Thomas R. Terry is a second generation Tree Farmer (1989) who was taught forest management by his father (1987). His love for the family farm and the realization that good management provides good income sparked the urge to acquire land that used to be in his family. He follows sound professional advice and has developed a well-managed Tree Farm throughout the years. 

Mr. Holifield is an active landowner that encourages and extends help to other landowners, and neighbors, while striving to stay up to date on current, or the best, forest and wildlife management activities for his property.

The 2017 Alabama Tree Farmer of the Year Dr. and Mrs. James Todd show excellence in forest management and sustainable forestry practices. Tree Farm certification is based on Wood, Water, Wildlife, and Recreation, and the Todd’s River Bluff Farm excels in all areas. Their efforts in Education and Outreach are also highly commendable, and include hosting students and fellow landowners on their property.

What makes the Wood Family outstanding candidates for this award is their durability, sustainability, innovativeness in land based business ventures and their commitment to strong family, generational values regarding land management. Now encompassing five generations of family members and 13 family tree farms, the Wood family has grown from original homesteads carved out of logged over timber company lands in the early part of the last century to 2,083 acres of certified timberland on separate but in most cases contiguous family member tree farms as well as over 1,000 acres of farm and grassland for cattle operations. Their entire ownerships encompass the 4 principles of Tree Farm: Wood, Water, Wildlife and Recreation and they have been outstanding stewards of their property. As part of their ongoing concern to conserve the land they have placed 640 acres in the Forest Legacy Program. This land can be managed but never subdivided. They are a great testament to Tree Farm’s 75th anniversary and are living examples of the true concept of Forest Legacy.

Over the past 38 years, Carl and Doris Mueller have worked relentlessly to make their tree farm an example of sustainable forest management. They epitomize what the small, non-industrial woodland landowner can be. They do not own thousands of acres, nor do they have thousands of dollars in standing timber. What they have is the desire and passion to make their little piece of heaven the best it can be. Through decades of hard work, they have transformed an un-managed woodland into a showpiece of sustainable forest management. The Muellers enjoy being outdoors and in the fresh air and Carl really likes the work involved on their farm.

Pam Wells enrolled in the undergraduate forestry program at UMaine at a time when women were not considered viable candidates for the forest industry. After realizing the long odds of a career in her area of interest, Pam choose an alternate career in social work. Her interest in the forest industry never diminished however, and when a large tract of forestland close to where she lived became available she and her husband, Bryan, purchased it. The property was a classic example of woodland abuse having been repeatedly hi-graded until the final harvest and sale. Now overstocked with low-quality species, brambles and a spider web of old skid trails Pam started the process of actively restoring the property to a productive state. This began with researching her options, enrolling the property with NRCS, having an NRCS CAP 106 management plan done, finding what precommercial projects would benefit the property,working with a chainsaw and clearing saw herself to reduce stocking on small diameter stands and being funded by NRCS for PCT of 200 acres and other projects to benefit her property. She has also enrolled in UMaine again for forest management classes so she can better understand her management options for the property. One of Pam's most prized possessions is the increment borer Bryan got her as a birthday present

This is a unique situation in which the property was placed into a family farm partnership by Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Register. The Register family lands have remained in the family for more than 120 years. The family initially joined the Tree Farm Program in 1960-61. The partnership is made up of 35 family members and is managed by three general partners: Julie Hannon, Frank Douglas and Mary Grace Crosby, grandchildren of Alonzo and Eliza Register. The general partners own and manage the property collectively and serve as an example to other forestland owners on how to keep a tree farm together as a family. The family has worked closely with Dave Lewis, (ACF member and SAF Certified Forester) their forestry consultant (Southern Forestry Consultants, Inc.) since the early 1990s. The general partners and Dave meet twice annually to review their management plan and make adjustments as needed.

It has been said, one who doesn’t see the forest for the trees has his eyes closed. Hart and Utilia Allex eyes are wide open when it comes to the passion they possess for the conservation of their multiple Tree Farms in Northern New Mexico. Hart and Utilia have been New Mexico’s Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year in 2003 and again in 2015. It’s time to share their obsession to restore their forest with the rest of the country. Hart and Utilia are Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year due to their passion, not only for their own forests but for all forests, private and public. As a service forester to the Allex Tree Farm for the first time in March of 2003, I walked up to the edge of their forest and stood silently in amazement to the obvious hard work that they had put into transforming their Tree Farm into what it has become today, a production and resilient ecosystem admired by many but recreated by few. The Allex’s passion for their forest management skills would be very difficult to duplicate. In dealing with their forest resources, no task is too small to overlook or too large to confront head on. 

