Congratulations to Al Robertson for being named 2019 Vermont Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year! This award is given annually by the Vermont Tree Farm Program, and we are excited to hear that Al is this year’s awardee.
In addition to decades of actively managing his Tree Farm in Sheffield, VT, and his contributions as a member of the Vermont Woodlands Association board and the Vermont State’s Private Lands Advisory Committee, Al has been a friend of NorthWoods for many years. Al served on the NorthWoods board from 2012 through 2015 and has spent countless hours with NorthWoods Forest Stewardship staff/interns, giving tours of his forest, removing cull trees, clearing storm damage, and sustainably harvesting softwood sawtimber. Cedar, tamarack, spruce and balsam fir lumber, harvested by Al with his low-impact tractor and forwarding trailer, can be found in the NorthWoods bunkhouse, ski trail bridges, interpretive signage, and many other places throughout the NEK.Al is no “armchair quarterback”; when he’s not serving on a board or lobbying for the forest products industry in Washington, you’re likely to find Al running a chainsaw, splitting firewood, or planting trees in his forest. We’re lucky to have Al as part of the NorthWoods community, and we appreciate all the ways that he contributes to the practice of good forestry in Vermont.
Check out the June newsletter from the Vermont Woodlands Association and Vermont Tree Farm Program for a full article about Al’s accomplishments and dedication. Al will be hosting a tour of his Tree Farm on Saturday, September 14th; save the date, and stay tuned for details and registration!