Georgia Landowner Named the 2023 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year

In Berrien County, Georgia, Heather Brasell has been recognized as the 2023 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year by the American Forest Foundation (AFF) and the American Tree Farm System (ATFS). This prestigious award celebrates her exceptional stewardship of the Gaskins Estate, a family-owned property spanning nearly two centuries, and her dedication to sustainable forest management, conservation, and education.

Background and Stewardship

Heather Brasell assumed the role of property manager for the Gaskins Estate in 2009, bringing a wealth of experience as a forest ecologist in Australia and a background in science education. Her journey into land stewardship was not predetermined but was shaped by a passion for responsible land management. The Gaskins Estate, enrolled in the ATFS in 2009, exemplifies sustainable forestry practices, with nearly half of the property meticulously managed for timber production. The estate features a diverse mix of longleaf, loblolly, and slash pines, while the remaining area serves as a sanctuary for hardwood species along the Alapaha River, fostering rich biodiversity. This includes habitats for gopher tortoises, federally endangered indigo snakes, and Bachman’s sparrows.

Brasell’s management approach integrates timber production with conservation, using practices like prescribed burns to enhance forest health and reduce hardwood competition. Her commitment to sustainability has transformed the Gaskins Estate into a model of responsible land stewardship, recognized by the Georgia Forestry Commission and the ATFS.

Educational Outreach and Community Engagement

A cornerstone of Brasell’s work is her establishment of the Gaskins Forest Education Center in 2011, which serves as a hub for promoting awareness of forest management practices. The center welcomes students, landowners, and professionals for workshops, interactive sessions, plant identification programs, and interagency field days. These initiatives educate diverse audiences about conservation, forestry, and the importance of sustainable land stewardship, ensuring the Gaskins Estate’s legacy endures for future generations.

Brasell’s outreach extends beyond the estate, as she actively participates in events like the Georgia Forestry Association’s Forestry Day at the Capitol, where she was honored in 2023. Her efforts align with the ATFS’s mission to engage family forest owners and promote sustainable forestry across the United States.

Recognition and Impact

Selected by the Georgia Tree Farm Committee as the 2022 Georgia Tree Farmer of the Year, Brasell’s property was one of four nationwide considered for the national award. Her recognition as the 2023 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year, announced on December 19, 2023, by the AFF and ATFS, highlights her leadership in sustainable forest management. The award was celebrated at the ATFS 2024 National Leadership Conference, underscoring her influence within the forestry community.

Brasell’s work supports broader environmental goals, including biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration, aligning with initiatives like the AFF’s Family Forest Carbon Program. Her estate’s diverse forest management practices contribute to healthy ecosystems and sustainable wood production, setting a benchmark for other landowners.

Context and Significance

The ATFS, a program of the AFF, certifies over 71,000 family forest owners managing more than 19 million acres across the U.S. The Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year award recognizes landowners who exemplify the ATFS’s four pillars: wood, water, wildlife, and recreation. Brasell’s achievement follows previous Georgia landowners’ recognitions, such as Mike Harrison (2021) and the H.G. Yeomans III Family Trust (2024), reflecting the state’s strong tradition of sustainable forestry.

In the context of global deforestation policies like the U.S. FOREST Act and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Brasell’s practices demonstrate how private landowners can contribute to sustainable supply chains. Her estate’s ATFS certification ensures compliance with internationally recognized standards, potentially easing alignment with regulations like the FOREST Act, which targets illegal deforestation in commodity production.

Conclusion

Heather Brasell’s recognition as the 2023 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year celebrates her transformative stewardship of the Gaskins Estate and her commitment to education and conservation. Her work not only preserves a family legacy but also serves as a beacon for sustainable forest management, supporting Georgia’s and the U.S.’s efforts to combat deforestation and promote environmental stewardship. Through the Gaskins Forest Education Center and her innovative practices, Brasell inspires landowners and communities to prioritize forest health and sustainability for generations to come.

References

• Georgia Forestry Association, “GFA Member Named the 2023 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year,” 2024.
• American Forest Foundation, “Georgia Landowner Named the 2023 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year,” 2023.
• American Tree Farm System, “Georgia News,” 2023.
• Moultrie Observer, “Berrien County woman named Tree Farmer of the Year,” 2024.