Dave and Dianne Rankin became actively involved in forestry after retiring from a long career as educators. They purchased Rankin Woodlands in 1973 as a nice place to build a home and raise two sons. That purchase started decades of passion and appreciation for their forests and all the values associated with it, as well as a desire to educate others about those values. Today, the Rankins actively manage their working forest with a focus on all the values recognized in the American Tree Farm System (ATFS). The original focus was on protecting the ecological values of their forest. Over time they realized the forest could also provide sustainable income while still protecting all the ecological values. They plan timber harvests with good timber markets. Dave has a portable sawmill to also mill lumber. He does much of the logging himself. They maintain a good balance between environmental, economic, and social values of a tree farm. For years, the Rankins have hosted student field trips, Oregon State University Forest Extension programs, landowner woods tours, and participated in Watershed Council activities in the Siuslaw Watershed. 

Randy and Linda Lawffer inherited the 320-acre Tum Tum Springs Dairy Farm in 1996. Randy Lawffer, born on the farm, remembers the heyday of the family dairy farm and their transition to beef cattle in the mid-1960s. The tired dairy farm is now managed as a tree farm where the third, fourth, and now fifth generation of Lawffer have planted more than 60,000 trees. The fifth generation of Lawffers, seventeen and counting, refer to the property as the Lawffer Family Tree Farm, where trees and beef cattle now grow side by side. Located at the base of Tum Tum Mountain, just outside the Mt. St. Helens blast zone, the property supports habitat for elk, deer, bear, and bobcat. Canyon Creek cuts across the corner of the property through a deep ravine where locals like to recreate. Over the years, nearby tracts of land have been divided and cleared for residential homes and hobby farms. The Lawffer family has remained close to the land by growing trees, raising cattle, and stewarding nature.

The JW Nuckolls Ranch has been under the same family ownership for 100 years. It was homesteaded in 1917. Periodic timber production has been a focus on this ranch since the 1920s. Active management has been occurring ever since. Now the ranch is home to the 5th generation and the management is more intensive and more important. With trees covering almost half the property, forest management is a big factor to this beef and wool producing family ranch.

The Duckworths have been working with professional Foresters since 1958 to appropriately manage the woodland on the family farm (est. 1808). The family forest conservation story began in 1933, when Chris’s grandfather, Benton Raymond (A.K.A BR) Duckworth, fenced out an area with erosion issues to exclude it from normal croprotation in a riparian area bordering Paint Creek. Numerous Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) projects involving multiple tree plantings (followed by subsequent lower limbpruning procedures), grapevine control, cull tree removal, and significant invasive plantcontrol have been conducted as routine business in the woodlands on the Duckworth Farms throughout the span of four generations (BR, Winston, Chris, Sam)! There have also been three timber harvests executed over the past 37 years, which have allowed for adequate stocking levels of desirable species of good quality!

Ron has been actively managing his forest resources since the early 1990s. He consistently seeks advice and recommendations from the Forest Service for various forest management practices on his property. He then carries out these recommendations with enthusiasm and is proud to showcase the work he has accomplished. His management practices include, but arenot limited to: implementing timber harvests (commercial and non-commercial), invasive plant treatment, establishing and maintaining wildlife food plots, tree plantings to benefit water qualityand wildlife, and maintaining woods roads following current Best Management Practices.

Bubba and Hortense Bass go out of their way to involve the community. They display a real passion for the forest and love to share their knowledge and resources to educate local youth, other forest landowners and benefit the community. They are a great advocate for Tree Farming, always working to recruit new members for the local Lawrence County Forestry Association. They are great supporters of any educational opportunity available to improve their knowledge of forestry and forest management. They have great enthusiasm for their farm and are always looking for ways to improve their land and share their resources and knowledge with others. They attend every single forestry educational opportunity made available to them and call other forest landowners in the county encouraging them to do the same. They are true zealots for forestry and in the middle of all things forestry in Lawrence County. They also serve on the board of directors for the Lawrence County Forestry Association and are always excited to attend our meetings and assist in developing educational opportunities for the membership. The Bass’s encourage other community members to manage timber and utilize the local forestry commission, Lawrence County Extension Service, and the Natural Resource Conservation Service for educational information and management assistance. 

