Coburg Tree Farm claims state's Tree Farmers of the Year award

The Townsend family, owners of Coburg Tree Farm, located on Scott Turner Road 7 miles southeast of Eatonville, have been named the 2023 Washington State Tree Farmers of the Year. 

The award is given to recognize their efforts of outstanding stewardship and sustainable forestry on their 280-acre tree farm.

Four brothers, Dave, Steve, Carl, and Keith, and their family have owned the property since 1955. The tree farm has been certified with the American Tree Farm System since Aug. 1, 1955, making theirs the 9th oldest certified tree farm in Washington State. The family harvests timber in a sustainable manner that is planned out for generations to come. They have also developed innovative methods to protect their trees in the early stages of their growth.

The first tree farm in the nation, the Clemens Tree Farm, was established in 1941 near Montesano. This led to the formation of the American Tree Farm System, which is represented in 42 states. 

The Coburg Tree Farm is one of 1076 ATFS Certified Tree Farms is Washington State.