The Salooms - Alabama

Salem and Dianne were the National Outstanding Tree Famers of the Year in 2010.  They have a 1,762 acre family-owned Tree Farm in Brewton, Alabama.

Salem and Dianne Saloom share the following advice for fellow woodland owners:

• Seek scientific and artful professional advice;

• Don’t judge your forestland by its size — every Tree Farm makes a difference in this world;

• Remember that your management plan should be flexible and change with the times and opportunities;

• To be a successful Tree Farmer, one must persevere as well as have patience;

• One common denominator among successful Tree Farmers is shoe leather and elbow grease — the rewards are exponential;

• Learn, reflect, and grow in knowledge and application;

• Make your Tree Farm an example of stewardship in action;

• Network and learn with other Tree Farmers on local, state, and national levels;

• Keep written and pictorial records of your Tree Farm and special events;

• Take the opportunity to share your Tree Farm and the Tree Farm message;

• One of the responsibilities as Tree Farmers is to advocate on local, state, and national levels those policies that will ensure sustainable family forests for future generations. Get involved; and

• In the busyness of day-to-day activities, take time to be renewed and enjoy the nature around you.