Gives you the background of the American Tree Farm Program so that the class room and field session can focus on the Wisconsin State Program and field re-inspection and provides a review of the American Forest Standards of Sustainability.
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American Tree Farm System - 2015 Home Study
1. American Tree Farm System®
Home Study
January 21, 2015
David J. Czysz, C.F.
2. Purpose
• Give you the back ground of the American Tree
Farm Program so that the class room and field
session can focus on the Wisconsin State
Program and field re-inspection.
• Review the American Forest Standards of
Sustainability
• There will be a quiz at the beginning of the
classroom session
3. American Tree Farm System (ATFS)
• Program of the American Forest Foundation (AFF)
• Other AFF programs:
• Project Learning Tree
• Conservation Solutions
4. The American Tree Farm System is a program of the American Forest
Foundation. Other AFF programs include Project Learning Tree and
Conservation Solutions.
PLT is an award-winning environmental education program designed for
teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working
with youth from preschool through grade 12.
Conservation solutions is dedicated to conserving and enhancing family
forests by developing and disseminating innovative approaches for
family forest owners to manage for both ecological and economic
gains.
6. The term “tree farming” was first used 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 forest lands. Additional
state committees were established, and for nearly sixty years the
American Tree Farm System (ATFS) grew and spread with few
changes.
8. In the late 1980s, concerns resurfaced about the ability to sustainably manage
forests, culminating with the United Nations convening the Rio Earth Summit in
1992. One outcome of the Summit was the determination of a need for
guidelines to define sustainable forestry. A committee was appointed and over
the next couple of years the Montreal Process Criteria and Indicators of Forest
Sustainability were developed.
The Montreal Process is the basis for all current forest certification systems. 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.
9. ATFS History
Tree Farmers Take Charge
Clint Bentz, Chair, AFF Board of Trustees Barbara Bentz, Tree Farmer
10. Like any dramatic change, the transition from purely a recognition
program to a true third-party certification system was met with
resistance at many levels. Thousands of Tree Farms were removed
from the program, hundreds of volunteers resigned their roles, and
several State Committees rebelled.
At roughly the same time, the forest products industry, which had always
financially supported Tree Farm, was suffering severe economic
distress. Dwindling budgets, reduced services, and a purge of
participants gave the appearance that Certification was the wrong path.
In retrospect the changes have made the program stronger. The forest
owners who rose to the challenge of creating or updating Management
Plans took ownership in the organization at state and national levels.
11. For the first time, a Tree Farmer and not an industry appointee was
Chairman of the Tree Farm National Operating Committee (later the
Woodlands Committee), later ascending to Chair the Board of
Directors of ATFS’ parent organization the American Forest
Foundation (AFF). Like a blade hardened by fire, Tree Farm emerged
from the transition sharper, stronger, and more durable.
12. ATFS History
Today & the Future
Caring for our forests globally
American Tree Farm System
We grow stewardship from the roots
13. The Standards of Sustainability were revised in 2004 and again in 2010.
Since 2000, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) recognizes materials
harvested from Certified Tree Farms as meeting their Standards for
Sustainability.
In 2008 the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certifications (PEFC), the
European Standard, recognized ATFS as meeting their standards for
sustainability.
Today, ATFS is the largest and oldest sustainable woodlands system in America.
It is comprised of over 82,000 certified forest properties, covering more than
26 million acres in 44 states. It is internationally recognized as the benchmark
for certification of family forests, and is the primary vehicle for family forest
owners to influence government policy and officials at the national level.
•
14. What does the
American Tree Farm System do?
• We work on-the-ground.
• We give people the tools they need.
• We are about the future.
15. Through our Inspectors and the outreach and education of State
Committees, we are boots on the ground, in the field helping forest
owners learn by doing.
The American Tree Farm System gives people the tools they need to be
effective stewards of America’s natural heritage by keeping their forests
healthy and productive. These woodlands are vital to our country’s
clean water and air, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities, and
to producing the jobs, wood and paper products we all need.
The future is not just the sustainability of the trees, we work with families
on intergenerational planning to keep the forest in the family and we
work with policymakers to ensure that forests a viable option for the
family lands.
17. The American Tree Farm System’s key audience is Family Woodland
Owners.
ATFS works to reach America’s family forest owners and educate them
about sustainable forestry – our volunteer inspectors are crucial to our
education and outreach work.
19. Certification: 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. The upcoming workshop certifies you as a
qualified Inspecting Forester.
Recognition: 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.
20. Resources: The American Tree Farm System gives family forest
landowners the tools that they need to be effective stewards of
American’s natural heritage by keeping their forests healthy and
productive. The ATFS Woodland Owner Resource, regularly
scheduled webinars on a variety of topics, and support of State Tree
Farm Programs provides forest owners with access to the tools they
need to manage their forestland.
21. Why should foresters participate?
Connections!
• Existing clients
• Potential clients
• Colleagues
• Leaders in the forest industry.
22. Professional foresters working as consultants, in public service, or
for industry all have good reason to participate in the ATFS
program.
Consulting foresters: Through your connection with ATFS you will have
an opportunity to meet new clients and grow your business. You will
be able to reinforce the relationship you have with existing clients –
and the Sign of Good Forestry will remind them of you. Your clients,
in turn, may refer your services to other landowners.
Tree Farm is recognition of achievement. Provide that positive
reinforcement to the landowners that deserve it. It is not
appropriate for everybody, not all forest owners need to be Tree
Farm certified; it is a great opportunity and a tool to recognize those
who excel.
23. Public service foresters: Your reasons aren’t any different than those of
consultants. Your clients are all the landowners that rely on public
agencies as the first point of contact for information on their lands.
ATFS has worked closely with NRCS and the USDA Forest Service to
ensure that plans meeting our Standards of Sustainability are directly
applicable for Conservation and Stewardship programs respectively.
Industry foresters: Certification is not a fad; it is a fact of business.
ATFS connects you to the 26 million acres of certified-family
forestlands and a primary supply of certified fiber necessary to
compete in an international marketplace. Tree Farmers voluntarily
follow rigorous standards to produce sustainably managed, locally
grown wood. Your involvement in and understanding of Tree Farm
will allow you to take credit deserved for sourcing certified fiber.
