Wisconsin Tree Farmers, Jim and Marlene Zdanovec Named 2004 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the YearWashington, D.C. – The American Tree Farm System® (ATFS), a program of the American Forest Foundation, named Jim and Marlene Zdanovec of Marathon County, Wisconsin, as the 2004 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. The Zdanovecs received their award during the National Tree Farmer Convention held in Fort Collins, Colo., Tree Farming With Altitude. This annual ATFS award recognizes outstanding sustainable forest management on privately owned forestland. Jim, an insurance inspector, and Marlene, an office manager, were selected from a long list of certified Tree Farmers throughout the nation. Having been actively involved in promoting Tree Farming and the benefits of sustainable forestry in their community for years, the Zdanovecs’ Tree Farming history is saturated with activities, organizations, and projects dedicated to advancing the good name of Tree Farming. When the Zdanovecs purchased their original 80 acres in 1985, it had been logged extensively prior to 1900 and then endured years of uncontrolled fires. But through hard work and a the creation of a management plan, their land eventually prospered. Now, they own 160 acres which they manage not only for wood, but most importantly to them, for wildlife. They have done various planting for wildlife with shrubs, fruit trees, and wild rice. Their wildlife ponds attract several species of waterfowl. The Zdanovecs have also built varieties of nest boxes and Mallard nesting platforms. With their dedication to good stewardship over the years, the Zdanovec’s “Outback” has very much endured and prospered not only for their wood harvests but for the wildlife their precious forestland houses. Certified Tree Farmers own at least 10 acres of forestland and actively follow a forest management plan developed in partnership with an ATFS volunteer forester. The plan addresses forest sustainability, wildlife habitat, recreation, and water and soil conservation. “Active management is essential for sustainability,” said Bob Simpson, Senior Vice President of the American Forest Foundation. “Family forest owners, like Jim and Marlene, actively manage their forests because they want to be examples of superior stewardship. Their work is a testament to the positive impacts that sustainable forestry has not only on today’s forests but on the forests of tomorrow” Their passion for wildlife instigated their initial land purchase nearly 20 years ago. However, their love for their land and the life it produces and shelters prompted what ensued: their management plan, their enrollment in Wisconsin’s Managed Forest Law, becoming members of the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association (WWOA), and their enthusiasm to continually share their experiences with others. In fact, community involvement and outreach has been an integral part of their Tree Farming philosophy. The host tours, field days, and tree plantings on their Tree Farm. Marlene arranged and coordinated an Arbor Day event with the Oshkosh school district. They also created educational displays for the people who visit their Tree Farm. The Zdanovec “Outback” displays a white spruce and balsam fir side by side so visitors can discover the characteristics that distinguish the two. They have a display board showing leaves and wood samples of trees found on the property. They also created a display of tree cookies and their Tree Farm is featured on the University of Wisconsin Extension webpage. The Zdanovecs have kept up good stewardship practices, have vocalized their passion and support of Tree Farming and wildlife, and have touched the next generation with their love for the land. It is for these reasons and so many more, that the Zdanovecs received their award surrounded by a standing ovation. For more information please contact Amanda Rudy, Manager, Communications, 202.463.2442, Email arudy@forestfoundation.org or visit ATFS at www.treefarmsystem.org
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