Eaton Named Division Forester of the Year

Gerald Eaton 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. Eaton received his award at the division’s annual Highland Rim District Christmas dinner held last month.

“As the Highland Rim District Forester, Gerald has shown great leadership in steering the division’s forestry services throughout the Highland Rim District. The citizens in the western portion of Middle Tennessee are fortunate to have such a dedicated individual serving them and the natural resources in their area,” said State Forester Steven Scott.

Eaton received a bachelor’s degree in forestry from The University of Tennessee in 1971. He then completed Officer Candidate School and served two years in the U.S. Army as 2nd Lieutenant. In 1975, he became Area Forester for Williamson and Maury counties. Since 2000, he has served as District Forester for the Highland Rim District, which is headquartered in Burns and includes 23 counties west of the Cumberland Plateau.

“Although this is an individual award I can assure you that it is the work and dedication of the people in this district that makes this possible,” said Eaton. “I feel that the Division of Forestry provides the taxpayers of Tennessee with more on-the-ground assistance than any other natural resource agency in the state. Looking back on 35 years, my time spent as an Area Forester working with individual landowners has been the most enjoyable part of my career.”

Eaton’s interest in forestry and love of the land came from growing up on a farm in Wayne County, which he still manages. He currently resides in Williamson County with his wife Lorraine and son Hunter. He has two other sons, Sawyer and Cody, and one granddaughter, McKinley, who also reside in Middle Tennessee.