Release Date: December 2008

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Anita Gambill
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Washington, D.C. -  The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) has named Bob and Jean Cooper as its 2008 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year, recognizing their dedication to outstanding sustainable forest management on family-owned forestland. The Coopers received the award during the 15th annual National Tree Farmer Convention in Portland, Ore. earlier this year. The annual award is sponsored by STIHL Inc.

Every year, ATFS, as part of the American Forest Foundation, recognizes outstanding sustainable forest management for wood, water, wildlife, and recreation on privately owned forestland across the country with national, regional, and state awards. The industry awards also focus public attention on models of good forestry, while encouraging landowners to manage their lands more effectively by showing what the winners have accomplished. Award winners often become successful advocates, positively influencing legislation that affects private forest landowners.

The Coopers own Meadowbrook Farm in Winston-Salem, NC and purchased their 118-acre farm 34 years ago. At the time, the property and its accompanying home were rundown and in severe disrepair. But over the years and with "sweat and money earned through timber harvests," the Coopers restored the property and its home to a manageable state and made it their residence in 1985. Meadowbrook Farm has been enrolled in ATFS since 1985, and is home to several forestry projects including the first Green Ash planting project in North Carolina "

In 2001, the Coopers intensified their participation in ATFS and have been the backbone of the rebirth of the North Carolina Tree Farm Program. Dr. Cooper has served as chair of the program from 2003 through 2006, and North Carolina now has more than 800 certified Tree Farmers and 100 certified Tree Farm Inspectors.

"We at the American Forest Foundation are committed to the recognition of family forest owners like the Coopers each year," said Bob Simpson, Senior Vice President-Forestry. "This recognition honors the hard work and dedication of these true champions of sustainable forestry and their tireless efforts to provide significant support to help ATFS accomplish its mission of getting more good forestry on more acres."

Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager for STIHL Inc., said, "We commend the efforts of these Outstanding Tree Farmers who set an example of responsible environmental stewardship for others to follow. STIHL is pleased to be associated with the ATFS and the efforts to promote sustainable forestry and environmental awareness."

The Coopers have also been instrumental in building bridges within the forestry community. Recently they hosted more than 125 people at their property for a Tree Farm Program workshop held in partnership with the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources Forest Stewardship.

"You have to have a passion for the land. If you don't, you are not going to get very far. You need to sell people on the concept that not only are growing trees for lumber, for fiber, for the many products, but probably equally important, maybe more important, is the water quality, the wildlife, and the recreation," remarked Dr. Cooper.

Other regional winners include: North Central - John and Diane Koerner, and sons Scott and Jeff, owners of Koerner Family Tree Farms in Portage County, Wisconsin; Western -Bob Mezger owner of Mezger Forest Incorporated in Klamath Falls, Oregon; and Northeastern - Craig, Janet and Tara Olver owners of the Tall Timber Tree Farm in Wayne County, Pennsylvania.

About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world's largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through independent servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast – not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the dealer locator on STIHL's Web site at www.stihlusa.com.

Not only is STIHL the sole handheld outdoor power equipment provider for the ATFS, it is also a leader in other environmental areas including low-emission technologies and quieter, more fuel-efficient engines.

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About the ATFS
The American Tree Farm System^® (ATFS) is a national program that promotes the sustainable management of forests through education and outreach to private forest landowners. Founded in 1941, ATFS has 27 million acres of privately owned forestland and 87,000 family forest owners who are committed to excellence in forest stewardship. Tree Farmers manage their forestlands for wood, water, wildlife, and recreation with assistance from 4,400 volunteer foresters. ATFS is a program of the American Forest Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works for healthy forests, quality environmental education, and informed decision-making about our communities and our world.

Learn more and watch a video on the 2008 Recipient