Farnsworth honored for forest practices
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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. |
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.