Ron Hebert of DeRidder was named the Future Forest Award Winner for the Louisiana Forestry Association (LFA). The award was presented at the LFA annual convention Aug. 30 at Sam's Town Hotel in Shreveport.

The award was for reforestation work on Landry's 180-acre homeplace in Beauregard Parish.

The award is given to recognize outstanding forest regeneration accomplished on land owned by small private landowners. Hebert was nominated for the award by Frank Chapman, district conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Hebert, the assistant superintendent of schools for Beauregard parish has reforested the 180 acres on original dairy farm and cattle ranch run by his father, Shirvey Hebert. He also manages 180 acres for his brothers, Daryl and Shirvey Hebert.

Hebert enrolled his land in the Wildlife habitat Incentive Program administered by the NRCS and the Forest Productivity Program, managed by the La. Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry.

"The diversity created by the pine and hardwood plantings coupled with existing old ponds, food plots, numerous firebreaks, and a mature hardwood riparian area, combined with the hard work of his entire family have really set them up for future timber production and excellent wildlife habitat," said Chapman.

Ron and Kathy Hebert have six children and eight grandchildren. They also use the property for hunting and riding four-wheelers.

A sign will be erected on the property denoting it as the 2006 Future Forest Award Winner.

The Louisiana Forestry Association is a 3,500 member group made up of landowners, foresters, forest product employees, loggers and researchers. Its mission is to promote the health and productivity of Louisiana's forest for present and future generations through the practice of sustainable forestry.

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