Jean Bolton’s ties to Grays Harbor go back to 1881 when her great grandfather, George Emerson, was sent out from New Hampshire to establish a sawmill. The family forestry business was eventually run by Jean’s mother, Florence Lamb Free. That company dissolved in 1969 and the assets were equally divided among her four children. Jean’s share was 18 parcels of forestland totaling 986 acres in Grays Harbor County, which are now the six Free Bolton Tree Farms.
They have been a part of the Amerian Tree Farm System since 1988, and their goal is managed to provide sustainable harvested Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar.
Jean served as president of WFFA in 1991 and 1992, and then as a member of the Washington Forest Practices Board. This was during the middle of the Timber Fish and Wildlife negotiations, whereh Jean played a pivital role representing, and vigorously advocating for the interests of small forest landowners.
Recently Jean has been transferring ownership of the tree farm to her sons, Andrew and Alan. They and their children plan to continue the family tree farm legacy.
Watch a video about the Free Bolton Tree Farm that was prepared in 2025 when they were nominated for Washington State Tree Farmer of the Year. Another video was prepared to recognize Jean for her service to WFFA and the community of small forest landowners by serving as WFFA President and on the Forest Practices Board.