Carl and Doris Mueller from Wisconsin

What Makes Them Outstanding?

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.

Along with enjoying the benefits if sound forestry practices, Carl enjoys hunting both turkey and deer in the woods. He is also able to share the workload with other families that have been hunting on the property with him for more than 30 years. Doris enjoys seeing their grandson bring his youngdaughter to four-wheel on the property. “It’s nice to see the next generation enjoying the land. ”The Muellers stand out with their dedication and efforts. They represent what the small woodland owner can accomplish. Along with all of their hard work on their land, they also work very hard at sharing their time and tree farm to educate and teach others of all the benefits of sound forest management. They participate and are active in woodland organizations, allowing time to share knowledge while enjoying the company of other woodland owners.

Tree Farmer Story

Once upon a time (1978), in a place not too far away (Western Wisconsin), Carl Mueller came home with some exciting news. He had just bought a farm. Doris thought Carl was kidding at first. The purchase of the farm was probably as much as a surprise to Carl. He was teaching at the time and one of his former students-turned-real-estate-agent informed him of the property. At that time, the 160 acre farm consisted of a few tillable acres, two active lime quarries and the rest woodlands. Carl met with his former student at 3:00 in the afternoon on the property and was informed that three other people were interested in purchasing the property as well.

That didn’t take Carl long to make up his mind. Within minutes Carl was signing the papers and made a down payment with a twenty dollar bill. After informing Doris of the purchase and the news finally sunk in, the first question that came to her mind was “What are we going to do with that?” Fast forward 38 years later. The Muellers could tell you exactly what they have accomplished on their tree farm. Named “Quarry Tree Farm”, as the highest elevations of the farm are an old limestone quarry, the property has undergone an amazing transformation. Rock removal on the ridge and cropping in the valley had caused some erosion issues.

The Muellers took the steep land out of agriculture production and planted thousands of trees. Eroded ravines were stabilized. Wood roads have been improved with culverts and berms to prevent erosion. Woodland roads are well maintained and signed and used for hiking and bird watching as well as for use during logging operations. Several large erosion ditches have been stabilized. Under the guidance of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, they built two erosion control structures. Two ponds have been constructed on the property, not only for the aesthetics and enjoyment of the family, but also provides benefits for wildlife. These ponds are also well stocked with fish. Several other areas of the tree farm have been clearcut to encourage areas for browsing of wildlife.

Due to a higher elevation, several overlooks on the ridges have been opened up to provide amazing views of the countryside, providing opportunities just to sitand relax and enjoy all that nature has provided. Prior to the Mueller’s ownership past logging practices had harvested most of the good timber, leaving marginal timber behind. Tree planting and oak regeneration practices now have the woodland resource headed in the right direction. They have planted over 20,000 trees over the years and have conducted timber stand improvements on about 40 acres by releasing some trees and pruning others. Trees planted early on in their ownership are now being thinned. Thinnings of the pines and hardwood harvests have stimulated natural regeneration and improved the wildlife habitat.

Invasive species removal is an important part of their management practices to ensure natural regeneration can occur. Not that the work is over, work on a tree farm is never over. Carl and Doris continue to strive to make their little piece of heaven the best it can be.

Wood

The Muellers have planted over 20,000 trees throughout the years they have owned their tree farm. They have conducted 40 acres of timber stand improvement including release and pruning of trees. They have harvested 130,000 board feet and 800 cords of pulpwood. In addition, 300 cords of red pine is now in the process of being harvested this winter. Of the 160 acres, 140 acres are enrolled in a current forest management plan. The entire 160 acres are enrolled in DMAP (Wisconsin Deer Management Program). An additional 30 acres is enrolled under the Conservation Reserve Program. They also remove invasive plants needed to ensure natural regeneration.

Water

Two erosion control structures were built under the guidance of the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Two ponds were constructed and are fully stocked with fish. These ponds are also a benefit to wildlife. Several large erosion ditches have been stablized. Due to the steeepness of the property and the need to have a good woods roads system, water diversion culverts and berms have been incorporated in the woodland roads.

Wildlife Including Threatened and Endangered Species

Bluebird boxes have been installed and maintained throughout the property. Several areas have been clearcut to enhance browse development. Brush piles have been constructed to encourage wildlife habitat and protection. Two ponds have been constructed to benefit wildlife. Conifer plantings are established to provide wildlife cover. Bee hives have been placed on the property. Not only are the bees excellent pollinators, they are produce great honey. Sometimes anoccasional mischievous bear will show up and try his best at getting to a snack.

Recreation and Aesthetics Including Special Sites

Deer and turkey hunting has been a family and friends tradition for decades. This is one of the great benefits of the tree farm. Miles of well maintained woods roads and trails are well suited for hiking and birdwatching. These trails are also used to take the grandchildren on rides to teach them about nature and encourage them to get excited about the outdoors. Stocked fish abound inthe two ponds on the property. This also provides the grandchildren to learn and appreciate catching some fish. Several overlooks on ridges have been opened up to provide amazing views of the countryside. The higher elevation of the tree farm provides a wonderful viewing opportunity.