Allen Nease

Allen Nease was a pioneer of Florida’s reforestation and conservation efforts in the mid-20th century. Fact|date=February 2007

Early career

Allen Nease graduated from North Carolina State University and went to work with the US Forest Service in the Apalachicola National Forest where he planted trees, supervised timber sales and fought “redneck poachers” who were undermining his efforts. In 1940 he was hired by the Florida Forest Service as the first County Forester in the state, selling the need for forest and soil conservation all the way from Suwannee County, Florida to Washington County, Florida.Fact|date=February 2007

Legacy

Because Allen Nease planted over 55 million pine trees throughout the north Florida area he became known as “Johnny Pine nut” (instead of Johnny Appleseed). In 1947, he managed 17,000 acres (69 km²) of over cut, overworked timberland in St. Johns County, Florida for Robinson Improvement Company where he established a re-forestry program.Fact|date=February 2007

Career in education

In 1971, Allen Nease was elected to the St. Johns County School Board where he served as Chairman for 17 years and became the School Board’s driving force for 24 years. While on the School Board, Mr. Nease won the battle to build and develop what is now known as the First Coast Technical Institute. Due to these achievements, the high school, Allen D. Nease Senior High School, was named after him. Fact|date=February 2007

References

* [http://www.co.st-johns.fl.us/BCC/growth_mgmt_services/planning/LAMP/ctp_nease.htm Land Acquisition & Management Program: Major Projects, Nease Beachfront Park]