“I would like to nominate Mr. John Burch as 2017 Regional Tree Farmer of the Year. As the nomination indicates, the Burch family is engaged in sustainable management of the resources of the farm as well as in educating others about sustainable management. Being directly involved with the management of Briarpatch Family Farm, LLC, I have seen the dedication the family has in sustainable management to ensure that the resources are there for the next generation of the family to enjoy. They are very deserving of the 2017 Regional Tree Farm of the Year award.” Jonathan Boggs, Arbor Springs Forestry, 2012-13 Chair, TFA Tree Farm Committee

“Briarpatch Family Farm has demonstrated their intention to be good stewards by adopting a forest management plan, managing for multiple objectives using appropriate and accepted management practices, and committing to the protection of soil and water resources. This farm meets or exceeds all applicable American Forest Foundation Standards of Sustainability. The farm has been used as a demonstration site during our county forestry association field days,showcasing proper implementation of various silviculture practices and is committed to continued forestry education. Mr. Burch is very active in the Tennessee Forestry Community. Briarpatch Family Farm is a true Tree Farm success story and is deserving of Regional TreeFarm of the Year.” Brian Hughett - Area Forester, Highland Rim District

The Smith Family Tree Farm has been a labor of love for over 100 years. The land started as a cattle farm and evolved through the years to a diverse timber property that is well-loved and utilized by all of the family. Currently three generations of Smith's manage, hunt, fish, hike and experience nature on this family legacy. Mr. Smith has a history of trying to do what is the best for his property over the years with using sound forestry management practices for his timbered areas and following the Best Management Practices for his property and streams to meet his management long term goals. He has taught his children and grandchildren the importance of these practices, as well. He has used many different forestry management techniques such as thinning the natural Pinestands, clearcut some areas then had site prep burning, and then plant Pine back to reforest the stand with higher genetic quality Pine trees and planted hardwoods in certain areas of his property. 

The Kennedy family’s work on their Tree Farm began by doing small timber cutting and reforestation projects in an effort to improve the timber conditions and properly manage the property. One of the more unique situations for this property is that the Kennedy family has invited friends and business associates to the tree farm for a week every fall to participate in work such as prescribe burning, road maintenance, operating a sawmill, and performing other duties around the property. This served as an opportunity for individuals to fellowship; learn about the forest, and to discuss things of interest not only here in our country but around the world. The property has been used for forestry research projects by students from VA Tech and bird studies by students from Longwood University. Hunting activities are also allowed for members of a local hunt club who help maintain the roads and look after the property when the Kennedys are not around. As time has passed, the size of the projects has increased, and the intensity of the management work has grown. 

Greg, a forester, and Sue, a high school librarian, purchased their first acres of timberland in the 1970s. Over the last 30 years, the Pattillos have been managing their forest sustainably to support their tree farm, and have protected 27 contiguous parcels from being chewed up by suburban development. The main portion of the Tree Farm is within 3 miles of Raymond, well within the urban interface.Greg likes to remind folks of his favorite Patrick Moore quote, "The most poisonous thing you can put on earth is asphalt." The Pattillo Tree Farm is a full time job for Greg and Sue. They lovingly manage every acre of the forest while providing great habitat for fish and wildlife.

When you think about TFOTY, you think about the outstanding forestry work the landowner has done. Alan certainly fits that mold. What you don’t often think about is what they have done to promote forestry, and this is what sets Alan above the rest. While he has meticulously managed his property, he also spent a huge amount of time spreading the good word of forestry. His involvement with the local landowner group reaches hundreds of landowners, much of which is due to his involvement. He also regularly invites landowners curious about forestry out to his farm to meet with them one-on-one, and share his knowledge with them.