24. Young foresters: Looking for opportunities to build your experience, and
make connections? Serving on State Tree Farm committees provides
an opportunity to showcase your talents to upper management of State
agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industry partners. Your
State Committee work can provide an opportunity to learn and practice
leadership skills while being mentored by the people in positions to
which you aspire. As an ATFS Inspector, you have the opportunity to
build awareness of good stewardship and support the entire forestry
sector. Your relationship with ATFS adds trust in the work you do.
You are also engaged in the ATFS national Network and have an
additional certification to add to your resume.
25. Why should foresters participate?
Opportunity!
• Recognition
• Credits
• Information
26. Recognition: Tree Farm provides opportunity for recognition of you and
your clients in your community. For example, the American Tree Farm
system provides ready-made press releases announcing new and
anniversary Tree Farms for local newspapers. ATFS also presents
awards to outstanding Inspecting Foresters. Such awards include the
Inspecting Forester of the Year, sponsored by STIHL, which is
awarded at the National, Regional, and State levels. The “Hard Hat”
achievement awards are for Inspectors who have certified 25, 50, and
100 Tree Farms over their career with ATFS.
27. Credits: SAF Continuing Education Credits for today’s training,
completing inspections, and serving on State Committees
Inspector Training Classroom: 4 category 1 credits Online: 1 credit
category 1 credit
Facilitator Training: 3 CF category 1 credits; 1 FCA category 1 credit
Inspection (one inspection per year credit limit): 2 category 3 credits
Serving on a State Committee: 2 category 3 credits
Participating in eligible National Leadership Conference sessions
(vary)
Participating in a webinar or listening to a webinar recording:
CFEs vary by webinar
28. Information: Stay informed and up-to-date with complimentary
subscriptions to Woodland magazine, Sightline & Sightline Express
Inspecting Forester newsletters, and Forests & Family newsletters from
AFF.
29. Why Do Tree Farmers Own Land?
• Enjoying Scenery and Beauty
• Privacy
• Recreation, Hunting, Fishing
• Conservation
• Supplemental Income
• Investments
• Firewood
• Heritage and Family
30. The American Forest Foundation discovered there are many reasons
why private Tree Farmers own their woodlands:
Some landowners place higher importance on lifestyle and amenity
reasons for owning woods; these include aesthetics, privacy,
recreation, especially fishing and hunting.
For others, it is about providing for biodiversity conservation, wildlife
habitat or clean air and water.
Economic elements also factor in. These include timber harvesting for
wood and pulp, investment in the land or firewood.
Finally, landownership is closely tied to family and heritage. Many
Tree Farmers are thinking about the future and passing the land on
to their heirs.
All of these aspects fit together for ATFS and the network.
The Tree Farm program works to meet them where they are in their
path towards good management and get them the help they need
to meet their goals for their woodlands.
31. Landowner Eligibility
Acreage
• 10 – 10,000 contiguous acres for certification
through a State Tree Farm committee
• Contiguous parcels are discrete parcels that share a boundary
line or corner point and are held under the same legal
ownership name.
• Forested acres may include non-forested features
(food plots, water resources) that are integrated with
the forest system
32. ATFS Certifies properties between 10-10,000 contiguous acres through
the State Tree Farm Program. Forest owners may choose to certify a
portion of their entire property portfolio, but may not exempt a portion
of a contiguous forest management unit that does not meet the AFF
Standards. Forested acres may include features such as food plots, water
resources (lakes, ponds, streams), and other non-forested areas as long
as these are small enough that they are an integrated part of the forest
system.
10,000 – 20,000 acres parcels may be eligible under the Independently
Managed Group (IMG) or 3rd
Party Certification, but in general, the
Inspectors do not engage with these ownerships. If you do meet a
landowner interested in ATFS certification of a property larger than
10,000 acres, contact the National Office to see if the options available
through IMG or Third-Party Certificate may be a good for the
landowner.
33. Landowner Eligibility
Property ownership Requirements
• Private or public ownership
• No publicly traded companies
• Nonindustrial but may be associated with a small local
business
• Committed to sustainable forestry through
management plan and conformance with Standards.
• Can participate or benefit from outreach efforts
34. Properties must be non-industrial but may be associated with small local
business. (less than $7 million is tract-related receipts and fewer than
500 employees).
Owner must clearly exhibit commitment to sustainable management
through management objectives or management plan. Conformance to
the requirements of the 2010-2015 AFF Standard is the benchmark for
meeting this eligibility requirement.
Forest owners may demonstrate proactive involvement by collaborating
on the development of the management plan, periodic monitoring
visits to the property or by hiring a qualified natural resource
professional to oversee the management of the property.
Ownership goals and objectives reinforce the ATFS mission.
35. There are several ways that forest owners can participate in outreach
efforts; among them are: hosting forest-related tours on their property;
joining a national, regional or local forestry / forest-owner association;
supporting legislation, etc.
Landowner requirements may be delegated to a land manager; a land
manager may implement the requirements of the program on behalf of
the landowner. However, landowners must be engaged in the decision
to pursue certification.
36. Landowner Eligibility
Conformance to the AFF Standards
• Full conformance is required for certification
• Pioneer Program participants do not meet the full
conformance
• Willingness to participate in a third party certification
assessment
37. Certified Tree Farmers must conform with the AFF Standards of
Sustainability.
The Pioneer program provides an ATFS option for landowners that are
unable or uninterested in fully meeting the Standards. The Pioneer
program allows landowners to engage in the ATFS network, providing
access to the tools the program provides and supports their
commitment to stewardship and improved forest management.
If a landowner is selected for a visit during the third-party assessment
process, and is unwilling to participate in the assessment, they will be
decertified.
39. A quality standard is crucial to the credibility of our program.
The 2010-2015 AFF Standards of Sustainability were developed by an
independent panel including academics, environmental non-
governmental organizations, forest industry representatives, Tree
Farmers, volunteer inspectors, and other interested groups.
The Standards went through 2 public comment periods so that we could
make sure the Standards would encourage continuous improvement
among landowners while making sure that the requirements of the
Standards remain appropriate for the scale of management practiced
on family forests.
Certification to the AFF Standards is the fundamental basis of
opportunities for Tree Farmers’ wood and other services.
41. There are 4 main parts of the Standards.
The Standards Prologue provides the context for the 2010 - 2015 AFF Standards.
