Indiana Woodland Owners Honored for their Stewardship

Four Indiana landowners were recently recognized with the 2025 Charles Deam Forest Stewardship Award by the Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA), for their commitment to sustainable forest management.

Evan and Mimi Kokoska of Koko Earth Farms in Putnam County were named as the state winners of the award. The 204-acre wooded property in Putnam County has been managed by the family since 1988 and has completed many conservation projects. These have included tree plantings, invasive species control, and wildlife habitat improvement. They have also begun cultivating edible plants and started truffle production. They were nominated by foresters Jack Nelson, Perry Seitzinger, and Josh Wagner who have worked with them on their land management.

There were three additional regional finalists that included:
Dennis Feldmann of Lawrence County in south central Indiana, was honored for managing his property with a focus on wildlife habitat and timber production.

David Argo of Switzerland County in Southeast Indiana, was recognized for his dedication to wildlife habitat, recreation, and land stewardship on his 203-acre property.

Emerson/Bratton Farms of Gibson County in southwest Indiana, received recognition for continuing a family legacy that started on this property in 1811. Three generations are working to control invasive species and improve wildlife habitat on the property.

The Deam award honors outstanding Indiana woodland owners who demonstrate good forest stewardship. Charles Deam, Indiana’s first state forester, was a pioneer in recognizing the need for protecting woodlands and managing our forests. Nominations for 2025 will be accepted starting in May 2025.