WILTON — Rep. Russell Black and his family at Black Acres have been presented the 2018 Maine Tree Farmer of the Year Award. The Maine Tree Farm Program recognizes the superior stewardship of its members through the annual Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year recognition program.

The landowners are recognized for their efforts to enhance and sustain their forests and for spreading the practice of sustainable forestry. State winners are eligible to compete for the Regional and National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year awards.

Black, his wife, Susan Black, and son, James Black, manage a 400-acre farm. The family has been in the tree farming business since the early 1970s, when Black was motivated by forester Abbott Ladd to join the Maine Tree Farm program.

Black works with foresters Bob Leso and Amanda Dow Smith to manage a commercial sugarbush operation, wildlife conservation and timber production. They also farm, raise cattle and tend many bee hives. Black is involved in many community organizations.

FMI: 207-613-6837, coordinator@mainetreefarm.org, www.mainetreefarm.org.

Rep. Russell Black stands by a sign designating his forest on Black Acres in Wilton as a Maine Tree Farm. Black and his family were named 2017 Maine Tree Farmer of the Year.