November 1, 2007
Contact: Amanda Box, Communication and Program Coordinator,
Mississippi Forestry Association
601.354.4936, abox@msforestry.net, www.msforestry.net
Jackson resident Thomas Kazery was recognized by the Mississippi Forestry Association (MFA) for achievements in forestry at MFA’s Annual Meeting in Natchez, on October 26.
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. Since the inception of the program, Mississippi has ranked as the number one Tree Farm sate in the country with over 3,00 registered tree farms.
In Mississippi, the Tree Farm program is administered by MFA a non government organization that represents individual landowners and forestry businesses. The Association promotes conservation, sustainable forestry and public outreach
programs.
For Kazery’s eagle scout project, he planted and cared for one acre of loblolly pine trees including the precise planting layout, site preparation, planting, and two years of herbicide release. This planting effectively created a visual and sound barrier from Interstate 20 in Jackson.
Kazery is very involved with his family’s tree farm. After hurricane Katrina, he helped inventory the timber damage, and then harvest and remove damaged trees on his family’s tree farm.
He helped his county forestry association host a workshop on his family’s tree farm, teaching landowners how to measure trees using a clinometer and an increment borer.
Kazery is also involved in operating his family’s Christmas tree farm and clearing excessive hardwood stems and selling them for profit. He has earned many awards including the Boy Scout’s world conservation award and conservation oriented merit badges. He is also an accomplished musician, athlete, and is involved in his church and community.
Kazery received a Mossy Oak jacket, a plaque and a check for $500.
Dr. Stephen Dicke nominated Kazery and is the recipient of the 2007 Youth Forestry Leadership Award. Dr. Dicke is a long time member of Mississippi Forestry Association holding many leadership positions including serving on MFA’s Executive Committee and on the Board of Directors. In addition to his work as Extension Forester at the MSU Central District Research and Extension Center in Raymond, Dr. Dicke is active in the Boy Scout program as a merit badge counselor. Dr. Dicke was awarded a plaque and a check for $100.