Ohio Couple Named National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year
Hepatica Falls Tree Farm represents long-term care of the land
COLUMBUS, OH – Randy and Koral Clum have been named the 2018 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year by the American Tree Farm System, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). “Randy and Koral Clum’s Harrison County woodland property is a stellar example of forest stewardship practices,” said Robert Boyles, Ohio’s state forester. “Not only is their land a joy to experience, but their investment has produced a thriving woodland and showcase for fellow landowners to learn about sustainable forestry. I can’t think of more deserving people than the Clums to represent Ohio for this national recognition.” Randy and Koral are both professional consulting foresters that work with 50 to 75 other landowners annually. Clum Forestry Consultants promote and provide science-based forest management, approaching their work as an educational opportunity for clients. The couple purchased their own 153-acre Hepatica Falls Tree Farm in east-central Ohio in 1993, learning many lessons as they applied practices they advise for other landowners. The Clums have hosted numerous tours and workshops, including the 2017 Ohio Tree Farm of the Year Tour. Both Randy and Koral began their forestry careers with the ODNR Division of Forestry, spending many of those years providing private land stewardship advice as service foresters. They are active in several woodland owner and professional forestry organizations, and they have served as tree farm inspectors. Among both Randy’s and Koral’s numerous awards and recognitions, the couple was named in 2012 by ODNR as Forest of Honor inductees for their excellent work and enthusiasm for sharing good forestry and for the many landowners they have influenced. The Ohio Tree Farm Program was organized in 1946, bringing foresters and landowners together to apply the American Tree Farm System standards of sustainable forest management. The system includes 1,700 woodland owners across the state committed to caring for their land under a comprehensive plan developed by a professional forester. Landowners interested in the American Tree Farm System may visit ohiotreefarm.org. The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands and the fire management program, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov. Follow us on Instagram at @odnrforestry (instagram.com/odnrforestry). ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov. – 30 – For more information, contact: Matt Eiselstein, ODNR Office of Communications 614-265-6860 Cotton Randall, ODNR Division of Forestry 614-265-6667 Cutline: Pictured are Randy and Koral Clum, who were recently named the 2018 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year by the American Tree Farm System. Photo courtesy of Kian McKellar.