Farnsworth honored for forest practices
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December 30, 2013 |
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Boundary Soil Conservation District
President Tom Daniels, with Inland
Forest Management manager Mike Wolcott
looking on, presents silvicultralist Al
Farnsworth a plaque naming him 2013
Boundary County Farmer of the Year. |
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Al Farnsworth and his wife Caroline have been
performing sound forestland practices spanning
over 40 years. In 1992, Al and Caroline received
the “Take Pride in America Conservation Farm
Award” for their forestland practices.
This year, the Boundary Soil Conservation
District honors him again, naming him a 2013
Boundary County Farmer of the Year.
When most people think "farm," trees are
typically thought of as something you clear, not
something you grow. Though it takes quite a bit
longer to bring in a "crop" of timber than, say,
a patch of corn or wheat, the principals are
much the same, though it does take a much longer
point of view.
When it comes to "farming" forestland, Al and
Carolyn have long showed the patience, love and
perseverance to make them truly exceptional at
what they do.
A retired Air Force pilot, Al now spends time
caring for his 4,000 acres of forest within
three North Idaho counties collectively known as
the Xmas Hills Limited Partnership.
Al actively manages his forest under the
guidance of Inland Forest Management. His forest
stewardship plan reflects his hard work and
dedication to implement forestland best
management practices. The results can be seen on
all his forestlands.
All logging and tree planting activities are
carefully planned by Al and IFM before they are
implemented. Every year he plants trees to
improve stand diversity and wood production for
future generations.
He can also be seen spraying along many of his
forest roads to eliminate noxious weeds. He
works closely with the Boundary Soil
Conservation District and Natural Resources
Conservation Service with the Forestry
Incentives Program.
He takes pride in protecting water quality,
wildlife habitat, riparian and recreation areas.
Al and Caroline believe that the public should
use and enjoy the forest as much as they do.
They enjoy seeing hikers, campers, berry pickers
and horseback riders on their land, not to
mention the vast wildlife. They have even
established a rifle range on one property and
motocross and snowmobile club sponsored
activities on another.
Al and Caroline have built a great forest legacy
for their daughters and for people in all
communities in Idaho. |
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