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 David and Carol Clemens, of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, as the 2005 Northeast Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.  The Clemens 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.

David, a retired chemical research manager, and Carol, a retired school teacher, were selected from a long list of Tree Farmers throughout the Northeast region. Having been actively involved in promoting Tree Farming in their community for years, the Clemens Tree Farming history is saturated with activities, organizations, and projects dedicated to advancing the good name of Tree Farming.

The Clemens purchased their Tree Farm in 1968 as an investment.  It was not long before the 494-acre Tree Farm in Susquehanna County, Pa., evolved from its status as a business investment to a labor of love – for the entire Clemens family.  The Clemens personally undertook “un-doing” damage done in the early 1950’s by high-grading, ultimately treating over 100 acres on the best northern hardwood growing sites during the years 1972 – 1990.

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 David and Carol, 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 the chances for America’s forest resources to thrive for generations to come.”

The Clemens Tree Farm has become a “family affair.”  Dave and Carol’s three daughters began tree planting.  Tree planting weekend were dubbed by these young ladies at “fun at the farm” weekends.  Together they planted thousands of trees and turned marginal land into a forest of maturing trees of the highest quality.  Planning for the future, the Clemens have developed a 100-year plan to guide their heirs in stewardship of the property.

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.