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 John and Nancy Rudd of Russell County, Ala. as the 2006 Southern Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. The Rudds 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.

The story of Patterson Plantation began generations ago. For John and Nancy Rudd it began in 1977, when Nancy’s father, Bill Patterson passed away and her mother, Nell Patterson, passed the Tree Farm on to them. Bill had already turned the Tree Farm into a legacy by establishing Patterson Plantation for multiple-use land – that is, he used the land for timber, recreation, asthetics, and sustainable resources.  So, when the land was passed down to John and Nancy they set out to continue that legacy. 

The first challenge came quickly – a major Pine Beetle infestation. To surrmount the challenge, the Rudds knew they had to surround themselves with knowledgable people – a task they took to heart. They reached out to forestry experts and other professional organizations to form, what is today, the Russell County Forestry Planning Committee. With the help of that committee, the Rudds overcame the pine beetle and to date, over one million trees have been planted, miles of roads and fire lanes constructed, wildlife habitat enhanced, ponds built, and thousands of students and hundreds of adults educated about forestry.

The Rudds have dedicated almost 30 years to Patterson Plantation with a desire to be true to the legacy that began with Nancy’s great-grandfather in approximately 1832. With a management plan, a strong sense of community and family legacy, the Rudds’ Patterson Plantation will continue sustainable forestry for generations to come.

The Rudds were selected from a long list of certified Tree Farmers throughout the south. They have committed Patterson Plantation as a demonstration forest, holding training sessions, tours, educational activities, and workshops. Additionally their forestlands incude a three-acre fish pond and a four-acre natural duck pond.

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 John and Nancy, 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.”

Nancy currently presides as President-elect of the Ladies Auxiliary of Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Georgia.  John serves on many boards and committees including, Director of the Russell County Farmers Federation, member of the Alabama Forestry Association, and Auburn University Cooperative Extension Advisory Board.

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.