2026 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year

 

Jesse Sebero’s tree farmer story goes back several generations. He is the fourth generation practicing conservation on portions of this property. His great‑grandfather homesteaded part of the land in the early 1920s. Using horses and dynamite, he and his family cleared some acreage for agricultural use while intentionally leaving the northern portion of the forest intact. In the early 1980s, Jesse’s father purchased additional land north of the original farmstead. At the time of purchase, this tract was entirely forested except for a 20 acre agricultural field. The land was enrolled in the Managed Forest Law (MFL) program, and active forest management has been conducted ever since. In the early 1990s, Jesse’s father and Jesse planted that 20 acre field to red pine, fully converting the northern property back into forestland.

 

In 2023, Jesse and his wife purchased an additional 80 acres, bringing their total ownership to 586 acres. This acquisition allowed them to further expand their vision of managing a healthy, productive, and sustainable working forest.

 

Jesse grew up outdoors. His father was a full‑time logger, and from a very young age he brought Jesse into the woods, teaching him lessons about forestry, hard work, and tree species identification. Those early experiences gave him a deep appreciation for the land and instilled a lifelong passion for working outdoors. While he initially wanted to become a logger, by the end of high school he decided to pursue a career in forestry and enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Jesse graduated with a degree in Forestry Administration and Utilization.

 

Today, Jesse applies everything he has learned, both professionally and personally, to the active management of their family property. They have consistently implemented forestry practices including harvest scheduling, invasive species control, tree planting, habitat improvement for pollinators and wildlife, safety and tactical training, and recreational use. This work is truly a family effort, made possible with the help of his wife, children, and father. Jesse is committed to leaving behind a healthy, productive, and invasive‑free working forest for his children and for generations to come.

 

Jesse was born with forestry in his blood. His father instilled in Jesse a passion for the land that was entrusted to him and provided his Father’s income. Jesse’s passion for the land is unmatched as he cares deeply about the forest, its health and long-term sustainability. Jesse’s wife Kylie and their 3 kids share the same love for the land.  Jesse and his family share the property with family and friends to enjoy including hunting, hiking, and cross-country skiing. They maintain trails, food plots, tree plantings throughout the forest and have a cabin where they gather with friends and family.

 

With Jesse’s forestry expertise and significant experience, he goes beyond the traditional forest management, including a large deer exclosure to ensure sugar maple/northern hardwood regeneration in his forest which is unheard of around here but necessary to be successful due to the very high deer population. He has done many timber harvests with his father, planted trees, eliminated invasive plants and created trails.

 

The northern hardwood forest their family has managed for many years is among the best quality sugar maple forests in Marinette County. Meticulous long-term management resulted in such an amazing stand. It is extremely rare to see a forest managed so well for such a long period of time. Jesse embodies what a Tree Farmer stands for and the results on the property are amazing and his influence on other landowners is immense. He is making a long-term impact and leaving behind a legacy!