June 2017
Over 50 attend third annual Tree Farmer conference AFA
Tree Farmers and landowners gathered in Morrilton for a day of networking, learning and sightseeing on June 2.
After lunch the group toured the Jones Family Tree Farm by hayride. Attendees learned about the process of selecting trees for harvest, site prep and planning, hardwood management and gas pipeline considerations.
Jennifer Johnson, administrator of the Arkansas Tree Farm Program, kicked off the conference by providing attendees with an update on the Arkansas Tree Farm Program and on the recently implemented fee structure. George Rheinhardt, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Forester, provided landowners with an overview of various conservation programs that are available to Arkansas landowners. As the day progressed, the attendees had the opportunity to hear from the 2016 Tree Farmer of the Year, the Smith family, as well as a landowner panel that discussed best management practices. Max Braswell, AFA executive vice president, provided the group with a legislative review of the 2017 regular session.
Landowners and Tree Farmers enjoyed the day in Morrilton touring the Jones Family Tree Farm as well as a morning session that included topics ranging from estate planning to best management practices.
South Central Arkansas holds Log A Load for Kids events AFAEF
South Central Arkansas Log A Load for Kids held two fundraisers, including a golf tournament and banquet, for Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The June 8 golf tournament, at Glenwood Country Club, had a record turnout with 33 teams in the four person scramble. The banquet took place on June 10 at Feaster Park in Arkadelphia and had over 300 in attendance. An auction took place during the banquet where attendees had the chance to bid on various items including loads of wood, a swingset, a zero turn mower, a trailer, desserts and many other items. All proceeds from Log A Load for Kids events go toward our current funding initiative, the cardiothoracic surgery unit, with our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Arkansas Children’s.
Kingwood Forestry’s team enjoyed a day on the golf course raising money for Arkansas Children’s. Pictured from L to R: Jimmy Don Thomas, Phil Wright, Drew Griffin and Patrick Grissom