It details the purpose of the Standards, the audience, and an explanation of the
structure.
The 8 Standards address the various areas of sustainable forestry as appropriate
for family woodland owners.
There are a few terms in the new Standards that are commonly used in the
conservation community, but family forest owners may not be so familiar with.
We have defined them to make them more accessible to family forest owners.
An example would be “Integrated Pest Management.” The glossary is an
important document to provide a frame for the requirements within the
standards.
The guidance document is a key resource for Inspectors and landowners, as it
helps interpret how the standards are applied in the field.
Responsibility for conformance with the Standards lies with the
landowner.
43. Tree Farm uses these Standards to provide landowners with a guide for
sustainable management.
Landowners – carry out the Standards on their lands
Inspectors – evaluate landowners’ management to the Standards during
the internal monitoring process. If the Inspector finds a Tree Farm is
out of conformance with the Standards, they must decertify the Tree
Farm to maintain the integrity of ATFS Certification.
Third-party assessors – evaluate how the program overall is ensuring
landowner conformance to the Standards using a sample of Tree Farms
as an example.
44. The American Forest Foundation developed the Standards, which the
Tree Farm program uses to certify lands, with family woodland owners
in mind. AFF’s mission is to ensure the sustainability of America’s
family forests for present and future generations and the Standards
reflect that mission.
The AFF Standards do not address landscape scale management and
therefore are not appropriate for large contiguous ownerships that
practice industrial forestry. The American Tree Farm System
maintains certain eligibility requirements to ensure that the
properties we certify are suitable, given the scope and scale of the
AFF Standards.
ATFS standards are often used in guidelines for procurement, and
guidelines for state and private conservation programs - Purchasers,
Government Agencies, State Agencies, Tax Law Programs,
Conservation Easements (Reqs for forest management)
45. Standard 1: Commitment to Practicing Sustainable
Forestry
Forest owner demonstrates commitment to forest vitality by developing
and implementing a sustainable forest management plan.
Performance Measure 1.1
Forest owner must have and implement a written forest management plan
consistent with the size of the forest and the scale and intensity of the forest
activities.
Indicator 1.1.1
Management plan must be active, adaptive, and embody the landowner’s current
objectives, remain appropriate for the land certified, and reflect the current state of
knowledge about forestry and natural resource management.
Standard: overarching guiding principle
Bold type: Defined in the glossary
Underlined “must”: required element
Performance Measure: Conformance shown through Tree
Farmer’s actions.
Indicator: Example of Tree Farmer’s action.
46. If a word is bolded in the Standard, it means it is defined in the glossary.
If a must is present, it signifies a required element of the Standard. If the
Tree Farm does not conform to this element, it is grounds for
decertification.
A Standard is the overarching guiding principle
A Performance Measure indicates what the Tree Farmer must do or
have to conform to in the Standard
An Indicator is an example of the Tree Farmers action
48. Any indicator or performance measure that contains the word “must”
means the landowner must meet this requirement to be considered
certified by Tree Farm.
“Should” directives help to refine the avenues for conformance with the
Standard for specific scenarios.
50. Throughout the Standards you will see references to the size of the forest
and the scale and intensity of the forest management activities.
The Tree Farm Program works with a diverse set of forest types and
conditions managed by 90,000 unique landowners. Landowners all
have different management capabilities and objectives. We would
expect a landowner that owns 14,000 contiguous acres to have a
different capacity to manage for biodiversity than a landowner who
owns 10 acres.
The size, scale and intensity clause allows for variability in how the
standards are implemented on each Tree Farm.
51. Standard 1
• Active and adaptive written forest
management plan
• ATFS offers tools for foresters and
landowners:
• Template (NRCS, Forest Stewardship, ATFS)
• Management Plan Addendum
52. Plan must include:
• Clear landowner objectives
• Description of desired forest conditions
• Management activities to achieve these goals
• Feasible strategy for activity implementation
• Tract map: Significant forest-related resources
and special sites.
53. Plans must include landowner goals and a plan for
achieving those goals.
Tract map should reflect depictions appropriate to the
scale and intensity of the forest.
54. Required Plan Elements
• Forest health
• Soil
• Water
• Wood and fiber production
• Threatened and endangered species
• Special sites
• Invasive species
• Integrated pest management
• High conservation value forests
55. In an effort to help landowners meet the requirements of ATFS, USFS
and NRCS programs simultaneously and ATFS’s PEFC endorsement,
the following elements are required in plans. While all of these may not
be relevant on each parcel, they need to be addressed in some capacity.
The Joint Management Template is a great tool for ensuring that all of the
required elements are in the management plan.
The Management Plan Addendum is a tool ATFS can provide to quickly
update an older management to cover the new standards.
Forest health, soil, water, threatened and endangered species, invasive
species, and high conservation value forests are topics third-party
assessment teams found to be missing in many management plans.
Please don’t overlook these topics during your Tree Farm inspections!
56. Optional Plan Elements
• Prescribed fire
• Wetlands
• Recreation
• Aesthetic quality measures
• Biomass
• Carbon
57. The optional plan elements are included in the
management plan depending on the landowner’s
objectives or the features found on the property.
If applicable to the property, then optional plan
elements are included. The plan writer may include
other elements as necessary.
58. Keeping the plan and all plan elements
relevant
• Monitoring
• Notes
• Updates
• New plans
• Management Plan Addendum
59. Forest owners should monitor for changes in their
property that could interfere with their management
objectives. For example, invasive species, pest
outbreaks, trespass. Management plans should be
updated accordingly to ensure the management
activities stay on track for the landowner’s objectives.
The Addendum can be used to update quickly with
required elements but there should be appropriate
consideration of the size, scale, intensity and current
conditions.
60. Standard 2
• Compliance with
Laws
• Must comply with
relevant laws and
BMPs
• Must correct
conditions that led
to adverse
regulatory actions
61. Forest management activities comply with all relevant
federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and
ordinances.
The burden of responsibility lies with the landowner;
the landowner can delegate these to a professional
when appropriate.
62. Standard 2
• What are the relevant state or town laws a
woodland owner must consider?
• Where can a woodland owner find more
about the laws that are relevant to their
management?
