TREASURE Forest

MISSION The mission of the TREASURE Forest Committee of the Alabama Natural Resources Coordinating Council shall be to promote and administer the TREASURE Forest Program. TREASURE is an acronym that stands for Timber, Recreation, Environment, Aesthetics, for a Sustained Usable Resource. The TREASURE Forest Program is a voluntary program that seeks to promote sound and sustainable, multiple-use forest management. This type of management encourages landowners to use their forests wisely to meet their own needs while at the same time protecting and enhancing the environment. The TREASURE Forest Program promotes this management ethic through two avenues: education and recognition. Education is provided through information and on-the-ground technical assistance from the member agencies and groups of the Alabama Natural Resources Coordinating Council. Alabama's TREASURED Forests magazine is a quarterly publication that offers valuable insight on management according to TREASURE Forest principles. Recognition occurs through the TREASURE Forest Award Meeting Date Here Meeting Date Here	TREASURE FOREST AWARDS What is the TREASURE Forest Award? The TREASURE Forest Award is earned by private landowners who display their commitment to the TREASURE ethic through the physical management that takes place on their land. The TREASURE Forest Award includes a numbered and signed TREASURE forest certificate, a TREASURE Forest sign to display on the property, and a TREASURE Forest hat. When the award is given, the land is called a Certified TREASURE Forest landowner. TREASURE Forest and TREASURE Forest landowner are earned titles that represent good stewardship of the land, protection and/or enhancement of the multiple values of the forest, and providing benefits to both present and future generations. Six Steps to the TREASURE Forest Award Anyone owning 10 or more acres of forestland can be considered for the TREASURE Forest Award. To be eligible, a landowner must do the following with respect to all their forestland in Alabama: (1) Identify one primary and at least one secondary management objective for the property based on the following choices: Timber Production, Wildlife, Recreation, Aesthetics, Environmental Education. (2) Possess or acquire a written multiple-use forest management plan for the property. (3) Actively practice multiple-use management on the property consistent with TREASURE Forest Standards. Once these items are in place, the following must occur to earn the award: (4) The property must be nominated by someone associated with one of the member agencies or groups of the Alabama Natural Resources Coordinating Council. (5) The property must be inspected by a forester and a wildlife biologist. This will be arranged for you at the appropriate time. (6) The nomination and inspection report must be submitted to the TREASURE Forest Committee of the Alabama Natural Resources Coordinating Council for review and approval. This will be arranged for you following the property inspection. Your local office of the Alabama Forestry Commission and other representatives from the member agencies and groups of the Alabama Natural Resources Coordinating Council can either directly assist you with any of the six steps above or refer you to the appropriate cooperating member agency or group to see that you receive proper assistance.	HELENE MOSLEY MEMORIAL TREASURE FOREST AWARD The Helene Mosley Memorial TREASURE Forest Awards, initiated in 1978, annually recognize the most outstanding TREASURE Forests in Alabama, especially with respect to their educational value and use. The Alabama Natural Resources Council and the W. Kelly Mosley Environmental Awards Program, which is administered by Auburn University, sponsor the awards. The award is based on how well a landowner displays the TREASURE Forest philosophy of good stewardship. This philosophy is reflected by accomplishments the landowner has made on the property and educational activities on the property that promote good forest stewardship to others. By late March, the nominations must be completed and sent to the chair of the TREASURE Forest Committee of the Alabama Natural Resources Council. The nominations are grouped into regions that are based on the four regions of the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC). Members of the TREASURE Forest Committee will serve as the coordinating members of the Helene Mosley Selection Committee. Each regional winner will be recognized, receive a plaque, certificate, and a limited edition painting at a regional landowner award ceremony. A video of each regional winner will be produced by the Alabama Forestry Commission. Helene Mosley TREASURE Forest Nomination Form Helene Mosley Video The Alabama Natural Resources Council is planning four regional events to honor 2008 Helene Mosley recipients. The four regional winners will be presented awards and recognized for their stewardship and educational activities at local events. By doing this, the ANRC hopes to encourage greater participation by landowners in each region. The regional events are scheduled for October. We will provide you with additional information as it becomes available. Nominations are due April 18, 2008. District conservationists should work with their local county forestry planning committee or Alabama Treasure Forest Association county chapter to submit a nomination for the TREASURE Forest Award. A letter similar to this bulletin is being mailed to district and county offices of member agencies of the Alabama Natural Resources Council. Any questions concerning this bulletin should be directed to State Staff Forester Tim Albritton. Helene Mosley TREASURE Forest Nomination Form