Maryland Names Top Tree Farmer and Tree Farm Inspector of 2016

Tree Farmer of The Year, Robert Shives, holds his award after being recognized in the Senate on April 1.

As part of Maryland’s annual recognition of outstanding individuals in the tree farm industry, landowner Robert Shives has been named Tree Farmer of the Year, and state project forester Dan Hedderick earned Tree Farm Inspector of the Year in awards given by the Maryland Tree Farm Committee earlier this month.

Tree Farmer of the Year Robert Shives, along with his wife Sylvia, have been managing 188 acres of woodland on their family farm in Hancock for the past 25 years, establishing themselves as a successful local Christmas tree supplier, and a prime example of successful forest management and stewardship.

“The Shives’ drive, work ethic, devotion to learning and commitment to educating others is truly inspiring,” said Aaron Cook, Washington County forester with the Department of Natural Resources. “It has been my sincere honor to have worked with the couple in my time as their service forester. Robert and Sylvia are the epitome of what it means to be a tree farmer and are truly deserving of this award.”

After inheriting the farm from his father in 1991, Shives and his wife planted 10 acres of coniferous trees and continue to plant multiple acres annually to maintain the operation. The Shives’ and their neighbors also thinned 26 acres of hardwoods and six acres of pine, improving forest health and value, and providing firewood for the community. The couple took part in a 2007 and 2008 gypsy moth treatment program, and recently had their forest stewardship plan updated to stay current with the tree farm standards of sustainability.

The couple also ensures food plots are maintained for wildlife, and the roads and trails on the property are accessible. Robert Shives is a member of the Washington County Forestry Board, promoting natural resource education and outreach, and shares his experience and knowledge as a tree farmer by hosting tours on his property.

Hedderick displays his award after being recognized in the House of Representatives on April 1.

Dan Hedderick, Department of Natural Resources forestry project manager for Allegany County, has been named Tree Farm Inspector of the Year for his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to Maryland’s tree farms.

Working at the Maryland Forest Service for the past 22 years, Hedderick has pioneered initiatives that advanced stewardship ethic among tree farmers and private landowners. During his time with the state, he’s helped residents create and carryout sustainable forestry plans on more than 200,000 acres. This past year alone, he completed 20 tree farm inspections on 3,100 acres in Allegany County.

A resident of Cumberland, Hedderick also actively manages his family’s 650-acre tree farm, where he frequently invites landowners, schools, community groups, local governments, tree farmers and committee members to learn the benefits of sustainable forest management.

Even more, Hedderick has been instrumental in securing tax credits and developing cost share programs so landowners can afford to carry out forest management plans. He also manages the Town Creek Forestry Project, runs the county Tree Farm program, and has led countless forestry outreach and education initiatives, including helping the county track and meet water quality goals.

This past February, the American Forest Foundation named Hedderick the Northeast Regional Outstanding Tree Farm Inspector of the Year for 2016.

The Maryland Tree Farm Committee is made up of landowners, businesses, nonprofit organization representatives and staff from the Maryland Forest Service, who work together to promote tree farming, forest education and certification, and sustainable forestry to improve our environment and the quality of life. They presented the awards in Annapolis at the House of Representatives and Maryland Senate buildings in early April.