Date:    10/24/02 
Contact:  Don Ham (864) 656-4829   
Writer:   Susan Bedingfield, (864) 656-3876; sbeding@clemson.edu

Clemson Extension 
forester honored

     CLEMSON   A Clemson Extension forester has been named as the first
recipient of the Golden Acorn award from the South Carolina Urban and
Community Forestry Council (SCUCFC). 
     Don Ham received a plaque for his work in community forestry and
arboriculture on Oct. 17 in Myrtle Beach.  
     "Most of us in the industry consider Don to be the father of 
community forestry in South Carolina," said Liz Gilland, Urban and 
Community Forestry program coordinator for the Forestry Commission. 
	"He has been instrumental in putting together many programs 
regarding community forestry and arboriculture. He is very well 
respected nationally and internationally."
	The South Carolina Urban and Community Forestry Council, Inc. 
is a non-profit charitable organization formed to promote and support 
activities that are designed to provide a statewide forum for the 
stewardship of urban and community forestry. 
	The SCUCFC has tackled such issues as training utility 
employees and contractors in proper tree pruning techniques.
	"Don has been instrumental in implementing the urban forestry 
minor at Clemson, research and extension in urban forestry, the student
Society of Arboriculture, a student internship program, and 
international study opportunities for Clemson students" said Pat 
Layton, chair and professor, Department of Forest Resources, Clemson 
University. "His leadership has been an asset to Clemson and to the 
state of South Carolina."
                              END