Outstanding Tree Farmers –2005

As owners of Tagshinny Tree Farm in Ethel, Washington, the Foxes have proven to be exemplary stewards of their land, and leaders in their community. They have shown commitment, business savvy, and success in the management of a landscape whose boundaries begin at the edge of the woodlots of the smallest private landowners and stretch to the halls of the Washington State Commission of Public Lands.

The Foxes started out in 1975 on 4.73 acres. Today, Tagshinny, which is Gaelic for Fox, stretches over 144 acres. Tom & Sherry’s involvement in Tree Farming, however, stretches far beyond the boundaries of their property. The first family to win approval for a federal Habitat Conservation Plan, they have a deep understanding of the importance of involvement and commitment to the issues surrounding Washington State’s family forest owners. Tom & Sherry have served on both local and state chapters of their forest association, and were involved in creating a Small Forest Landowners’ Office in the Washington Department of Natural Resources in addition to a Forest Riparian Easement Program that serves small landowners affected by stream buffers. Tom, a professional forester, is the founder of Tree Management Plus, a consulting and contracting firm serving other landowners in the area.

Tagshinny is not just home to the Foxes. Much of their land is home to a variety of wildlife, including blue herons, pileated woodpeckers, osprey, bald eagles, to name a few. Even bears have been known to frequent the property.

In addition to maintaining the Tagshinny Tree Farm, the Foxes are also very involved with their family. They have made it a priority to share the joys of nature with their four young grandchildren, just as they did with their two grown children. Their son, Sean, reiterated his parents’ devotion to their land and community when he said, "I’ve experienced first-hand the energy and love our parents poured into the family Tree Farm. While that part of the story is impressive, their work to promote the ‘public’ dream of having healthy, sustainable forestlands is what makes them so special."