Tree Farmer of the Year
October 26, 2006
Greenwood resident Travis Casanova, received Mississippi Forestry Association’s (MFA) Tree Farmer of the Year award. Casanova was presented with the award on October 26 at the MFA Annual Meeting in Jackson.
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 MFA a non government organization that represents individual landowners and forestry businesses. The Association promotes conservation, sustainable forestry and public outreach programs.
Casanova’s forestland is in Marhall and Benton Counties and has been in his family since 1829, but he only began the tree farm 12 years ago. Eddie Pou, retired County Forester, worked with Casanova for 10 years and said Casanova’s tree farm is quite a show place and is a great example to show others how land can be developed. Casanova said, “My wife Corinne and I often drive around the farm and say, wouldn’t Mom and Dad love this? My goal is to pass on the tradition and I hope that one day my sons will continue to develop the land and be able to say the same thing.”
Casanova uses his tree farm for many events such as field days, youth field days, county forestry association activities and youth hunting days. He is actively involved in the Marshall County Forestry Association and previously served as president of that organization.
Among a plaque and other gifts, the Casanova’s were given a free trip to the 2007 National Tree Farm Convention in Madison, Wisconsin.