[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 4, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THOMAS, SHEILA, AND STACEY THOMSON ON BEING NAMED NEW 
              HAMPSHIRE'S OUTSTANDING TREE FARMERS OF 1997

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Tom 
Thomson, his wife Sheila, and their son Stacey, on being named New 
Hampshire's 1997 Outstanding Tree Farmers of the year. Tom first 
purchased his own wood lot at the age of 11 with his two older 
brothers. Today, Tom and his family manage about 2,500 acres of forest 
in New Hampshire and Vermont.
  Stacey, Tom, and Tom's father, former Gov. Mel Thomson Jr., 
constitute three generations of New Hampshire tree farmers. Tom's tree 
farm is an example of a multipurpose forest with a diverse landscape. 
In addition to enhancing wildlife habitat, Tom has also increased 
recreational opportunities in the forest, opened vistas and taken care 
of the protection of water quality. He received a prestigious annual 
award by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the University 
of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension in 1994, when his 1,060 acre 
tract in Orford, NH, became designated as a wildlife stewardship area.
  Tom is known by many for his adoption of more sustainable forestry 
practices, and encouragement of his neighbors to do the same. He gives 
tree farm tours each year to school children, New Hampshire's 
Timberland Owners Association Board Members, conservation groups, 
Audubon groups and New England wildflower groups. Most recently, he had 
also had visitors from Eastern and Central Europe and South America. 
Tom also works with the New Hampshire Board of Licensure for Foresters, 
the New Hampshire Current Use Advisory Board, the New Hampshire 
Ecological Reserve System Steering Committee and the New Hampshire 
Forest Stewardship Committee. His enthusiasm and outstanding commitment 
to his work has a very important impact on the future of New 
Hampshire's beautiful woods.
  I have known Tom and his family for many years. They are hard-
working, dedicated farmers who embody the true spirit of New Hampshire. 
Tom's commitments to preservation and forest education are exemplary. I 
warmly congratulate Tom, Sheila, and Stacey for their outstanding 
accomplishment and well-deserved honor.

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