Wilton’s Black among four tree farmers honored nationally

WASHINGTON, D.C . — Russell Black of Wilton, Maine, was one of four tree farmers named Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year by the American Tree Farm System.
Black, along with Jon and Carol Gould of Vernon, Fla.; Randy and Koral Clum of Dover, Ohio; and Dan Kingsbury of Olalla, Wash., were selected from 73,000 tree farmers across America.

Forests across the U.S. provide all Americans with essential resources, such as clean water and air, wildlife habitat, places to recreate and a wood supply for the products used every day, the ATFS said. More than one-third are owned by family forest owners.
Black was named Northeast Regional Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year for showing a lifelong commitment to forest stewardship, beginning with working on his family’s land at the age of 10, ATFS said.
He assumed ownership of the then 200-acre property in his early 20′. Over time, he acquired several surrounding tracts of land, bringing the total acreage of his farm to 500. “With more than 50 years of sweat equity in the land, he serves as an example of hard work and dedication to forestry,” the ATFS said.
The property is an active tree farm, cattle farm and Maine maple syrup producer. To maintain the property, Black conducts needed thinnings, has installed a large truck bridge, created pollinator habitat, has protected the frontage area of Pease Pond and much more.
Not only is Black active on his family’s land, but he has taken his love and knowledge of good forestry beyond his property lines, being vocal in the state about stewardship. He has served as state representative for his district for nearly eight years, using his experience to help inform the state legislature’s Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. He also is active in numerous local associations, and opens his property up for tours, education, recreation and more.
ATFS is an internationally known recognition and certification program designed specifically for small family and private forest owners. The program provides these owners with tools and support to keep their forests healthy and sustainable – through a wide network and community of Tree Farmers and educational opportunities, rigorous Standards of Sustainability, and a third-party assessment process to certify land management practices. Collectively, there are nearly 20 million forested acres within the ATFS program nationwide.
“Forests across the U.S. are facing a wide array of challenges – wildfires, insects, invasive weed species, the rising costs of forest management and more. Yet, Tree Farmers take on these challenges and work incredibly hard each and every day to keep their forests healthy and sustainable,” said Tom Martin, president and CEO of the American Forest Foundation, the organization that oversees ATFS. “Our Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year take this duty above and beyond. They not only have outstanding properties to show for it, but are spreading the word in their communities about the benefits of stewardship. We are proud to honor them and share their stories and accomplishments.”
To be considered for the Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year award, individuals must exhibit the most exceptional forest stewardship to protect and improve our forest resources, and must promote forest stewardship within their communities.