FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2004	Contact:Amanda Rudy 202.463.2442

Washington, D.C. – The American Tree Farm System®  (ATFS), a program of the American Forest Foundation, named Chris and Donna Heffernan, of North Powder, Ore., as the 2004 Western Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.  The Heffernans 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.

Chris and Donna, both ranchers, were selected from a long list of Tree Farmers throughout the West. Having been actively involved in promoting Tree Farming in their community for decades, the Heffernans’ Tree Farming history is saturated with activities, organizations, and projects dedicated to advancing the good name of Tree Farming.

The Heffernans bought their land 12 years ago and have since turned it into 900 acres of prospering wildlife habitat, timber stands, and recreational opportunities.  For the last nine years, those acres have been Certified Tree Farm land.  Together, with their two sons, Justin and Sheldon, they have made their Tree Farm home.

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, Vice President of the American Forest Foundation.  “Family forest owners, like Chris and Donna, actively manage their forests because they want to be examples of superior stewardship.  By passing on the love of their land to their children they are improving America’s forest resources for generations to come.”

For the Heffernans, having a passion for Tree Farming has gone far beyond their original goal of being caretakers of the land.  The Heffernan Tree Farm serves as a focal point for school field trips, community field days, organization and association tours, and even a television program.  Their deep connection to their community has lead them to get involved in forums, workshops, and boards to help educate the community and their leaders about the role of sustainable forestry in ensuring America’s forests for future generations.

For more information please contact Amanda Rudy, Manager, Communications, 202.463.2442, Email arudy@forestfoundation.org or visit ATFS at www.treefarmsystem.org.

The American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) is a national program that promotes the sustainable management of forests through education and outreach to private forest landowners.  Founded in 1941, ATFS has 33 million acres of privately owned forestland and 51,000 family forest owners who are committed to excellence in forest stewardship. Tree Farmers manage their forestlands for wood, water, wildlife, and recreation with assistance from 4,000 volunteer foresters.  ATFS is a program of the American Forest Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works for healthy forests, quality environmental education, and informed decision-making about our communities and our world.