Eastman Selected as a “Certified Forest Steward” by the State of Texas

Eastman’s Texas Operations was recently selected as a “Certified Forest Steward” for implementation of several recommendations listed in their Forest Stewardship Plan. This 25-page Forest Stewardship Plan was written in conjunction with the Texas Forest Service, and was designed to provide Eastman with recommended management practices to improve and maintain the health of the 40-acre Eastman Demonstration Forest, as well as the surrounding Nature Center area.

The Certified Forest Steward award is nomination-based, with only a handful of landowners receiving this award each year. The USDA Forest Service and State Foresters administer this award to Texas landowners who own at least 10 acres, have a written Stewardship plan, and have implemented aspects of that plan.

Eastman’s Stewardship Plan was written in August 2007 and nearly all of the major recommended practices have been implemented as of May 2009. Some of these practices include: installing firebreaks along stand lines; harvesting of pines in two existing stands; mulching of those harvested stands as well as custom mulching in other stands; and planting of both pines and hardwoods in designated stands. In addition, all improvements to the Demonstration Forest were completely self-funded through the sale of the harvested timber.


Pictured below is one example of an implemented practice of Eastman's Stewardship Plan. The first picture is “before” implementation. The second and third pictures are “after” implementation which included harvesting of all trees in that stand, mulching of the entire stand and planting of pine seedlings.

“This is certainly an honor for the company and Eastman’s Texas Operations’ employees,“ said James Ray, vice president and general manager. Eastman values our partnership with the Texas Forest Service and Wes Moorehead. We could not have achieved these certifications without that partnership. As we work with them to maintain these certifications, we will continue to provide schools, scouts and other organizations the opportunity to use the Nature Center for educational purposes. “

"Certified Tree Farm" Recognition

Texas Operations was also recognized as a “Certified Tree Farm” by the American Tree Farm System. A Tree Farm is defined as at least 10 acres of forestland with a written management plan accounting for water, wildlife, wood and recreation. This recognition signifies a location where excellent forestry is being practiced, which includes using the services of a professional forester to maintain that excellence.