Pattillos named 2015 Tree Farmers of the Year
Greg and Sue Pattillo of Pacific County are The Washington Tree Farm Program's "Washington Tree Farmers of the Year" for 2015. Their award was announced at the May 1st Washington Farm Forestry Association Annual Meeting at The Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound.
The award is based on the tree farmer's stewardship, management plan, timber health, innovation and community involvement. The Pattillos were nominated by Tree Farm Inspector Jim Hillery of Raymond.
The Pattillos' own 700 acres in Pacific County near Raymond, WA. Numerous commercial thinning and final harvests have provided their income for the last 26 years. They have been ATF certified for 33 years. Both have been actively involved in forestry activities for many years. Greg, a retired forester, has been active in the Society of American Foresters and as an American Tree Farm Inspector. Together they have provided leadership for the Pacific County Chapter of Washington Farm Forestry Association for many years.
Founded in 1941 the American Tree Farm System Forestland Certification is the oldest and largest (in acreage and number of farms certified) third party accredited Certification program for tree farmers in the nation. The Washington Tree Farm Program committee operates the program in partnership with volunteers from co-sponsoring organizations and with volunteer professional foresters. Inspecting foresters provide advice and conduct on-the-ground inspections of forestland to meet the American Tree Farm System Standards of Sustainability for Forest Certification.
The Washington Tree Farm Program is co-sponsored by the Washington Forest Protection Association and the Washington Farm Forestry Association.