Garrett County Tree Farmer of the Year

John Bambacus and the John Bambacus 2020 Family Trust were recently recognized as the 2022 Garrett County Tree Farmer of the Year! John and his family manage a 34 acre woodland near Friendsville and have conducted a variety of forest management activities including non-commercial timber stand improvement, wildlife habitat work, invasive plant control, tree planting, and trail maintenance. John and his family complete the majority of their own forest management work on the property.

John purchased the property in 2016 and jumped feet first into management. He worked with a consulting forester to have a Forest Stewardship Plan prepared for his woodland and contacted the MD Forest Service to apply for cost share assistance through the Woodland Incentives Program for completing timber stand improvement and invasive plant control. The entire family enjoys utilizing the property, particularly his grandchildren who enjoy following a trail marked with large carved wooden mushrooms. John has hosted student groups from the Allegany College of Maryland Forestry Program at his property and has been an active member of the Maryland Forests Association. John is also a member of the Garrett County Forestry Board.