About
Since 1941, the American Tree Farm System has certified 24 million acres of private forestland and over 90,000 family forest owners who are committed to excellence in forest stewardship, in 46 states. Tree Farmers are committed to protecting wildlife habitat and watersheds, conserving soil and to providing recreation opportunities for their communities while producing wood for America.
ATFS has established standards and guidelines for property owners to meet to become a Certified Tree Farm. Under these standards and guidelines, private forest owners must develop a management plan based on strict environmental standards and pass an inspection by an ATFS volunteer forester every five years.
The American Forest Foundation (AFF) is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) conservation and education organization that strives to ensure the sustainability of America’s family forests for present and future generations. The organization’s vision is to create a future where North American forests are sustained by the public which understands and values the social, economic, and environmental benefits they provide to our communities, our nation, and our world.
The American Tree Farm System offers a major national convention every year and gives awards for outstanding Tree Farmers, volunteer inspecting foresters, and others. These awards have worked their way up from regional committees within the states to the national level.
Tree Farm in Minnesota
Tree Farm also has a long history in Minnesota. As of October 2009, about XX family forest owners are enrolled as active Tree Farmers in Minnesota. The many benefits of enrollment as a Tree Farmer, including meeting with a professional forester, receiving the Tree Farmer magazine, and many others, are outlined on our enrollment page.
Regional representatives of the state committee nominate outstanding Tree Farmers for awards every year. Awards are presented at the Minnesota Forestry Association annual meeting each year.
September 2013 Tree Farm Inspector and QDMA Training:
This 1/2 day workshop is for forest resource mangers interested in becoming a certified a Tree Farm Inspector or for Inspectors who need to update their certification to the new 2010 Tree Farm Standards. A QDMA Land Certification Program training will be offered that afternoon at the same location. All the details are here. Drop us a line with any questions at [email protected]
Tree Farm is Minnesota’s largest network of family forest owners committed to protecting wildlife habitat and watersheds, conserving soil and providing recreation for their communities while producing wood for America.
