Texas Forestry Association Announces Outstanding Tree Farmers

For Immediate Release
Contact: Susan Stutts
Program Director
(936) 632-8733
sstutts@texasforestry.org

Texas Forestry Association Announces Outstanding Tree Farmers

Lufkin, Texas -The Texas Forestry Association recently named Dr. Jerry and Mary Marcontell the 2012 Texas Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year for the excellent management of their Tree Farm in Liberty County. Tom Martin, CEO of the American Tree Farm System made the announcement at Texas Forestry Association's Annual Convention on October 20th in Galveston.

Located near Rye, Texas, the Marcontell Tree Farm consists of 1106 acres of pine and hardwood trees. The objectives for management are to enhance the forest for timber production, wildlife and recreation, while taking into account water quality and aesthetics. They have installed wood duck boxes and they have stocked catfish ponds. 

The Marcontells do much of the actual Tree Farm field work themselves with the rest being contracted. They rely on the professional services of Glen Dirksmeyer, a forester with Georgia-Pacific. Dirksmeyer nominated the Marcontells for outstanding Tree Farmer.

Dr. Marcontell is a retired OB/GYN having practiced in Houston. He and Mrs. Marcontell are Life Members of Texas Forestry Association. They are actively involved in the Southeast Texas County Forest Landowners Association as well as the Montgomery-Harris Forest Landowners Association.

The Marcontell's acquired their Tree Farm in 1994; it has been under a written forest management plan since 1995. "A Tree Farm is living proof that a well-managed forest is a better forest," said Ron Hufford, Executive Vice President of Texas Forestry Association. "Dr. and Mrs. Marcontell deserve to be recognized for their excellent forest management and commitment to forest stewardship, and for their dedication to water quality and wildlife," he added. 

The Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year competition recognizes private landowners for the exceptional job they are doing of enhancing the forest on their property. Winners are also chosen based on their efforts to foster and promote the practice of sustainable forestry to other landowners and the public.  

To be a Certified Tree Farmer, a landowner must manage his or her forest in an environmentally sound manner in accordance with the American Tree Farm System's standards and guidelines. Tree Farmers provide Americans with a renewable supply of essential timber and wood products. Their forest helps clean the air, protect watersheds, and provide homes for wildlife.  

Established in 1941, the American Tree Farm System is the oldest and largest forest certification program in the United States. Today, more than 96,000 Certified Tree Farmers are managing 25 million acres of forestland.  

Texas joined the American Tree Farm System in 1944, and currently there are 2,325 certified Tree Farms in the State. Texas Forestry Association is the co-sponsor for Tree Farm in Texas. For more information about Tree Farm, visit the TFA website at www.texasforestry.org.

Texas Forestry Association is a non-profit trade association representing 3,000 members who grow, manage, harvest and process Texas' forest resources.   

Photo: Tom Martin [AFF President & CEO]. Jerry & Mary Marcontell,  and Wayne Pfluger [professional forester]
                   

###