a photograph of a man and woman standing outside in the snow with trees and mountains in the background. They are holding a large wooden sign that reads, Ferruzzi Tree Farm Tree Farmers of the Year 2024.

By Mike Justus — Retired DNRC service forester

On September 28, 2024, the Ferruzzi Family of Trego, Montana, was awarded Montana Tree Farmer of the Year at the annual Montana Tree Farm Convention held in Big Fork.

The Montana Tree System recognizes the superior stewardship of its members through the annual Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year recognition program. These landowners are recognized for remarkable efforts to enhance and sustain forests and for spreading the practice of sustainable forestry. The Ferruzzi’s have been enrolled in the Tree Farm Program for 40 years and actively manage their forest for wood, water, wildlife and recreation. These are cornerstones of the Tree Farm Program.

Ed and his wife Christine bought 40 acres of forestland in 1976. They dreamed of building a log home and raising a family. They added more acreage over time as neighboring properties became available. Most of the land they purchased was cutover land with some timber value. The stands were composed of both poor-quality shade-tolerant species and seral species. Over time, the poor-quality trees were removed, and site preparation treatments and stand thinning were used to promote larch, Douglas fir and spruce. Today these forests are healthy, vigorous and resilient against wildfire. They provide timber, wildlife habitat, clean water and recreation opportunities, all virtues of what the Tree Farm Program represents.

A photo of conifer trees in autumn with fresh snow on the ground and blue sky. Some trees are bright yellow becuase they are Larch or Tamarack trees.

In the past five years, they have selectively logged 50 acres, pre-commercial thinned 97 acres and prescribe-burned 100 acres. Sixty acres have had snags created for wildlife. All riparian areas have been designated and protected. Roads have been improved and developed for management and fire protection. Weed spraying and road and landing mowing operations are ongoing.

Ed was a mentor in the Forest landowner outreach program sponsored by the American Tree Farm System. He helped write the invitation letter that offered a free property visit. Visiting landowners received site-specific recommendations and learned the benefits of active forest management. Participants came away with a positive impression of the management practices used on the property.

The Ferruzzi Family also hosted an inter-agency workshop that covered using a landscape approach to forest management. Private, state and federal ownerships must work together to help better forest health and improve wildfire resiliency.

Ed has always worked to educate on forest management, showcasing his land to individual landowners who were interested in active management; and as a father, Ed taught his children the importance of forest management and the work involved in creating a healthy, vigorous forest. His son now works for the US Forest Service in the Fire Program.

Ed worked for the USFS for 32 years in both timber management and fire management. He retired 14 years ago as the District Fire Management Officer.