Peairs Named Division Forester of the Year
NASHVILLE – Stephen Peairs was recently named the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry’s Forester of the Year. The award is presented annually to a division forester who exemplifies the highest level of professionalism in serving the citizens and forest landowners of Tennessee.
“The citizens of Dickson, Houston and Humphreys Counties are fortunate to have such a dedicated individual in their area serving them and the natural resources they live within,” said State Forester Steven Scott. “It takes real leadership to make things happen to the extent seen in Stephen’s area over the past few years, and he is to be commended for such leadership and teamwork.”
Peairs received his Bachelor of Science degree in forestry under the wildlife management option from Mississippi State University in 2001. He continued his education at Mississippi State and received his Master of Science degree in forestry with an emphasis on hardwood silviculture in 2003. Peairs began working for the division following his academic career in 2004 serving as Forest Inventory Analysis Forester. Based on his exemplary performance in that position, he was offered an Area Forester position serving in Cannon, Warren and Dekalb counties where he worked for one year. Peairs has since served as Area Forester for Dickson, Houston and Humphreys counties.
“I really enjoy having the opportunity to do my part in benefiting society by providing the necessary services to help forest landowners of Tennessee better manage their property,” said Peairs. “One of the most rewarding aspects of my job comes when I deliver a tailor-made management plan to a landowner and see the appreciation they have with the level of detail provided.”
Outside serving his local area, Peairs also served as an instructor at this year’s 59th annual FFA Forestry Camp. His enthusiastic and energetic nature made him a hit with the junior and senior high school students from across the state as he taught wildlife management, prescribed burning, compass and pacing and forest measurement courses.
Peairs’ interest in forestry came from his enjoyment of the outdoors and hunting and fishing. He currently resides in Dickson County with his wife Melinda.
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