DATE:    12/28/99
CONTACT: Dr. George Kessler, (864) 656-4836
WRITER:  Tom Lollis, (803) 284-3343

Master Tree Farmer 2000 Program Will Begin Feb. 1

     CLEMSON -- Landowners with forest cover on their property
can learn how to manage that land to protect the environment and
meet financial objectives during a Clemson Extension program
called "Master Tree Farmer."
     The program for the year 2000 runs from Feb. 1 to March 14
in seven three-hour blocks from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., plus seven
hours of field tours on March 18 beginning at 9 a.m.
     "We'll offer 21 hours of classroom instruction by satellite
at 13 sites in South Carolina and a total of around 100 sites
across the Southeast," said George Kessler, Clemson Extension
forester.
     "Master Tree Farmer lets the landowner educate himself about
sound management and marketing practices," he said.
     Kessler said the need for programs like Master Tree Farmer
has grown in importance as the number of landowners who don't
live on the land has grown.
     "In South Carolina 75 percent of forest land is owned by
people who have no direct link to the land," he said.
     Cost for the program will be $50 per person. Couples may pay
$70 and receive one set of handout materials. Registrants will
receive a notebook with chapters on eight topics. Those who 
complete six of the seven sessions will receive a certificate, a
Master Tree Farmer cap and a patch for a jacket or shirt.
     Deadline for registration is Jan. 20. The late registration
fee is $70 and will be accepted until Jan. 28. The fee may be
paid by check or with Visa or MasterCard. Checks should be made
payable to Clemson University. Forms, available at Clemson
Extension offices, should be mailed to Steve Muzal, Clemson
University, 272 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson, S.C. 29634-0331. 
     Participants may also register online at
http://www.mtf2000.net.
     Workshop sessions will be held in the following cities:
Aiken, Charleston, Chesterfield, Clemson, Columbia, Darlington,
Dillon, Georgetown, Greenville, Greenwood, Lancaster, Union and
Walterboro.
     For more information, call George Kessler at (864) 656-4836,
fax him at (864) 656-4786 or e-mail him  at gksslr@clemson.edu.
                              END