July 24-26, 2002 --
Over 40 SAF members took advantage of the MeadWestvaco tour of their fiber farm and island properties to see "on the ground" operations of short rotation woody crops. Several cottonwood and sycamore plantations were visitied. Cottonwood trees reaching 100 feet in eight years on island # 3 was fascinating to see. It was a demonstration of cutting edge forestry maximizing growth and yield.
The long day finished in style with a barbeque dinner provided by MeadWestvaco at their pavilion overlooking the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
Foresters listen to MeadWestvaco's foresters and scientists explain their fiber farm operation.
MeadWestvaco scientist Jainwei Zhang, demonstrates his physiological analysis process in a research plot on the fiber farm.
Jerry Crow provides an overview of MeadWestvaco's island # 3 property with a 12 year old cottonwood plantation in the background.
For additional pictures of the meeting, please follow this link: MORE PHOTOS