David Mercker
Extension Forestry Specialist

David Mercker joined the University of Tennessee Extension and the Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries in August of 1999 as Extension Forester in Jackson, TN. He brings with him 14 years experience assisting private forest landowners in Indiana as a consultant forester. His desire to work with landowners stems back to his BS and MS programs from Southern Illinois University in the mid 1980's. He has extensive experience in hardwood timber management, including harvest selection, measurement, appraisal, and marketing. In addition, he has working knowledge of both timber stand improvement (TSI) and hardwood tree planting.

Mercker has been instrumental in the start-up and support of Tennessee’s County Forestry Associations, where he delivers educational programs and forestry field days. He completed his PhD. in Natural Resources from The University of Tennessee in 2006. His research and dissertation included a study of forest certification and nonindustrial private forest landowners. He desires to help educate the nearly 500,000 private forest landowners in Tennessee on responsible forest management. Stationed in Jackson, his primary area of work includes West Tennessee.

His other program areas include: the Teachers Conservation Workshop, the Master Loggers, Forest*A*Syst, crop tree release, hardwood lumber and stumpage pricing, and 4H and bottomland hardwood afforestation.

Contact Information

David Mercker
WTES Center for Agr. Research
(731) 425-4703
Email:dcmercker@utk.edu