Arkansas Tree Farm Program

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Arkansas Tree Farm Program
an overview

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What is a Tree Farmer?
Tree Farmers are forest land owners who have been
recognized as good stewards of their property. They
have had to meet certain requirements of good
forest management. They have had to demonstrate a
dedication to the wise use of natural resources
through activities on their land.
Certified Tree Farmers qualify to display the familiar
green and white, diamond-shaped Tree Farm sign
signifying that they are a part of the nationwide Tree
Farm system. The sign is presented by the Arkansas
Tree Farm Committee to forest owners who have
been certified by one of their volunteer inspecting
foresters.
The Arkansas program is a component of the
American Tree Farm System and is administered by
the Arkansas Forestry Association.

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History:
The term “tree farming” was first used in about
1940 to introduce the public to sustainable
forestry terminology they could easily understand.
The first Tree Farm was established in 1941 by
Weyerhaeuser in Montesano, WA as a
demonstration area to highlight good forestry
practices.
It was created, in part, to prove that private
owners can properly manage forestlands and that
government regulations or oversight of practices
was not necessary.
Soon after state committees were started in
Alabama, Arkansas, California, Oregon, and
Washington, where the focus became recognition
of good stewardship on family forestlands.

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June 6, 1942 - Ceremony launched state Tree
Farm program held in Fordyce, Arkansas. 22
landowners awarded signs and certificates. Miss
Billie Wilson, Queen of the Arkansas Tree Farm
System, sits on throne.

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In the late 1980s, concerns resurfaced about the
ability to sustainably manage forests. By the late
1990s, the public demand for certified wood had
reached a tipping point; people wanted to know that
the wood products they used were not sourced in a
way the harmed the environment. Tree Farm had
reached a critical juncture; would it continue as a
recognition program, or would it transition into a
certification system?
By 1998, it was determined that, in order to remain
relevant, the Tree Farm System needed to become
a certification organization , and the 2000
Standards of Sustainability were soon developed.
For the first time, written and active plans
addressing water quality standards, sustainable
forest management were required.

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The Standards, which are revised every five years,
serve as the basis for the ATFS program.
Landowners who follow these Standards are
recognized around the world as ambassadors for
sustainable woodland stewardship.
Participation in the ATFS program and management
to the ATFS Standards is voluntary. Ultimately, it is
your responsibility as a woodland owner to ensure
that your management plan and on-the-ground
activities enhance the long-term sustainability of
your woodlands.

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ATFS is the most economically viable certification
option for small family forest owners. The reason we
can offer this service is because of the commitment
of you: our nationwide three thousand plus corps of
inspecting foresters. Tree Farm is built on your
professionalism; you provide the on-the-ground
validation which is essential to Tree Farm’s integrity,
and the confidence that this is an exemplary
program.
Tree Farm recognizes landowners that practice
sustainable forestry on their lands and rewards
them with the Big Green Sign so that others will also
know what they have achieved. We recognize
excellence among these “best of the best” through
the Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year awards on
the state, regional and national level.
Why certification?

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Arkansas is more than one-half forest land. Most of
this forest land is held in private, tax-paying
ownership. Also, most of this land is capable of
producing renewable forest crops as well as
providing other valuable benefits to society and the
forest owner.
Tree Farmers receive deserved recognition of their
contribution to the wise use of forest land, and
serve as an example to others who own forest land
and to those who influence forest land-use policy.
Tree Farmers demonstrate their environmental
concern for America's renewable resource—TREES.
Why be a Tree Farmer?

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How do I participate?
A prospective Tree Farm is carefully inspected by a
forester for the following items:
•At least 10 acres are required for certification
•Privately owned, tax-paying forest lands qualify for
Tree Farm certification (certain Scout, 4-H, and
municipal lands may qualify).
•A forest management plan. The objectives of the
forest owner are important in judging performance.
•Protection must be provided from insects, disease,
fire, and destructive grazing.
•Harvesting of forest crops is important to utilize
the renewable forest resource and to improve the
growth of timber.
•Dedication to growing repeated forest crops.
•Other improvements to the land such as tree
planting, timber stand improvement, pruning,
stream improvement, and wildlife habitat
improvement.

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1. As a certified Tree Farmer, you agree to
abide by the Standards of Sustainability set
forth by the American Forest Foundation.
2. You agree to participate in a 3rd
party
certification audit.
it also means…

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The ATFS South Region includes the states of
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South
Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
These states are assessed on a 4-year rotation.

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Today:
# of certified Tree Farms 2,767
# of Tree Farm owners 846
# of acres certified 459,628

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For more information:
Jennifer Johnson, administrator
Arkansas Tree Farm Program
jjohnson@arkforests.org
501-374-2441
http://arkforests.org/treefarm
http://treefarmsystem.org

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