Green Horizons

A good morning hunt! Ed Keyser (right) with friends Tom Ronk and Duane Parker.

Ed Keyser was surprised to hear he was selected as the 2012 Tree Farmer of the Year. While he has worked tirelessly managing his tree farm and promoting sound forest management throughout his life, he did not consider his small farm worthy of such attention. However, his actions, both in the woods and outside of them caught the attention of the Missouri Tree Farm Committee. Ed's 89 acres of woods have been managed for both recreation and revenue. Purchased in 1969, it provided excellent deer and turkey hunting opportunities. These have been enhanced through forest thinning practices to improve food and cover. Trees from the property provided wood heat for his home and logs used for shiitake mushroom production.

After 33 years of ownership, trees had grown to the point that a timber sale was needed.

"I recognized faster growth on my oaks (resulting from thinning practices) and in 2002, I conduced my first hardwood timber sale," Keyser said.

Sealed bids were taken on 600 marked trees. Ed feels the high bidder paid an excellent price for the trees due to the years of active management.

"A good tree farmer cares for his forest. A great tree farmer is also concerned for the health of our state's forest resource," said Mark Nussbaum, Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri board president. "Ed Keyser is undoubtedly a great tree farmer."

As a practicing, professional forester for over 34 years with the Missouri Department of Conservation, Ed participated in and gave many landowner programs. He also hosted a farm tour in 2010 consisting of general oak management, black walnut improvement practices and wildlife management practices including the benefits of den trees and food plots.

He has been active in many organizations that promote private forest management. He chaired the Forestry Committee of the Conservation Federation of Missouri since 2007. He also chaired the steering committee to establish the Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri, and served as vice president of the organization since its formal establishment in 2011 to the present.

Ed will host the 2013 Missouri Tree Farm Conference on his farm just outside of Kirksville, Mo., on May 31 and June 1. Participants will learn about shiitake mushroom production, control of autumn olive and other invasive species, along with sound forest management for deer and turkey. We will recognize Ed as the Tree Farmer of the Year and thank him for all of his hard work promoting healthy Missouri Forests. If you are interested in receiving registration information, contact Jim Summers with the Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri at (818)645-5399 and visit the association's website at www.forestandwoodland.org.