Tree Farm Logger of the Year 2021 

Steve Marks, Marks Lumber

Clancy, MT 

A group of five people and two dogs pose in front of a "Marks Lumber" backdrop, with the central man holding an award

In the early 1980’s when Steve and Laura Marks decided to focus their efforts on the now over 75 year old family sawmilling business, I doubt either of them could have imagined being where they are today. Steve’s commitment to sustainability of both forest and community extends to the family ranch, sawmill, logging and land management activities. Steve Marks uses innovative manufacturing and product development that allows stewardship forestry be economically viable in a market without a lot of opportunities. Recognizing the need for diversity and never shying from trying something new, their products range from firewood by the pound, a wide range of custom wood products, biomass utilization and custom logging and land management services. Steve is a stalwart supporter of local collaborative, Montana Wood Products Association, and Montana Logging Association. He is involved in his local fire departments, churches, and other community organizations. At the end of the day, he does this stuff because he cares about Montana’s forests and knows that our legacy is the forest and communities we leave behind. His family started ranching in Clancy before the turn of the last century and have every intention of continuing for future generations. Steve has invested greatly in getting the word of sustainable forestry out to the public both though the work he performs and print, broadcast and social media. Check them out on their website and help us congratulate them on Tree Farm Logger of the Year 2021.

Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year 

Dianne and Steve Wilson 

Clancy, MT

A man and a woman stand together on a stone patio overlooking a vast, snowy mountain valley 

With a clear objective of leaving the lands better than they found it, Steve and Dianne have made great progress on their 160-acre Tree Farm up the North Fork of Travis Creek outside of Clancy, MT. After retiring from a professorship at Duke University, they have had quite a range of experiences with trying to get the much-needed thinning and restoration work completed. Utilizing grants where necessary, they recently completed a 35-acre thinning and fuel hazard reduction treatment bringing the total treated acres to just over half of the forested area. Utilizing much of the wood harvested in Steve’s Wood Mizer sawmill, they were able to restore some of the historical homestead buildings and barns, including constructing a replica of the original homestead cabin. With a wood fired boiler providing heat for their home, most of the wood from their management activities is used on site. Active in the local community, hosting tours and show me trips for NRCS grant programs and fuel hazard reduction efforts, Steve and Dianne are willing to share their knowledge and experiences. With the next generation of Wilsons recently moving to the Tree Farm, the phrase Family Forest is reflected in all their stewardship activities. Please join us in congratulating Steve and Diane as the 2021 Montana Tree Farm of the Year.