The Pine Tree Society’s primary goal has been to provide quality recreational experiences designed to improve the overall health of disabled individuals. This is a unique landowner objective that capitalizes on a woodland value not often consciously recognized in traditional Tree Farms the ability to heal and restore the human spirit. It would have been very easy to adopt a passive, hands-off attitude towards their forest, using it only as a buffer from the rest of the world. Instead, the Pine Tree Society has embraced sustainable forestry as a means of enhancing their mission. 

The story of Mike and Joan Newman is a shining example of how good stewardship and management can result in a Tree Farm with multiple achievements and benefits. When the Newman’s purchased their property, the standing timber had been bought by a logger. The Newman’s practiced good stewardship by establishing and maintaining a Streamside Management Zone for erosion control, wildlife habitat, and aesthetics. After the logger clear cut the timber, the Newman’s sought advice from forestry professionals and invited them to visit their property. They contracted with heavy equipment operators to install access roads and fire lanes. 

John began his love of managing timber for forest health in 2013, when he came to Wyoming State Forestry for assistance. At that time John knew he wanted to manage his timber, but was not sure how best to go about it. From that point forward, through assistance and education, John has successfully completed the first ever timber sale on his family property. John plans to sustainable harvest the rest of his property in the near future. This past summer John worked closely with Wyoming State Forestry and a private contractor to complete timber sale layout on portions of his property that has yet to be treated.

Robert and his family share a boundless passion for tree farming and natural resources conservation. Thirty-two years since his father, Preston Shives, was first named Maryland Tree Farmer of the Year, Robert continues a legacy of being a steward of his family Tree Farm. Through hard work and vision, that started in 1971 as a bus driver took over a forest and working farm has been transformed through the years into a shining example of natural resources conservation. The Shives' drive and work ethic, devotion to learning, and commitment to educating others is truly inspiring. Robert is also one of the most genuine and nicest folks you will ever meet.

Dr. and Mrs. Glasgow take a proactive approach in the management of their forestland. They don't wait for something to happen and then react. They think ahead and put practices in motion to influence the future. For example they were one of the first landowners in the early 1990's to plant loblolly pine in their part of Hampshire County, West Virginia following a VA Pine clearcut. They were also two years ahead of the severe outbreak of Emerald Ash Borer and were able to salvage much of their ash sawtimber before it died. Dr. Glasgow has also been proactive and inventive in creating ways to protect newly planted hardwood trees from damage by deer.

The Thistle Tree Farm management plan lays out the steps to convert a historic farm that had supported livestock for over 175 years to a tree farm. In the sixteen years that we have owned it, over 3400 hardwood seedlings have been planted. The results of our early plantings now hold the soil in place on steep slopes and stream banks, provide shade, and support a wide variety of wildlife.  An IPM approach is used in controlling invasive plants such as multifloral rose, bush honeysuckle, and mile-a-minute weed. Cooperative programs, from NRCS, West Virginia University, and the PA Bureau of Forestry, have supported our efforts to plant hardwood seedlings and combat invasive weeds. 

The objectives of the Coley’s goal are to be good stewards of the land, and to enhance their tracts which will directly benefit both forestry and wildlife. They believe in doing the right things and making the right management decisions.Their story starts in 1959 with the first acquisition of 80-acres of land in McRae, Arkansas. Since that time, Coley Bros. Farm has become active stewards in regards to forestry management. At this time there are three key players of the family trust: Lindsey Coley, Laudis Coley and Kenny Coley.Since that first initial purchase the property has grown to a total of 750-acres and has been an official tree farm since 1988 as the American Tree Farm System sign is proudly displayed on Highway 367 South.

The current owners assumed custody of their Tree Farm acreage in 1968, but the property came into the Bevis family in the late 1850s. Earlier generations of landowners of their properties (in Mrs. Alter’s family) owned and operated turpentine and saw mills in the area. In 2006, the Alters formed an LLC with their two adult sons to guarantee farm survival for future generations. Mr. Alter regularly uses his skills as a professional communicator/spokesman to supply news/opinion pieces on his timber operations to local and state media. He also supports the Florida Forestry Association (FFA), ATFS & AFF in a similar fashion.

