2019 Indiana Tree Farmer of the Year
Mark and Peggy Jones of French Lick, Indiana are the 2019 Tree Farmers of the Year. This farm has been in the family since 1883. The Jones’ were selected because of outstanding stewardship and willingness to share their land management experiences with others. The Jones’ accepted the award at the Tree Farm Breakfast at the Indiana Hardwood Lumberman’s Association convention in Indianapolis on February 4, 2020.
Forest management has been guided by professional foresters with the goal of a healthy woodland which supports the goals of personal enjoyment, wildlife habitat, and timber income. The management plan was most recently prepared in 2014 and updated in 2019. The property has been regularly inspected as part of the Classified Forest program by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Division of Forestry.
The woodlands consists of 118 acres of hardwoods and 1 acre of conifers. The last timber sale yielded 109,000 board feet of sawlogs. Cutting methods included single tree selection and group selection. Salvage operations were conducted after 2011 wind storm. Timber stand improvement, brush management, and invasive species control were implemented on the entire 119 acres through an EQIP grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. They used best management practices through proper trail location and maintenance, water bar installation, and a timber bridge to prevent erosion and sedimentation.
The Jones’ share their woodland management experiences with others by hosting Forest Management Field Days in cooperation with IDNR Division of Forestry, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District, and Purdue University. In 2019 they hosted a wildflower hike with renowned Indiana wildflower expert Kay Yatskievych. Peggy has increased her knowledge by completing Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner, a Purdue University Continuing Education Short Course.
In 2018, they received the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation Forest Stewardship Award. In 2017 the Jones’ received the Charles Deam Forest Stewardship Award for District 3 Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association for exceptional management through planning and implementation of good forest management practices. In 2011 the family was recognized with a Hoosier Homestead Award by Lt. Governor Becky Skillman.
The Tree Farmer of the Year is sponsored by Indiana Tree Farm. Recognition of outstanding professionalism in sustainable forestry practices is one of their objectives. Education is the other objective. Awardees are selected by the Indiana Tree Farm Committee which has 31 members representing a cross section of forestry professionals in the state.
Ken Day is retired Forest Supervisor of the Hoosier National Forest.