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 Jack and Janet Sweigart of Ada, Ohio as the 2006 North Central Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.  The Sweigarts 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 forest management journey began in 1972, when the Sweigarts purchased 40 acres from Jack’s dad.  The next year they built their home on the land and for the first 20 years, they rented out the 25 acres of tillable ground.  Then, in 1992, that tillable land was accepted into the Conservation Reserve Program for a tree planting and thus began the Sweigarts’ journey to becoming exemplary forest stewards. In 1993 the Sweigart’s property officially became a Tree Farm, which they named J & J’s Woodsland.

The Sweigarts dove head first into the forestry community and soaked up as much knowledge about Tree Farming, wildlife management, chain saw safety and other natural resource fields as they could.  They routinely use their educational experiences to not only improve their own woods, but to educate their children, grandchildren, neighbors, and community.  They’ve hosted several community educational events on their Tree Farm including forestry field days and walking tours.

The Sweigarts have dedicated the last 13 years to J & J’s Woodsland and have begun a family legacy in the process, with their son and daughter-in-law now owning a nearby Tree Farm.  With a management plan in place and a strong sense of community and family legacy, the Sweigarts’ J & J’s Woodsland will continue sustainable forestry for generations to come.

The Sweigarts were selected from a long list of certified Tree Farmers throughout the north central region. Their forestry commitments, though they began with a 25 acre tree planting on their own land, have reached far beyond J & J’s Woodsland.  They have hosted numerous groups on their Tree Farm, have volunteered at countless forestry events, and helped to advance the good name of Tree Farming at every opportunity.

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 Jack and Janet, 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.