• www.treefarmsystem.org/woodland-resources
63. AFF lists relevant laws on their website:
www.treefarmsystem.org/woodland-resources
Tree Farm Program emphasizes the importance of
working with a professional to understand and
follow relevant laws.
64. Standard 3
• Reforestation and
Afforestation
• Must ensure adequate
stocking levels
• Within 5 years or in
compliance with law
(whichever comes first)
• Use of desired species
65. Forest owner completes timely restocking of desired
species of trees on harvest sites and non-stocked
areas where tree growing is consistent with land use
practices and the forest owner’s management
objectives.
State laws for interval of reforestation vary by State.
66. Standard 3
• Are there reasons why reforestation may not meet
the Standards?
• How does this factor into your inspection results?
67. What would you ask the landowner to assess their commitment to
complying with this Standard? What is the landowner doing to
regenerate this stand?
What are some examples of why regeneration would fail and the
property would still meet the standards?
One example could be deer browse. If the landowner has tried
different methods of protecting regeneration from deer
browse (brush piles over seedlings, communicated with
hunters to reduce deer pop., etc) without obvious success, the
Tree Farmer may still meet the Standard.
68. If the landowner is committed to doing the necessary things to
bring the stocking to an appropriate level, you can shift them into
the pioneer category and recommend they plant or take other
measures to bring the stand into conformance. If the landowner
is not committed to meeting the standards, they should be
decertified for substandard conditions.
What if the landowner doesn’t want to do anything because they
intend to sell the property to a developer? (The landowner should
be de-certified.)
ATFS relies on your professional judgment and the intent
to reforest. Document all efforts to demonstrate
compliance.
69. Standard 4: Air, Water & Soil Protection
• Best Management Practices (BMPs)
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Prescribed Fire
70. Standard 4
• Must follow Best
Management Practices
(BMPs)
• Must minimize
disturbances in riparian
zones and wetlands
71. Forest management practices maintain or enhance the environment
and ecosystems, including air, water, soil, and site quality.
All applicable BMPs are required – even if they are optional in your state.
Landowners must also work to minimize road construction & other
disturbances in riparian zones and wetlands
From the Assessment: When a water feature exists on a Tree Farm, be
sure to cite that local BMPs are a part of the management.
ATFS follows the SAF definition of Wetlands – “a transitional area
between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems that is inundated or
saturated for periods long enough to produce hydric soils and support
hydrophytic vegetation”.
73. All Tree Farmers must consider integrated pest management to control
pests, pathogens, and unwanted vegetation. IPM is the process of
evaluating all of your options and choosing the method or
combination of control methods that best fit your management
objectives and your economic and human resources with an
understanding of the impact of those methods on the pest, pathogen
or unwanted vegetation.
IPM Definition for Standard 4: Most economically & ecologically sensible
way to reduce the effect of known pests. Pick you battle; determine
the best weapon to fight the battle.
74. Standard 4
• Integrated Pest Management Techniques
• Silvicultural
• Mechanical
• Biological
• Chemical
75. • IPM Techniques include:
Silvicultural: Planting species in the appropriate site; avoiding
overstocking; preventing damage to stems and roots during
harvesting; removing slash during thinning and harvesting activities
Mechanical: Removal of weeds or trapping of pests; installing
mechanical barriers; removing affected trees
Biological: Enhancing natural enemies habitat; introducing pest
enemies; enemies can include: birds, mammals, insects, bacteria or
viruses
Chemical: Pheromones; repellents; herbicides; pesticides
76. • Note, Guidance document material:
• In most states, forestry chemicals must be applied by a
licensed applicator. The forest owner is responsible for
ensuring that anyone applying forestry–use chemicals is
in compliance with state and federal regulations. In
some states landowners can apply for, and receive, a
license or permit to apply forestry chemicals on their
own lands according to the EPA label limitations. In
any event, the requirements for safe use, storage and
disposal must be met by forest owners and /or their
agents.
77. Standard 4
How would you document integrated pest
management in the management plan?
78. Additional Example: Stand Management Recommendations:
Prescribed burn to encourage oak species regeneration. Burns
should occur every 10 years or less, depending on how well
natural oak regeneration is occurring (see Reference Documents:
The Role of Fire in Oak Regeneration)
Alternative management option- crop tree release in pre-
commercial hardwood stands, herbicide treatment of selected
competitive species or girdling of competitive species & leave in
place (see Reference Documents: Crop Tree Release in Pre-
commercial Hardwood Stands).
79. Standard 4
When used, prescribed fire must follow state
and local and laws and regulations
80. • NEED HELP WITH WHERE LANDOWNERS CAN GET MORE
INFORMATION :
• To ensure conformance with local laws, please contact your state
forestry commission for relevant fire laws.
81. Standard 5: Fish, Wildlife &
Biodiversity
• Threatened and endangered species
• Landowner’s desired species
• Invasive species
• High conservation value forests
82. Forest management activities contribute to the
conservation of biodiversity.
Standard 5 insures the Tree Farmer’s forest
management activities contribute to the
conservation of biodiversity through these four
important topics.
83. Standard 5
• Threatened and Endangered (T&E)
species
• Levels of requirements
• Research
• Protection of known occurrences
• Documentation
84. State or Federally listed threatened or endangered
species and their habitats are protected in the
relevant laws and regulations.
If landowners become aware of the presence of a
threatened or endangered species on their property,
it is their duty to become aware of the requirements
for protecting the habitat for that species and to
take appropriate actions in the management of their
property.
85. Standard 5
• What should a landowner do to find out if
they have threatened or endangered species
on their Tree Farm?
• What tools are available for landowners?
86. The presence of a T&E species is not a prohibition against management,
but may influence timing and technique.
ATFS is continually updating its Woodland Owner Resource page of the
ATFS website with relevant, state-specific listings and other online
tools for landowners to be more interactive and assist in their planning.
These online resources directly relate to research needed to meet the
standards requirements.
Forest owners are not required to do an exhaustive search for threatened
or endangered species on their property. Forest owners are expected
to make a good-faith effort to find out if there are known occurrences
of a threatened or endangered species on their property.
87. If there are known occurrences of threatened or endangered species
on the property, then the forest owner may be required to make
provisions for their protection if specified by regulation.
