Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 17, 1993 TAG: 9306170470
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: NEW CASTLE LENGTH: Short
They were selected from 2,700 certified tree farmers in Virginia on the basis of their tree management program on their 700-acre farm in the Barbours Creek area.
The association said the Barneses have made their farm, Cove Branch, into "a showplace for stewardship of natural resources."
Charlie Barnes said tree farming was a natural endeavor on the farm because 400 to 500 acres are in woodland.
"From that we went on to do what we could to prevent soil erosion, protect wildlife and promote clean water," he said.
In addition to harvesting trees, Barnes also raises beef cattle and operates a real estate business.
For the last five years, Cove Branch has been open to the public for deer hunting, fishing, hiking, bicycling, camping and cross country skiing.
The Barneses bought the farm in 1961. The original farmhouse was once a stagecoach inn on a stop on the former Sweet Springs Turnpike that connected Fincastle and Sweet Springs, W. Va.
- CHARLES STEBBINS
by CNB