Jim Ferris of Marquette is the Michigan Tree Farm Inspector of the Year. Ferris has been involved in the forestry field for many years. (Photo courtesy of the Alger Conservation District)

MARQUETTE — Jim Ferris of Caretaker Forestry in Marquette has been named the Michigan Tree Farm Inspector of the Year.

Ferris has been involved with forestry and land management in the Upper Peninsula since 1980 when he began his career with Champion International. “Later he joined the Michigan Department of Natural Resources where I met him as a timber management specialist doing state timber sale set-up work, regeneration surveys and common silviculture exams,” Watkeys said. “He was easy enough to work with and for, but also very helpful in learning the expectations and overcoming challenges.

“Since then, Jim went on to be the Gwinn Unit manager for the DNR, and we continued to interact with the local conservation districts to facilitate private landowner partnership with the DNR and other organizations,” Watkeys said, noting that he learned on Ferris for several answers and referrals as well as continued partnership on projects located on private and public lands in the U.P.

Ferris retired from the DNR but did not stop the great work, he said.

“Starting Caretaker Forestry not only filled a niche in and around the Marquette area, but also stewarded consulting forestry, plan writing, program participation and outreach,” Watkeys said. “For several years, he would refer landowners to public sector assistance and programs, with no promise of returning those connections.

“However, Jim was the best fit for many of these landowners, and to utilize as a referral back to Caretaker Forestry to implement practices. Jim is heavily involved in community programs also, and always strives to promote Tree Farm, its benefits and the relationships that it allows. Jim is the inspector for my personal forest lands and will be one of the only foresters I would invite back when my tree farm certification is up for re-inspection.”

Ferris is always one of the first individuals to take on new and exciting roles, while also contributing to past projects and landowners, Watkeys said. He was part of the planning committee for the new Forestry for Michigan Birds project produced through the American Bird Conservancy.

Since retirement from a full-time state job, there are times when Ferris would respectfully decline a job referral, but he usually makes time available to handle what is asked — especially when there can be significant positive impacts to be made, Watkeys said.

“Jim will also make time to come to, and participate in local outreach workshops, trainings and volunteer days, with no thought of asking for reimbursement,” Watkeys said. “He will always have important contributions and advice to provide.

“I always know to expect a Tree Farm certification and Inspection for all of the landowners he works with, as Jim diligently promotes Tree Farm, other certification programs and general stewardship for forests. If needed, I know Jim would also step in to be involved with the Tree Farm Committee, more so than present. But his communication with this organization and other partners is exemplary.”

Locally, Ferris participates in the leadership team at his church and other local projects, Watkeys said. He also enjoys wood turning, cross-country skiing and other activities that involve wandering around the outdoors in the U.P.

Ferris has been making contributions to the broader professional forestry community for his entire professional career, he said.

“Building relationships through state forest plans, implementation of harvest and wildlife plans, outreach and public meetings concerning forest treatments, actions plans, Wildlife through Forestry meetings and many more,” Watkeys said.