Contacting the state Natural Resource or Fish & Game service
representative is usually an effective way to find out if a forest
property is known to contain a threatened or endangered species.
Please consult the ATFS website for additional resources on
threatened or endangered species.
89. Whether or not a landowner plans to harvest timber, a
Tree Farmer should have a list of desired species
they manage for (plant or animal)
An example of managing for song bird species – continuing
to mow along forest edge
90. Standard 5
• Should prevent,
eradicate or control
invasive species
• Document: Date and
Source.
91. ATFS does not want to bankrupt anyone!
Integrated pest management can be a very useful tool for evaluating what
is the best course of action when you have an invasive species issue.
Monitor the property for invasive species.
Point landowners to local resources, i.e. state forestry agencies.
Raise the level of awareness that landowners have around invasive
species. Many of our landowners already do this.
At the bare minimum, be able to identify so that you do not contribute
to the spread.
It is critical Tree Farmers document the consultation with natural resource
professionals in their management plans.
93. rare species – A plant or animal or community that is vulnerable to
extinction or elimination.
high conservation value forests – Forests of outstanding and critical
importance due to their environmental, social, biodiversity or landscape
values. Due to the small scale and low-intensity of family forest
operations, informal assessment of HCVF occurrence through
consultation with experts or review of available and accessible
information is appropriate.
Not everyone will be able to recognize and conserve rare species or
HCVF, but all landowners will need to document their research looking
for rare species and HCVF.
There are many Tree Farmers out there already doing some extraordinary
work for rare species and areas of exceptional conservation value. This
speaks back to some of the main goals of the American Forest
Foundation and protecting the diverse values of our forests.
95. • Q: Who defines a high conservation value forest?
• A: The term is similar to special sites under the AFF Standards; these
areas can be defined by the landowners or credible outside
organizations through an informal assessment.
•
• Q: What are the requirements for determining the presence of high conservation
value forests?
• A: All Tree Farmers are required to address HCVFs in their
management plan. This can be a statement of the research done to find
out if they have any or a description of the area if they do have an
HCVF on their property. In some states, foresters are required to
check natural heritage databases or statewide assessments while writing
a management plan. The results of this research should be documented
in the management plan.
96. • Q: What resources are available to research high conservation value forests?
• A: The ATFS Certification Committee has determined that similar
resources used to verify the existence of special sites can be used to
verify high conservation value forests. These resources include the
State Natural Heritage databases (or similar databases), state wildlife
action plans, etc. The process to identify these areas is similar to the
process used for identifying special sites as well. High conservation
value forests are areas that need to be sustained for their unique values
not a single attribute.
97. Standard 6
Forest Aesthetics
• Should apply
visual quality
measures
• Compatibility with
appropriate
silvicultural
practices
98. Forest management plans and management activities recognize the value
of forest aesthetics.
ATFS does not ask managers to sacrifice silvicultural needs for aesthetics,
but to work visual quality measures in to the extent that they can. This
is important for promoting forestry with our outside audiences.
Discussion Question: what might a landowner say to indicate they are
interested in maintaining aesthetics?
EX: landowner may mention they use their woodlands for recreational
purposes, or as a retreat.
99. Standard 7
• Protect Special Sites
• 2 levels of
requirements
• Research, locate and
identify
• Be sure special site is
indiated on tract map!
• Maintenance of sites
• Ex: fencing around
cemeteries
100. Special sites are managed in ways that recognize
their unique historical, archeological, cultural,
geological, biological, or ecological characteristics.
These are any areas identified by the landowner for
special treatment
Don’t forget to map all special sites!
See the Standards Guidance for additional ideas and
guidance in working with special sites.
101. What is included in Special Sites?
• Historical
• Archeological
• Cultural
• Geological
• Biological
• Ecological
102. Definition of special sites – Those areas offering unique
historical, archeological, cultural, geological, biological or
ecological value.
Special Sites include:
A. Historical, archaeological, cultural and ceremonial sites or
features of importance to the forest owner;
B. Sites of importance to wildlife such as rookeries, refuges, fish
spawning grounds, vernal ponds and shelters of hibernating
animals;
C. Unique ecological communities like relic old-growth, springs,
glades, savannas, fens and bogs; and
D. Geological features such as terminal moraines, cliffs and caves
103. Standard 7
• Resources are available to help landowners find
out more information on special sites
• Woodland Owners Resource
• State agencies
• Local historical associations
• Knowledgeable neighbors
• Are there any in your area?
104. A forester or landowner can look in a variety of
different places to find special sites on a property.
They could start at on the web at Tree Farm’s
Woodland Owner Resource page. The Woodland
Owner Resource page may guide the forester of
landowner to state agencies or bureaus that provide
additional information.
105. Standard 8
• Forest Product Harvest and Other Activities
• Using qualified professionals and contractors
• Using contracts for harvests and other activities
• Liability and Workers’ Comp insurance
106. Forest product harvests and other management activities are
conducted in accordance with the management plan and
consider other forest values.
• Standard 8 is all about encouraging landowners to seek qualified
contractors.
• Landowners can protect themselves against liability and work to
protect the health of their woodland by using contracts for
activities and working with loggers who follow state safety laws
and environmental regulations.
• Landowners are responsible for ensuring that the folks they do
business with are qualified, under contract and insured.
108. Overview of Inspector Activities
• Engage Landowners
• Tree Farm Inspections
• Outreach and Education
• Recognition Nominations
Ryan Dawson, 2007 North Central Region Tree Farm Inspector of the Year
109. Assist and advise landowners: discuss landowner objectives,
program benefits, management possibilities
Conduct inspections: new inspections, re-inspections; ensure
landowners are managing sustainably; Assess landowner
conformance to AFF Standards
Engage in outreach and education activities
Nominate Tree Farmers for “Outstanding Tree Farmer of the
Year” award, participate in other award nominations as
appropriate.
110. Why do we have inspections?
Gene Newell, 2006 Western Regional Tree Farm Inspector of the Year
111. Inspections are central to the ATFS. We have inspections to ensure
that we are letting landowners into the program that are
committed to managing their woodlands well and improving
over time.
We have re-inspections to ensure the program is working for
people, reconnecting with landowners, and gathering
information on conformance to the Standards.