In 1948 Leonard Zeger purchased a farm in Path Valley near Fort Loudon, PA. At the time of purchase he was looking for land to farm and was unaware that about 200 acres of the 350 acre farm was covered in forest. Being a dairy farmer in Chambersburg he had little time to devote to forest management. It wasn’t until 1962 that he became a member of the Tree Farm Program. His son Marvin was a member of the high school FFA club and in 1963 and 1964 club members helped to plant ten thousand evergreen trees. Thus began the family’s conservation efforts.

“To celebrate family heritage using thoughtful multigenerational collaboration to make decisions on forest management that support conservation, stewardship, and economic growth and stability”, is the written mission statement for these Tree Farmers. The Mustang Prairie Tree Farm in Trinity County, Texas is family owned and operated by The G. Gibson Family Limited Partnership, 2015 Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year finalists, with three third generation sisters as General Partners, Margaret Rominger, Jane Baxter and Mary Bullis.  The 11 fourth generation children are Limited Partners and children in the fifth generation also enjoy Tree Farm activities.

Abend Hafen Tree Farm is an exemplary example of what the American Tree Farm System is all about.  Rick and Kathy, 2015 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year finalists, have created a premier demonstration site and have readily used the farm for the past 25 years to show the public how they are sustainably managing their forest resources while providing prime waterfowl and upland wildlife habitat, conserving water resources, and providing an array of recreational opportunities.  The farm has been part of the American Tree Farm System since 1989.  The Abends promote sustainable forestry management at every opportunity, both on and off their tree farm. 

The Pelles were 2015 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year finalist.  What makes the Pelles’ tree farm outstanding?  Mr. Pelle’s tree farm is not only his passion, but it is his lifestyle.  This tree farmer truly lives the life of a tree farmer.  Everyday he wakes up (early) and goes out into his farm to manage the forest resource.  Not only does he perform the labor involved to mange the forest, he also brings his family and many other individuals onto his farm to utilize, experience, and maintain the wonderful resources that the forest provides.  His passion and enthusiasm for the forest spills over to his neighbors that have been influenced by Harry’s actions to be good stewards and have preformed several management practices upon their farms. 

The Butts family, a 2015 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year finalist, has a long tradition of being responsible landowners striving to manage their forest in the best way possible. They became American Tree Farm System certified in 1978 just a few short years after they purchased the property. The family is active in family forest issues and is recognized by their peers for their leadership. They lead by example and are always willing to share ideas with neighbors and be part of their local community.  The Butts family is commonly known as the family that does things right.

The Comstocks acquired their Tree Farm while on a limited income paying development prices for their holdings which lie near some urban density development. Basically on a shoe string while resisting greater returns from development value. This lead to the realization that there were many benefits to tree farming and that there were political forces at play which wanted to limit their activities. They joined the Washington Farm Forestry Association and became certified by the American Tree Farm System Sam and Joy became president and secretary of the Olympic Chapter of WFFA for over 10 years and Sam went on to become president of the state organization and is still actively involved.

The property that comprises the Fitchett Tree Farm has been owned by the Fitchett family since shortly after World War II.  As Mickey Fitchett once wrote about her husband, Win(fred) used his muster pay from his release out of the Navy and borrowed $500.00 from his father, Frank Fitchett and in 1949 bought the 920 acres of timberland.  (The Co-op Country Round Up, July 2005)  Possession of this once cutover timberland has been in the Fitchett family ever since.

Charles has been a Tree Farmer since 1992 practicing good stewardship practices on his property to ensure sustainability of their forest resources. His forest management started long before that though by about thirty years. Charles learned forest stewardship form his father who owned the property before him. One of Charles' main objectives is to manage for timber production, for a supplemental income to his other agricultural income. A forest fire consumed much of this timber but Charles has not let that discourage his dedication to forest management and Tree Farm. Charles is to be commended for his active stewardship practices he has done along side of the agricultural production management.

Gary Fitch truly has a passion for tree farming. He exemplifies everything the American Tree Farm System stands for. His goal is to be a steward of his forest, and he concerns himself with all aspects of his forest. His attention to detail when reviewing drafts of management and harvest plans shows his interest in managing his forest, but more importantly, the joy he feels when he walks through his forest is contagious. Even something as simple as a few hemlock seedlings growing on a log is a treasure to Gary, and is a source of pride in his tree farm. No tree farmer I've met deserves this award more than him.

