Becoming a certified Tree Farmer (an ATFS member) means deciding what resources you have on your land. It means developing a written forest management plan that meets your needs and sustains your forest for generations to come. A professional forester can assist you, answer questions and help you develop your management plan.

To qualify for Tree Farm certification, woodlands must be:

  • 10 acres or more
  • Under management, with a written and implemented plan that accounts for water quality, wildlife habitat, soil conservation and biodiversity, as well as production of forest products
  • protected from fire, insects, disease, and destructive grazing
  • reforested in a timely manner after harvesting

Tree Farmers must make good-faith efforts to:

  • protect special sites and consider forest aesthetics
  • dispose of slash in an environmentally sound manner
  • use chemicals prudently
  • contract with licensed and insured loggers and forest management contractors

If you meet these requirements, click here to become a member of the American Tree Farm System.  The Minnesota Tree Farm Committee will contact you to schedule a free inspection of your woodlands by a volunteer professional foresters. A volunteer inspector will arrange a visit to your woodlands and to review your management plan. Other than your commitment to the principles outlined above, there is no cost or obligation to become an ATFS member.

Benefits of ATFS membership

  • Membership in a network of professionals and landowners who share your commitment to sustainable forestry.
  • Free professional advice from a forester during an initial inspection and during a re-certification inspection every five years.
  • Invitations to seminars, field days and workshops that can help you achieve the goals you have set for your Tree Farm.
  • ATFS recognized sign of sustainable forestry and other ATFS promotional items.
  • Opportunities, training and tools that will help you in your education efforts about the benefits of sustainable forestry.
  • Local, state and national information on legislation and other issues affecting forest land owners.
  • An annual convention where you can meet, share experiences and enjoy the fellowship of Tree Farmers from across the country.
  • The opportunity to be recognized by fellow landowners and forestry professionals in local, state, regional and national Outstanding Tree Farmer competition.
  • A complimentary issue to Tree Farmer, the Guide to Sustaining America’s Family Forests magazine, the bi-monthly forest enhancement publication by Tree Farmers for Free Farmers.

To enroll now:

To enroll now, complete the enrollment form here.  If you’re just starting out as a new woodland owner, you may also be interested in becoming a Pioneer Tree Farmer.

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