SC’s Walt McPhail Named National Tree Farmer of the Year | Home & Garden

Dr. Walt A. McPhail, Mauldin, SC was named NATIONAL Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year by the American Tree Farm System on June 16 at the group’s 2012 National Tree Farmer Convention in Jacksonville, FL.<?xml:namespace prefix = o />

“This is a tremendous honor and privilege,” he said. “The American Tree Farm System is a nationwide community of Tree Farmers with the same desire to leave the land better for the next generation. We’re proud of the sustainable forest management work that we do.”

McPhail was selected Southern Regional Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year for 2012 earlier this year, and was Forest Landowner Association’s 2011 National Forest Landowner of the Year.   

Even though he runs McPhail Animal Hospital in Mauldin, SC, and was named South Carolina Veterinarian of the Year in 2000, his passion for Tree Farming reigns. He is a member of the National Operating Committee of the American Tree Farm Program; serves on the SC Tree Farm Committee and chairs the Outreach and Education Committee; was 2003 Southern Regional Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year; 2001 SC Tree Farmer of the Year, and 2001 SC Master Tree Farmer of the Year.

He was 2010 recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Palmetto Patriot Award, 2004 national winner of the Outstanding Achievements in Sustainable Forestry Award, and 2003 recipient of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation’s Conservation Award for Forest Conservation.