|
Willard Walker of Canaan has been
selected “Outstanding Tree Farmer for 2004.” With 739 acres
of tree farm in three towns, Willard (Bill) and his family have been
Tree Farmers since 1958. Of the 739 acres, 117 have been planted
to white pine, red pine, white spruce and Norway spruce. Bill
rode the tree planter, planting his fields to trees between 1958 and
1962. A few acres are still in field or pasture.
In managing
the Tree Farm, wife Perch keeps track of the records while Bill
continues to prune trees and oversees other aspects of forest
management. Chris, son of Bill and Perch, earns his living using
timber harvesting machinery to harvest forest products, and marketing
skills to sell products. One specialty market for the Walker’s
is a cedar decking product, of which they produce using the services
of a portable custom sawmill company.
Consulting
forester, Darren Turner, assisted the Walkers in applying for
Outstanding Tree Farmer. The Walkers will be competing for the
national Outstanding Tree Farmer. Runners up for Maine, include
Walter Gooley of Farmington and the York Water District, of which both
Tree Farms are also exemplary in regard to forest stewardship.
|
