John and Vonda Eschrich from Wyoming
What makes them outstanding?
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 sustainably 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. John participates in all aspects of managing his property and recognizes the importance of embracing future generations in the decision making process as he includes both his daughter and niece in managing the property.This past year John has supported the Wyoming Tree Farm Committee by participating in the formulation of a comprehensive Strategic Plan for the Committee.John also sponsored the Big Horn Landowner Field Day on his property, inviting landowners to come and tour the work he has completed on his property. John has also participated in the Black Hills Landowner Field day in Hulett, Wyoming and will be representing the Wyoming State Tree Farm Committee this spring in Seattle and the National Leader’s Convention.
Tree Farmer Story
John Eschrich is the first ever Certified Tree Farmer in the Bighorn Mountains. John has taken it upon himself to be the first in a long line of generations to manage the timber on the family trust property. John has worked diligently on managing his timber for the future generations of his family. John continues to strive for multiple use of the property and encourages the family to be involved in the timber management decisions and future plans.
Wood
John has harvested 44 acres of timber on his property. 35 acres were patch clearcuts and 9 acres was cut to a shelterwood prescription. John worked with a contractor this summer and had an additional 36 acres of timber laid out on his property for future management. He also had an additional 10 acres laid out to have pre-commercial thinning in an area where he has advanced regeneration of lodge pole pine.
Water
John has worked with his lessee for his property to fence out sensitive areas along Poison Creek from the cattle. His forest health management is a huge benefit to Poison Creek.
Wildlife
John’s forest management has brought back more elk to his property. His property typically gets used by antelope, turkeys, elk, and mule deer. Clearcuts were set up to provide a high amount of edge, while still providing corridors of sheltered timber for large mammals utilizing his property.
Recreation
John has opened up his property to people in the community of Tensleep to come in and access his slash piles for firewood use. Numerous citizens have come up and taken advantage of the free firewood John has allowed them to take.
