Washington Tree Farm Program News

American Tree Farm System Honors Tom Westergreen as 2017 National Outstanding Inspector of the Year

  The American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) is pleased to recognize Tom Westergreen of Sumas, Washington as the 2017 National Outstanding Inspector of the Year. Westergreen was selected from among four regional winners for his exceptional on-the-ground work with family forest owners in Washington and commitment to the American Tree Farm System.

 The Outstanding Inspector of the Year award annually recognizes forest inspectors for exceptional sustainable forest management and exemplary work for ATFS. The award was presented on February 23 at the 2017 ATFS National Leadership Conference in Greenville, South Carolina.

 “Tom does what he loves most: talking to, sharing with, and learning from his fellow Tree Farmers,” said Tom Martin, president and CEO of the American Forest Foundation, which manages ATFS. “He uses his personal story to help other landowners understand the importance of sustainable forest management and recognizes that his role as an Inspector goes beyond assigned reviews.”

 Westergreen has a life-long passion for tree farming and ATFS. He was raised on and currently manages his family tree farm, land that has been sustainably managed by his family since 1888. It is one of the oldest Tree Farms in Washington, having been recognized by ATFS for decades. He became an ATFS Inspector in the early 1980’s and currently serves as a Region Inspection Coordinator in Washington.

 
 Westergreen is an active member of the forestry community in Washington. For example, he has testified at state legislative committee hearings on topics and issues that are important to Washington’s landowners and forests. He is also responsible for developing and overseeing the Whatcom Women in Timber “Woods Tour,” an annual event that for more than 30 years has taken the public out to the woods to see sustainable forestry management first-hand. Westergreen was nominated by the Washington Tree Farm Program.
 

 The 2017 Regional Outstanding Inspectors of the Year, all with outstanding accomplishments, are Derek Albers of Maryland, Michael Hughey of Mississippi and Christine Walroth of Wisconsin.

2017 Milestones

Pacific Education Institute

Bringing Students to Your Tree Farm  

Would you like to share your passion for your tree farm with students in your local community, but don't know how or where to start?

The Pacific Education Institute (PEI) through their Project Learning Tree (PLT) affiliation has received a grant to bring tree farmers and teachers together for a one-day workshop in early August (date/location TBD) to experience PLT lessons that prepare students for a forest site visit as well as develop lessons that can be tailored to a specific tree farm.

PEI envisions scientifically literate citizens making balanced decisions for a thriving future. To accomplish this our mission is to deepen student engagement by empowering educators to take students outdoors to learn integrated, real-world science. 

Idaho Forest Group Mills pays a Premium

In the last newsletter we talked about the Idaho Forest Group offering an additional $5.00 per thousand foot over their printed prices for logs from certified Tree Farms. Of that amount, they send $4.50 to the landowner and $.50 to the State program where the logs were harvested. This generous program has brought in several thousand dollars to Washington Tree Farm Program.  Some have asked us where are these mills are located? Idaho Forest Group has mills throughout the entire Idaho Panhandle. Movie Springs, Laclede, Chilco, Lewiston, and Grangeville.
If you are interest in selling to them log onto www.ifg.com  click on the "timber" tab and enter your contact info in the "contact a forester" tab. You can also call (208) 772-6033 to reach one of the log accountants directly.

Is your chainsaw ready for spring?

By John Keeler

Are you getting ready to do some management activities, maybe a thinning?  Then make sure your chainsaw is as ready as you are.  Chainsaw inspection and maintenance are critical to its mechanical integrity and safety.  The following checklist is designed to help you operate your chainsaw properly.

• Make sure fasteners on your chainsaw are snug.
• Check the AV system and ensure the buffers are in place and not worn, broken or damaged.  
• Check your air filter often.  If your filter is dirty, clean the filter according to manufacturer directions or replace the filter.  
• Check the chain on your saw when on idle. If the chain moves when the saw is idling, adjust the saw’s idle using the proper adjustment screw on the carburetor.
• Check your muffler and spark arrestor according to you saw’s maintenance schedule.  
• Inspect the bar, chain and sprocket frequently. Don't forget to install a new sprocket after every two chains wear out.
• Keep your saw chain sharp.  File the chain with a few light strokes on each tooth using a file and guide each time your refuel, even if you think the chain is already sharp.
• Replace worn, cracked or damaged chains immediately.
• Check and maintain your bar.  Inspect the guide bar body, grooves and rails for damage, wear, and debris.  Repair minor nicks with a flat file.
• When reinstalling your guide bar, always place the bar with the opposite side up from when you last took it off.
• Finally, check your chain brake to make sure it engages and disengages appropriately. 

Most owner’s manuals feature a chart detailing the maintenance you should perform and at what intervals.  If you are unable to perform any of these functions, return your chain saw to an authorized dealer for inspection and maintenance.