112. Tree Farm Inspections
Three Types of Inspections
1. Initial
2. Required sample
2. Optional re-inspection
Inspections are essential to the ATFS Internal
Monitoring System
Photo Connie Robinson-Clemons, 2009 North Central
Regional Tree Farm Inspector of the Year
113. 1.Initial:
• Important step in verifying that a landowner meets the program
requirements and is eligible and willing to participate
• After passing this inspection, the landowner is considered
certified
• The Pioneer program provides a program an ATFS option for
landowners that are unable or uninterested in fully meeting the
Standards. The Pioneer program allows landowners to engage in
the ATFS network, providing access to the tools the program
provides and supports their commitment to stewardship and
improved forest management.
114. Inspections are valuable to landowners
Josh Stevens, 2008 North Central Regional Tree Farm Inspector of the
Year
115. Inspectors work with landowners on the ground and provide the advice
that gives them the tools they need to manage their woods well. This
gives them the confidence that they are doing right by their land.
Inspections are valuable to landowners because they get to meet with a
forester and walk their property. A free management plan is not part of
the inspection, and we want to make sure that foresters are
compensated for their expertise, but the recommendations to the
landowner on the 004 form are important tools for a landowner.
A big part of certification through Tree Farm is the validation to the
landowner that they are doing well with their management, doing the
right thing to take care of the woods. Their inspection is a key part of
this validation.
116. Two levels of Certification
State Tree Farm Committee
Accredited Certification Bodies
Trained inspectors verify
landowner conformance
Perform third-party certification
assessments for the 4 Tree Farm
regions
Internal Monitoring
Third-Party Certification
117. • Internal Monitoring
• Tree Farm has two levels of certification. The process that inspectors
are directly involved with is considered internal monitoring of the
program.
• Inspectors work with State Tree Farm Committees to bring new
landowners into the program and keep track of those already certified.
These are the inspections we have already talked about – initial
inspections, required sample inspections, optional re-inspections.
• Third-party assessments will look closely at required sample
inspections, so it is absolutely essential these are completed in the year
they are assigned. Group certification programs have their own
monitoring procedures and are not included in the state committee
inspections and the national required sample.
118. Third-Party Certification
Third-party certification for the state committees happens at the regional level.
Tree Farmers enrolled through state committees by inspectors are considered
officially certified under one of our four Tree Farm regions.
Accredited certification bodies such as PricewaterhouseCoopers and NSF
conduct annual assessments on each of the four regions. A certain number of
states in each region are visited each year, with all states visited at some point
in 3-5 year timeframe.
Inspectors may be asked to assist with third party certification assessments in
their state if a landowner who they work with is selected as part of a field
visit. If this is the case, then the inspectors role will vary depending on how
involved the landowner is. Inspectors may be asked to gather management
plans and other documentation and potentially meet with the third party
assessor on site. Compensation is available if you are asked to participate.
Group certification programs undergo their own third-party assessments
separate from the regional process.
119. • Tree Farmer proof of certification
• Tree Farmers have a unique Tree Farm number for the purpose of our
internal monitoring system and the regional certificate. The regional
certificate number is the same for every Tree Farm in a given region.
Manufacturing companies use both Tree Farm numbers and the
regional certificate number as part of their chain of custody tracking
for ATFS certified wood. Group members are under a separate
certificate and will have a number that corresponds to their group
program.
120. Tree Farm Inspections
Inspection protocol
1. Review requirements of the Tree Farm program
2. Review AFF Standards
3. Inspect management plan
4. Inspect property
121. There are four important components to any type of
inspection. These will each be elaborated upon on the
next 4 slides. All types of inspections should follow
this protocol.
The requirements include the eligibility, landowner
requirements and property requirements.
122. Tree Farm Inspections
1) Review requirements of the Tree Farm program
• Does the landowner meet the program requirements?
• Is the landowner willing to participate in a third-party
certification assessment?
123. Is the Landowner and property eligible for participation? Do they meeting the
Eligibility criteria?
Example Questions that an inspector could ask:
Does the landowner meet the ATFS eligibility requirements?
Is the landowner willing to participate in a third-party certification
assessment?
During the inspection, the inspector should review the Tree Farm program
requirements with the landowner
If they do not meet the requirements or do not wish to, Pioneer is a great option
to enable them to be engaged in the program and access the tools available to
landowners. However, these landowners are committed to building their
stewardship. Pioneer may serve as an introductory level of participation in the
program, however, is not a mandatory starting point for Tree Farmers
meeting all requirements of ATFS Certification.
Landowners meeting the AFF Standard should be considered for ATFS
Certification.
124. Tree Farm Inspections
2) Review AFF Standards of Sustainability
• All Tree Farms must meet the AFF Standards to
be certified
125. New Tree Farmers can review the program policies and
standards on the Tree Farm website. The Standards are
also detailed on the back of the 004 inspection form used
for the inspection (the page with all of the check boxes).
Inspectors may direct Tree Farmers to the appropriate State
Tree Farm Committee contact, or ATFS National Staff
for Standards information.
126. Tree Farm Inspections
3) Inspect Management Plan
• Review the Plan for all Required Elements in
the Standard
• No established timeline for Management Plan
• The Management Plan Addendum
127. Even if the Standard does not apply, the Standard
must be addressed. Be sure to document all
consultations made.
The Management Plan Addendum provides a
framework for addressing these standards.
128. Tree Farm Inspections
When should a management plan be updated?
• Changes to forest condition
• Changes to landowner objectives
• Changes to owners, ownership and acres
• Natural disasters
• Insect and disease outbreaks
129. Rule of Thumb: if the forest management plan does not
match field conditions, then it is time to update.
Always verify that each element of the plan is still valid and
relevant. If it is isn't, update the 004 form and use the
Addendum for other quick updates.
Substantial updates require updates to the plan itself.
130. Tree Farm Inspections
4) Inspect Property
• Look at the results of any recent management
activities
• Note water features, special sites, wildlife habitat
and invasive species
• Ground truth the map, include property features
• Ask the landowners if they have questions
• Specify management recommendations
• Document all in the 004 form
131. Be sure that the map includes all land property features.
This is an opportunity to ask the landowners about any
management questions they have on the property.
Filling out the 004 form – The 004 form provides a guide for what
to examine during an inspection, we will be reviewing the form
in upcoming slides.