“Ohio has many active certified tree farms, and the Coldwell Family stands out for their all- around family enthusiasm. The family lives tree farming, and effectively shares their knowledge and experience from applying numerous forestry practices to producing wood products. The family’s openness and zeal for cultivating and improving their woodlands is matched by their hospitality and public promotion of good forestry, quality wildlife, specialty wood, and environmental quality. They have shared their passion well, inspiring many other woodland owners to be active stewards of their properties.” - Robert Boyles, ODNR Deputy Director and Chief, Division of Forestry

Mr. Calfee has been practicing and promoting sustainable forestry for more than 25 years  on his family’s 591-acre Tree Farm, where he is trying to turn around a legacy of high-grading through timber stand improvement and crop tree release. He brings great skills and energy to the practice of sustainable forestry.  He believes what he does was best described by a middle-schooler, who, when asked what she thought he did for a living, said foresters take care of the stuff. Indeed, Alan takes care of the stuff.

Passion and enthusiasm best describe Steve Antoline's devotion to forestry and land management. Steve looks at the present to see what will be best for future for him and his family.  He involves professionals along with his own hard work to achieve results.  Madison Farms is a prime example.  It is a combination of several contiguous parcels put together through various acquisitions.  It provides recreation-hiking and ATV trails that double as fire lanes, wood from timber sales and TSI operations, water-4 very nice ponds and a couple of small streams, and wildlife-food plots along with camera surveys to provide wildlife data. The only way to fully comprehend Madison Farms is to see it and meet Steve Antoline and his family.

Wayne and Peggy Coleman own approximately 108 acres in Bailyville, most of it wooded, and have been practicing exemplary stewardship for the past 20 years. The Colemans have contracted two well managed commercial harvests in the past, as well as conducted several small harvests commercial harvests his own with the help of his sons. Wayne and Peggy are being awarded Maine Tree Farmer of the year for the first time, and has been awarded Washington county Tree Farmer of the year twice.

Passion is what comes to mind.  Mr. Walker is hands on with all of the work done on the property.  His road system is exceptional, every stand is easy to access.  When he acquired the property it was all cut over from the previous owner.  Mr. Walker has established a working forest on the entire property in the last 25 years.  One very interesting fact about Mr. Walker is that every dollar received from the farm (timber harvest, pine straw sales, etc.) has been put back into the farm.  Mr. Walker takes great pride in the aesthetics of the property and it shows. From the large lake to the longleaf plantation, Walker's Tree Farm displays diversity to the fullest.  It's not unusual to see Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Wood Ducks, and maybe even a Bald Eagle in a single visit to the farm. Every time I visit the property I leave amazed.

Last year the Woodward family celebrated 100 years of ownership of their family farm in Gadsden County, Florida.  There have been many changes since the early years when the farm served as a dairy, and a producer of shade tobacco, row crops and beef cattle.  Today the farm totals 1,489 acres and has been managed almost totally as a tree farm for the past 30 years. The Woodwards are doing a remarkable job in caring for the family farm, being careful to maintain firebreaks, conduct prescribed burns, and manage habitat for deer, turkey, quail, gopher tortoise and numerous other wild creatures.

Mr. Roy Thigpen, Sr. has carried on the tradition of his father, Chester Thigpen, of being an outstanding Tree Farmer.  Chester Thigpen was the National Tree Farmer of the Year in 1995, and the first minority landowner to win the national award.  Roy has not set on his Father’s laurels.  He is a very active Tree Farmer.  Paul Trianosky, former Director of the American Forest Foundation’s Southern Forest Foundation  described the Thigpen Tree Farm as "one of the most well-managed and well kept loblolly pine stands I’ve seen."

The McClellan Family believes in sustainability, not only in forestry, but in life.  They promote sustainable forestry through using best practices and through education.  They study and implement strategies that yield strong results, strong timber and a deep sense of respect of the land. The McClellan family is the epitome of what the Outstanding Tree Farmer award represents.  A strong conviction to advocate, educate and promote environmental awareness.  Mr. McClellan has worked diligently to teach his family to value timberland for the production it provides, aesthetics and wildlife value, but believes, of course, that family value of faith, family, friends and county comes first.