FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 29, 2005	Contact:Brigitte Johnson, APR 202.463.5163 bjohnson@forestfoundation.org

Washington, D.C. – The American Tree Farm System^® (ATFS), a program of the American Forest Foundation, named The Dyches Family of Savannah, Georgia, as the 2005 Southern Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.  The Dyches’ received their award during the National Tree Farmer Convention held in Springfield, Mass. This annual ATFS award recognizes outstanding sustainable forest management on privately owned forestland.

Four generations of family members are involved in the Dyches Family Tree Farm, Bo Beep, ranging from two years-old to 86 years-old.  The original 396 acres was purchased in 1991 as a hunting retreat.  The Dyches eventually purchased adjoining tracts for a total land holding of 891 acres. 

Initially, the Dyches managed their farm without a formalized plan.  Through their membership in professional forestry associations, the Dyches were able to make industry contacts and learn the business of tree farming.  In 14 years, the Dyches have turned their farm into a successful, nationally recognized business.

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 the Dyches Family, actively manage their forests because they want to be examples of superior stewardship.  By working together, this multi-generational business is improving the chances for America’s forest resources to thrive for generations to come.”

The Dyches have exceeded at turning around land that had suffered from years of improper years of farming and logging practices.  A unique aspect of the Dyches Family management plan is the creation “nutrition zones” designed to offer a year-round, diverse nutrition systems for wildlife, while maintaining a natural look to the land.

The family’s management plan is focused on restoring longleaf to the property and gradually converting loblolly to longleaf over the course of the loblolly pine rotation which will naturally benefit the entire ecosystem.

For more information please contact Brigitte Johnson, Director of Communications, 202.463.5164, Email bjohnson@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 80,000 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 5,200 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.