The 2014 Ohio Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year award went to the Coldwell family of southern Columbiana County, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

“Healthy and productive forests are essential to Ohio’s economic and environmental well-being because, in addition to wood and timber production, they help to protect air, water and soil, and they provide wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and aesthetics,” said Robert Boyles, state forester and chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “That is why the commitments made by tree farm owners, like the Coldwell family, are so important and worth recognizing.”

The Coldwells have managed their woodlands since the mid-1980s. Forestry practices that improve the health and productivity of the woodlands include grapevine and invasive species control, thinning to release crop trees, selective tree harvesting and tree planting in open fields. With the addition of their own band sawmill, they can not only produce regular lumber but also sell their character wood as a specialty market, making use of low-grade or cull trees that would normally go to waste. The Coldwells actively manage and encourage a diverse wildlife population.

The Coldwell Family Tree Farm is certified by the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) as meeting ATFS standards for woodland stewardship. This designation shows that significant effort has been made to provide a renewable resource in a sustainable manner while maintaining a healthy forest that protects water, wildlife and recreational values.

A public field day is planned for Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Coldwell Family Tree Farm to highlight their conservation practices with demonstrations, and forestry and wildlife experts will attend.

The Ohio Tree Farm Program was organized in 1946, bringing foresters and landowners together to apply the ATFS standards of sustainable forest management. The system includes 1,700 woodland owners across Ohio that are committed to caring for their land under a comprehensive plan developed by a professional forester. Landowners interested in the American Tree Farm System may visit ohiotreefarm.org.

The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, forest health and tree care, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.