William “Tom” Ashton is a Massachusetts Licensed Forester, qualified Technical Service Provider (TSP) for the NRCS, and a certified Tree Farm Inspector for the American Tree Farm System, living in Leominster. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry from UMass Amherst. Previously, Tom worked for the Department of Conservation and Recreation for 15 years, the last 8 of which as a full-time State Forest Supervisor. Tom has a professional background in land stewardship, including wildland firefighting, forest road repair, sawmill operation, and trail design and construction. He served as an active member of the DCR’s Encroachment Policy Working Team, as well as the Statewide Trails Committee. Tom is an Eagle Scout and developed an enjoyment for the outdoors through his time at summer camp. In his free time, Tom enjoys working on vintage Honda motorcycles, playing music, collecting records, and touring local playgrounds with his daughter.