One of the important benefits of the Tree Farm program for
landowners is the management recommendations given to them
by the professional forester inspector. There is a specific place
on the 004 form for management recommendations.
132. Tree Farm Inspections
Three Recommendation
Options:
1. Certified Tree Farm (certification)
2. Pioneer Tree Farm
3. Not appropriate for certification
through ATFS (de-certification)
Wayne Young, 2009 National Tree Farm Inspector of the Year
133. There are three outcomes following an initial inspection.
1.If the management and management plan meet the AFF Standards of
Sustainability and the landowner is eligible for participation in the Tree
Farm program, the property can be recommended for certification.
2.If you find that the management or management plan do not meet the
Standards, but the landowner is committed to stewardship, you may
recommend the property as a Pioneer Tree Farm. Pioneer Tree Farms
are not considered certified, but are included in program so that the
landowner benefits from education and outreach provided by the state
committee.
3.If the management or the management plan do not meet the Standards,
and the landowner is not willing to change either to bring them into
conformance, the property should not be certified through ATFS. For
the required sample inspection and optional inspections, the landowner
should be de-certified.
134. 5 Reasons to decertify or not
certify a property
• Substandard
• Deceased
• Sold
• Missing owner
• No interest
135. • 5 Reasons not to certify, or decertify, a property
1. Sub-standard conditions: Not eligible for ATFS Program, lack of management
plan, management not sustainable and the landowners disinterest in
management to the AFF Standards.
2. Landowner is no longer alive and heirs are not interested in continued
certification.
3. Property has been sold outside of the family. IF the property is passed onto a
relative that maintains the same management objectives outlined in the
management plan, then the certification can be maintained.
4. After multiple tries through multiple methods, the Inspector is unable to locate
the owners.
5. The landowner is no longer interested in participating in the program.
It is important to note the reasons for decertification and include them in the
notes section of the 004 form.
136. Can you do an inspection by phone?
• Yes, BUT, the following Guidelines must be met:
• Inspector must have landowner permission to employ
telephone inspection process.
• 004 Form and Standards Checklist must be completed
and appropriate copies sent to state committee for
processing.
• Landowner copy of 004 Form must be mailed to
landowner
137. Phone Inspections? Continued..
Yes, BUT, the following Guidelines must be met:
• A qualified inspector must have visited property during
the past 180 days.
• No forest management activity can have occurred
since the last visit.
• Inspector must call and directly speak with the
landowner to inform him/her of the inspection being
due.
138. Data Quality
• The ATFS database contains information on Tree
Farmers and their Tree Farms
• The 004 Form must be filled out correctly and
completely
• To maintain a credible set of data in the ATFS database
• To support the integrity of our regional certificates
• To enhance tracking and recognition of certified fiber
from Tree Farms
139. Tree Farm Inspections
Be the gate-keeper!
Arnie Friedt, 2009 Regional Tree Farm Inspector of the Year, Western Region
140. Inspections are an important point of contact for Tree
Farmers. Inspectors have the very important role in
ensuring conformance to the AFF Standards and
eligibility for the Tree Farm program. Once inspected,
landowners may not be visited for several years.
Inspections are the basis of our internal monitoring
process, and ensuring high quality information is
gathered during inspections enables ATFS to maintain
its credibility as the largest forest certification program
for non-industrial private forest owners.
142. To recognize excellence in our Inspectors, ATFS
sponsors the Regional and National Outstanding
Inspector of the Year. Many states also recognize
outstanding inspectors.
143. How can I get CFEs?
• Inspector Training
• Classroom: 4 category 1 credits
• Online: 1 credit category 1 credit
• Facilitator Training: 3 CF category 1 credits; 1 FCA category 1
credit
• Inspection (one inspection per year credit limit): 2 category 3 credits
• Serving on a State Committee: 2 category 3 credits
• Participating in eligible National Leadership Conference
sessions (vary)
• Participating in National Tree Farmer Convention sessions
(vary)
• Participating in a webinar or listening to a webinar recording:
CFEs vary by webinar
144. Credits: SAF Continuing Education Credits for today’s
training, completing inspections, and serving on State
Committees
ATFS National office will send the list of Inspectors,
Facilitators, and Committee members to SAF for credits.
Information: Stay informed and up-to-date with a
complimentary subscription to Tree Farmer magazine,
Sightline & Sightline Express Inspecting Forester
newsletters, and Forests & Family newsletters from AFF.
146. Where to go with questions?
• ATFS Inspector’s Manual
• State Tree Farm Committee
• ATFS website
• ATFS Inspector’s Corner
• Sightline & Sightline Express
147. The Inspectors Manual, provided by ATFS, is a resource that contains
Standards information, ATFS policies, and other helpful guiding
documents you can use during your Inspecting Forester career with
ATFS
The State Tree Farm Committee is available to give inspections for
Inspecting Foresters, as well as to answer any questions you may have.
The ATFS website, www.treefarmsystem.org, is constantly changing and
updating to contain the most up-to-date Tree Farm information
ATFS Inspector’s Corner is the webpage on the ATFS website catering
towards inspectors.
Sightline is the paper newsletter that is mailed 3 times each year to
Inspecting Foresters. It has interesting articles about the forestry world
for private landowners, and ATFS programming
Sightline Express is the monthly e-newsletter for ATFS Inspecting
Foresters
148. Standards Guidance Document
• A great resource for ATFS Inspectors!
• Find it in the Inspector’s Manual or Inspectors
Corner
• Send questions to inspectors@forestfoundation.org
149. What we just talked about with size, scale and intensity, is
a good example of what can be found in the 2010-2015
Standards Guidance document.
This document is continuously being updated to answer
questions from the field, so be sure to regularly check
the ATFS website for the most current version. To
have your questions addressed by the certification
committee, you can send an email to
inspectors@forestfoundation.org.
