DATE: 1/27/05

WRITER: Brian Callahan, (864) 878-139

EDITOR: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741

Master Tree Farmer/Master Wildlifer programs prove valuable to landowners

CLEMSON – “Forestry and wildlife are two of our largest industries in South Carolina ,” said Brian Callahan, Clemson Extension agent in Pickens and Master Tree Farmer and Master Wildlifer coordinator for the state.

Clemson Extension offers the Master Tree Farmer and Master Wildlifer programs to landowners in the South Carolina because of the growing need, according to Callahan.

Since 1999, more than 1,200 South Carolina landowners have participated in these classes, along with approximately 10,000 more landowners across multiple states in the south.

The Master Wildlifer program won the 2004 USDA Secretary's Honor Award, the highest award presented by USDA.

The program is a shortcourse program designed for landowners, land managers, and outdoors recreationists who are interested in including wildlife considerations into their current land management activities.

“Practicing land managers will find the course valuable in highlighting alternative management approaches for wildlife in forest and farm settings,” said Callahan.

Special emphasis is placed on wildlife species that currently offer landowners additional sources of income through recreational access fees.

The Master Tree Farmer program is divided into an introductory course and an advanced course. Master Tree Farmer I introduces landowners to the basics in pine and hardwood timber management, forestry as an investment, timber harvesting and other valuable information. Master Tree Farmer II offers experienced foresters an in-depth look into more advanced forestry management and production techniques.

Callahan noted that since these programs build upon one another, many landowners participate in two or all three.

Tree Farmer and veterinarian Walt McPhail has successfully completed all three programs. McPhail currently manages approximately 3,000 acres of forestland, and has won numerous prestigious awards, including the 2003 Southern Region Tree Farmer of the Year and the 2004 BASF National Sustainable Forestry Award.

 “The Master Wildlifer and Master Tree Farmer programs at Clemson have played a large role in my forestry successes,” said McPhail.

McPhail said the programs have directly benefited the properties under his management. He has enhanced populations of desirable wildlife species by improving habitat and planting food plots.

As a result of implementing a wildlife management plan into his overall forestry management scheme, McPhail has been able to generate alternate sources of income by leasing sections of his property for the hunting of deer, turkey, small game and waterfowl.

“My forestry tracts have drastically improved,” said McPhail.

According to McPhail, the programs have taught him techniques that have improved growth yield by ¾ of a cord per acre on 1,500 acres of pines.

McPhail played key roles in founding the Anderson Forestry Association in 1994 and the Greenville Forestry and Wildlife Society in 2001.

"I know of at least 1,000 acres of pine that have been purchased and 300 acres that have been planted due to these two groups” said McPhail.

For more information on these programs, contact Brian Callahan at (864) 878-1394 or email him at bcallah@clemson.edu.

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