Snowdens named Tree Farmer of the Year

CONROE, TEXAS - Texas Forestry Association (TFA) presented Charles and Sue Snowden of Cass County with the 2024 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Award during its annual meeting held Oct. 23-25, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency in Conroe, Texas.

“Charles and Sue Snowden exemplify the highest standards of forest management and stewardship,” said Rob Hughes, TFA Executive Director. “Their meticulous documentation and hands-on approach to managing their tree farm demonstrates an exceptional commitment to sustainable forestry practices.”

The Snowdens purchased their 113acre property in Cass County in 1994 and enrolled it in the Tree Farm program the following year. Charles Snowden, who holds a BS in Forestry from the University of Tennessee and retired as a District Conservationist with USDA-NRCS, personally performs 100% of the tree farm field work.

“Charles is the definition of an outstanding Tree Farmer,” said Jeff Rogers, who recommended the Snowdens for nomination. This year, he single-handedly put on a tour that would rival any Tree Farm tour I have ever attended. Not only is he a great host, but he is extremely knowledgeable and does all his own fieldwork.”

Their property is managed for both timber production and wildlife, with specific focus on deer, duck, and squirrel populations, along with fish management in their pond. Recent management activities include a third thinning in 2021 and a prescribed burn on 65 acres in early 2024, complete with preparation work including felling dead standing pines and re-disking firebreaks.

The Snowdens actively share their knowledge with others, hosting tours for the East Texas Timberland Owners Association and conducting walking tours for new landowners. They provide practice areas for local 4-H and FFA Forestry teams, and their property has served as a demonstration site for Texas AgriLife.

C harles Snowden’s commitment to forestry extends beyond his own property through his service as Vice President of the East Texas Timberland Owners Association, Vice Chair of TFA’s Texas Forest Landowners Council, and his longstanding memberships in the Society of American Forests (45 years) and TFA (42 years), where he currently serves on the Board of Directors. In 2016, he received the Texas Soil & Water Conservation District’s Outstanding Wildlife Conservationists Award for Region IV.

Russell Lykins with Texas A&M Forest Service nominated the Snowdens for the award. The Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Award recognizes landowners who demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainable forest management through adherence to the American Tree Farm System’s Eight Standards of Sustainability, active participation in forestry organizations, and willingness to share their knowledge with others.