150. Tools to share with landowners
• Management Plan Template & Addendum
• Woodland Owner Resource
• ATFS Webinars
• Grassroots network & Online Updates
• Woodland Magazine
• Forests & Families Newsletter
• Farm Bill Brochure
• Tree Farm Signs
• ATFS Blog
• ATFS on Facebook and Twitter
151. Grassroots Network
• Stay up-to-date on current legislation that will affect
you and woodland owners
• Have your voice heard on Capitol Hill
• Join our Grassroots Network:
http://www.forestfoundation.org/actionnetwork
152. Tree Farm Signs
• 2 types available:
• Certified Family Forest
• Certified Tree Farm
• Landowners can order
additional signs online:
www.treefarmsystem.org/atfssigns
153. Each new Tree Farmer receives a complimentary sign from their state
Tree Farm program which should be placed on certified Tree Farm or
Family Forest property. Current certified Tree Farmers are able to
display the Tree Farm sign on their property. Tree Farmers can now
order additional signs online. Certified Tree Farmers can visit the Tree
Farm website to order Tree Farm signs.
Suggestions for Erecting Signs:
Erect on roadside at right-of –way to maximize visibility
Clean brush, weeds and trash from base of sign
We recommend that their sign not be nailed to a tree because it could
damage the tree
155. Get the foresters to verify this is from an ATFS-certified property. Get
the Tree Farm number!
Consultants: Tell the mill!
PEFC is a global system. ATFS certifies sustainable management on the
land, we don’t certify forest products, wood etc. But once endorsed by
PEFC, wood coming from ATFS lands will be able to count as
certified through a PEFC or an SFI chain of custody system.
Chain of custody systems track the percentage of certified wood fiber
used in products from the forest to the end customer.
156. SFI and PEFC have separate but similar Chain of Custody systems. With
our recent endorsement, wood harvested from ATFS certified lands
can be included as certified fiber under both the SFI and the PEFC
chain of custody systems. Manufacturers are very excited about this
development as they have been looking for new ways to increase the
percentage of certified fiber in their products as demand for “green”
products has increased. This system is not just for paper, but for solid
wood products as well.
The benefits of being a part of this system are that Tree Farms may find
that their wood is in higher demand. We want you to encourage your
loggers, or if you have a relationship with your local mill, to get them
to get a SFI and PEFC CoC certificate.
158. What we have covered:
• Introduction and history of Tree Farm
• 2010-2015 AFF Standards of Sustainability
• What it means to be a ATFS Inspector.
• How to conduct a Tree Farm inspection.
• What is certification?
• Recognition programs
• Resources
159. What happens after your training?
1. We add you to our database
2. Once you’ve completed an inspection, you may be
listed in our online Services Directory, if desired
3. We process your CFEs quarterly
4. We recommend contacting your state
administrator or district chair, let them know you
want to do inspections
5. Request brochures to give to landowners at
inspectors@forestfoundation.org
160. Stay Engaged!
• Let us know if you have updated
contact information
• Send us feedback on your inspector
experience
• Keep in touch with your State
Committee, ask for inspections!
161. Stay Engaged!
• Nominate landowners for local, state,
regional and national Tree Farmer of
the Year
• Nominate your colleagues for
Inspecting Forester and Field
Leadership Awards
162. Benefits of the Tree Farm Program
• Benefits for landowners
• State Tree Farm Committee Field Days
• National Tree Farmer Convention with a Field Day
• Information on sustainable forest management
• Community of Tree Farmers
• Newsletters, magazines, Tree Farm website
• Representation on important policy issues
163. • Unique outreach and education opportunities include field days, workshops,
newsletters.
• The State Tree Farm committees are a built in group of people that Tree
Farmers can call upon with questions.
• Information on practical sustainable forestry
• Connection with a professional, trained inspector
• Unique outreach and educational opportunities
• State Tree Farm committee support
• Materials available/website/print, etc.
• The Tree Farm community
• Recognition of good management (Tree Farmer of the Year program, Tree
Farm sign)
• Share experiences and knowledge with other Tree Farmers
• National Tree Farm Convention designed specifically for small woodlands
owners
164. • Communications
• Woodland magazine – A practical guide to sustainable forestry practices
• Forests & Families newsletter – information on national issues and American
Tree Farm System updates
• State committee publications – local forestry-related information through
newsletters, magazines, emails
• Affordable, accessible third-party certification
• Access to markets
• Third-party certification – access to green building, certified wood products,
and carbon credit trading markets
• Representation
• State and federal advocacy – working on issues such as the estate tax, cost-
share programs through the Farm Bill, carbon credit trading, renewable
biomass standards, etc.
• Global issues – we partner with PEFC to advocate on behalf of small
landowners in the United States to protect their private property rights
• Talk about your State specific benefits – talk about what typical opportunities your tree
farm committee and partners offer.
165. Remember: Benefits to Inspectors
• Connection to landowners
• Supporting sustainable forest management
• Recognition
• Communications
Inspector Wayne Pfluger, working on a
prescribed fire in Texas
166. • Build relationships with local landowners – for consulting foresters, this is an
opportunity to gain new clients
• State agency mission to outreach to landowners, supports USFS/AFF agreement of
standards
• Supporting sustainable forest management: Inspectors get to help landowners
implement sustainable forestry practices
• Recognition for your organization’s commitment to sustainable forestry
• Resource efficiencies
• SFI SIC – alignment, landowner outreach commitment
• State agency, consultants, SIC members, fulfills landowner commitment. Work toward
mutual end on landowner outreach commitments.
• Recognition of volunteer service
• SAF Continuing Forestry Education credits for training workshops
• Inspection incentive program
167. • Communications
• Complimentary annual subscription to the Tree Farmer Magazine
• Sightline newsletter – updates on the Tree Farm program and other topics of
interest
• Sightline Express – a monthly e-newsletter to connect you with all things Tree
Farm
• Recognition for your company or agency’s commitment to sustainable
forestry
• Opportunity for recognition through various ATFS awards such as the
Inspector of the Year state and national awards
• Invitation to attend the National Tree Farmer
168. ATFS Inspector’s Manual
The Ultimate ATFS Inspector Tool!
Includes information on:
• ATFS Staff Contact List
• ATFS Program Participation and Policies
• ATFS Certifier Eligibility Requirements
• 2010-2015 Standards of Sustainability for Forest Certification
• Joint Management Template Guide for Foresters
• Management Plan Addendum for the 2010-2015 Standards
• Completing the Tree Farm Inspection Form
• Tree Farm Inspection Form (004 Form)
• The Tracking Guide
• Rules for Use of AFF’s American Tree Farm System Owned Logo
Registration Marks
• Certified Family Forest and Certification Tree Farm Signs
