2009 Tree Farmer of the Year Tour
Trevor M. Evans
More than 70 people gathered in Derby on October 17th for the 2009 Tree Farmer of the Year tour at Pine Hill Tree Farm, owned by Trevor M. Evans. We were treated to incredible views of Vermont and Canada and a beautiful, chilly fall day. The day began with Put Blodgett, Vermont Woodlands’ President, welcoming the group and thanking Trevor for having us all there. Trevor welcomed everyone and thanked several of the people there for the help and assistance they have given him with his Tree Farm. He also took a moment to honor both the work and the memory of his friend and County Forester, George Buzzell, who had recently passed away. George was instrumental in a lot of the work that had been done on the property.
Ross Morgan, Trevor’s consulting forester, gave an overview of the Tree Farm before the participants were divided into three groups for tours of Trevor’s property. Ross led Group A on a tour of a sugar maple stand pointing out the even-aged growth of the second generation of species growing in the area, and discussed the future plans for that area. Group B was led by Dan Pittenger, who is working on his senior project at Sterling College. Dan has been working with Trevor on a new recreational trial taking. Group C was led by Trevor, who demonstrated examples of planting acorns and pruning techniques on red and white pines and apple trees.
Thom McEvoy led a discussion on the essential elements of selling timber. Jayson Benoit of Northwoods Stewardship Center talked about the natural communities around Trevor’s property. Dan Pittenger demonstrated an Alaskan Sawmill and participants were able to see an example of a bridge Trevor is making to use with a low-impact skidder when he does his next thinning. Ray Toolan, Orleans County Forester gave a review of the history and a projection of the future of Vermont’s forests.
