Red Lick Ranch named Tree Farm of the Year
Chris and Bill Lagermann, along with their beloved dog Achilles, display the award proudly.
By Jennifer Moonsong
Central Division,
General Manager,
Jobe Publishing, Inc.
14 years ago Bill and Chris Lagermann bought a beautiful swath of land, Red Lick Ranch. Since that time the couple has worked hard at improving the property and conserving some of its greatest assets, the trees.
“They have put a lot of work into this,” said Billy Thomas, Extension Forester, Cooperative Extension Service.
Last Thursday, an ample group of people including many people from the Extension Service and the Division of Forestry, as well as friends and neighbors looking to learn more, gathered at the Chestnut Grove Church near the Metcalfe Adair County junction to celebrate the Lagermann’s and their land for winning the title of Kentucky Tree Farm of the Year.
Although they officially won for 2018, the celebration and education on how this honor was bestowed is just now happening.
Those who attended had the opportunity to be shuttled from the church out to the farm, where they learned the many ways the Lagermanns have worked to improve their property.
Some of the people who helped improve the property, including soil conservationists, members of Fish and Wildlife, seed distributor “Tug” Rilling and Ben Hampton and his Aerial Photography operation were present, demonstrating the interconnectedness of all aspects.
Kentucky Tree Farm Chairman, Doug McCleran was also in attendance and presented the Lagermanns with two plaques.
“It is a great pleasure to be here,” he said. “This isn’t a local or regional, or even state organization, it is a nationwide organization. They (the Lagermanns) have exhibited good forest management on their land and are doing the best they can do with their property.”
“We used the resources that are available to us, we did the work but we had a lot of help,” said Bill Lagermann.
Thomas reminded those present that most of the programs for helping tree farmers are free and that there may even be money available for those who qualify to improve their land.
Doug McLaren presenting the Lagermanns with two plaques for their outstanding work.
