By Maureen Burnham, PA Forestry Association

Jane and Bob Slagter own 52 acres of forested land along Caldwell Creek in Southwest Township, Warren County. The Slagters are the Pennsylvania Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year for 2018.

Bob Slagter is a member of the Foundation for Sustainable Forests’ Board of Directors, and donated a conservation easement on the property to the Foundation in 2014. To quote Dave Trimpey, Area Chair #1, “Bob is the epitome of forest steward. He has spent countless hours over many years improving his own land and promoting forest stewardship to others.”

The Slagters’ efforts over 20 years to manage their land sustainably with consideration of Wood, Water, Wild- life, and Recreation are exemplary. As we all know, managing your
woods is a multifaceted activity benefitting landowners and communities.

Conducting numerous tours on Pennsylvania Tree Farm #3533 has helped spread the word about woodland value and opportunities. These outreach activities always promote Tree Farming.

Bob’s leadership and support exhibited for the PA Forest Stewardship Program with participation and writing newsletter articles have been very valuable in promoting Forest Stewardship in Pennsylvania.

Many of us got our first taste of planned forest management through the Forest Stewardship Program.

The PATFOY Award was announced along with presentation of a slide show at the PA Forestry Association Annual Meeting on October 6, 2018. The award will be presented to Jane and Bob at the December 13, 2018, Pennsylvania Tree Farm Committee Meeting at the Central PA Visitors Center, State College, PA.

Congratulations to Jane and Bob for a well deserved recognition!

More information on programs, initiatives and how you can get involved is available at the PA Forestry Association website.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Foundation For Sustainable Forests website.  Click Here to support their work.  Loving The Land Through Working Forests Conference May 11, 2019.

(Photo: Bob Slagter (right), receiving the Warren Co. Conservation District Tree Farmer of the Year award, also in 2018.)

NewsClips:

Christmas Tree Shortage Not Affecting Erie 

Are False Fears About Spotted Lanternfly Hurting Christmas Tree Sales?

Kummer: Businesses Must Get Trained, Permitted For Spotted Lanternfly Or Face Fines

Foundation For Sustainable Forests, French Creek Valley Conservancy Host Woods & Waters Film Series Jan. 11, Feb. 22

Tree Pittsburgh Branching Out In New Riverfront Center

New Report: Outdoor Recreation Is A Bigger Economic Powerhouse Than Construction In PA

Western PA Conservancy Conserve Magazine Celebrates 125th Anniversary Of State Parks & Forests

(Reprinted from the Fall/Winter newsletter of the Foundation For Sustainable Forests.)

[Posted: Dec. 13, 2018]

12/17/2018