November 1, 2007
Contact: Amanda Box, Communication and Program Coordinator,
Mississippi Forestry Association
601.354.4936, abox@msforestry.net, www.msforestry.net
Mississippi Forestry Association named O.M. Becton as 2007 Tree Farm Inspector of the Year. The award was announced at the county forestry association luncheon as part of the Mississippi Forestry Association’s (MFA) Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 25, held in Natchez.
Members of the American Tree Farm System (ATFS/Tree Farm) are often identified by the white and green diamond shape signs they display on their property. Tree Farm is a program sponsored nationally by the American Forest Foundation promoting the sustainable management of forests through education and outreach to private forest landowners. Founded in 1941, ATFS is the oldest and largest forest conservation, certification and advocacy program in the United States.
In Mississippi, the Tree Farm program is administered by the Mississippi Forestry Association (MFA) a non government organization that represents individual landowners and forestry businesses. The Association promotes conservation, sustainable forestry and public outreach programs. MFA’s Tree Farm program includes a statewide team of more than 200 trained inspectors. Since its inception, Mississippi has lead the nation in tree farms with over 3,000 certified tree farms.
MCM has asked MFA members to be directly involved in the design of the interactive forestry exhibit which is a part of the world at work section of the museum. A great deal of all work in Mississippi is related to forestry with nine percent of the workforce employed in the forest related occupations and an annual economic impact of 13 billion dollars.
“The Tree Farm Program in Mississippi could not function without our volunteer inspectors. We are proud to recognize Mr. Becton with this Tree Farm Inspector of the Year award.” said Bill Kitchings, Chairman, Tree Farm Committee for MFA. Becton is a retired contract forester from Scotch Plywood and Lumber Company and truly dedicated to the Tree Farm program. “I believe that the Tree Farm program is the best way for the small landowner to tackle current forestry and consumer requirements,” said Becton.”