Stewards of the Land
FAMILY FORESTRY for GENERATIONS to COME

Sponsored by the Washington Farm Forestry Association
Text and photographs by Cheryle Easter

Everyday, housing and commercial developments claim another wilderness and rural space. On the front lines, the Washington state tree farmers fight to hold on to their farms despite the pressure to sell out. What are the challenges they face? What motivates them to stand their ground and choose trees over development?

Stewards of the Land documents the lives of these uncompromising individuals who sustain the land and the organization that supports their cause. Sixty-four members of the Washington Farm Forestry Association (WFFA), many of them founding members, tell their stories. For some, the land was handed down from their ancestors. Many spend as much time on the phone tending to legislation as they do in the woods. And all share a passion for the land and nature. Although most will never see their trees grow to maturity, they are committed to serving a cause greater than themselves by keeping the land a forest into perpetuity.

The WFFA is an organization that fosters and supports the tree farmers who are protecting our woodlands today and for generations to come.

The history of the Washington Farm Forestry Association is printed in this book. With text and photographs by Cheryle Easter with support from Char Easter, the book has recorded the stories of many of those who founded our association. The book has histories of both the state organization and each chapter as well as over 60 stories of tree farmers from across our state.

You can purchase this book for $19.95, which includes shipping and handling, by sending your name and mailing address along with a check payable to:    WFFA Legacy Book, PO Box 1010, Chehalis WA 98532. The book has nearly 200 pages of professional photos and stories and has been touted as one of a kind.