FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 21, 2006	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 Jim and Libby Walizer of Bellefonte, Pa. as the 2006 Northeast Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.  The Walizers received their award during the National Tree Farmer Convention held in Mobile, Ala. This annual ATFS award recognizes outstanding sustainable forest management on privately owned forestland.

Their Tree Farming story began in 1984, when the Walizers purchased a farm with 47 acres of forested mountain road.  Shortly thereafter, Jim met State Service Forester Jim Stiehler and their forestry journey really took off.  They planted pine and American Chestnuts, managed for wildlife, and constructed one of the longest conservation diversion waterways in Pennsylvania.  In 1991 they were certified as a  Tree Farm.

The Walizers have dedicated over 20 years to their good stewardship and have begun a family legacy in the process.  Their two sons and daughters-in-law living on the properties are actively involved with the family Tree Farm and they are instilling a love for the land in their six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

The Walizers were selected from a long list of certified Tree Farmers throughout the northeastern region.  Their active forest management, educational tours, community involvement, and their constant quest to leave the land better than they found it makes the Walizers truly outstanding stewards of the land.

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.

“Every year we take great pride in honoring family forest owners who are among the true champions of sustainable forestry and whose tireless efforts have provided tangible and significant support in helping ATFS accomplish its mission of getting more good forestry on more acres,” said Bob Simpson, Senior Vice President-Forestry of the American Forest Foundation. “Tree Farmers, like Jim and Libby, set an example for all forestland owners and most of all, they help to create an environment within their community, in which the practice of sustainable forestry can flourish.”

For more information please contact Brigitte Johnson, APR, Director of Communications, 202.463.5163, 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 29 million acres of privately owned forestland and 73,000 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 4,400 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.