Helping Trees Grow
The American Tree Farm System® is a nation wide community of nearly 60,000 landowners linked by a desire to manage their woodlands effectively. Effective management includes producing continuous crops of trees to supply our nation's wood products needs, and simultaneously maintaining the forest to be aesthetically pleasing and beneficial to wildlife.
Tree farmers play a critical role in our nation's economy. Fully 58 percent of all timber harvested in the United States comes from the nonindustrial private woodlands, that is, land owned by individuals, not the government or timber companies. Tree Farms® play a valuable local role as well, providing wildlife habitat and watershed protection, and often offering recreational opportunities for members of the community.
Tree farmers generally own a minimum of 10 acres of forest land. To qualify, they must have their land inspected by one of the 10,000 foresters who donate time to the Tree Farm system. Lands are reinspected at least every five years to assure that they are being properly managed.
The American Tree Farm System is run on the state level by state Tree Farm committees. It is a program of the American Forest Foundation, administered by the American Forest Council in Washington. D.C. Funding for the program comes from private donations and contributions from the forest products industry.
Your Benefits
"I manage my woodlands for pride, profit and pleasure," said one outstanding tree farmer. In varying combinations perhaps all tree farmers share those goals. The returns on your investment will not be measured in terms of dollars alone.
Pride
As a certified tree farmer you'll find great pride and satisfaction in protecting the forestry intrests of your family and others. You'll improve your woodlands, and serve the needs of America as well. For your effort you'll receive a certificate identifying your woodlands as a Tree Farm. And with that comes the green and white Tree Farm sign that tells the public that you're a forest manager and concerned conservationist. You might even be recommended as tree farmer of the year and compete with other tree farmers at district, state, regional and national levels.
Profit
As a forest manager your woodlands will produce more timber than you might have thought possible. And increased timber yields mean additional income for you. Income that will continue to grow and replenish with your forest. Also, in some states, certified tree farmers qualify for special real estate tax assessments that are lower than normal.
Pleasure
Tree farmers enjoy their forests. Many are personally involved with planting and tending. Others take their pleasure in the recreation and scenery, delegating the work to professionals. Either way you'll often look over your woodlands and smile at the beautiful forest that came from your wise management.
Getting Started
Solid forest management begins with determining your objectives: determining what you have on your lands and developing a forest management plan. A professional forester can answer your questions.
A free inspection of your woodlands can be arranged by your state forest service, state forestry association or state Tree Farm committee. Also, your county agent can recommend a forester to inspect your property.
To qualify for Tree Farm certification your woodlands must be:
- Ten acres or more.
- Managed for the production of timber and other forest products.
- Protected from fire, insects, disease and destructive grazing.
If you're just discovering the benefits of forest management and haven't met the qualifications for full Tree Farm certification, you can be eligible as a Pioneer tree farmer. By developing written management recommendations and showing a desire to follow them, you'll be on your way toward full certification. To help you, you will receive The American Tree Farmer Magazine. It costs nothing to join and doesn't obligate you in any way, other than your own personal dedication to good forest management.
For more information
Knowledge, experience, and information are available through the Tree Farm program. You'll receive The American Tree Farmer Magazine from the American Forest Council. This publication will keep you up-to-date with recent forestry techniques and legislation that could affect you. Also you'll be visited approximately every five years by a forester, who will inspect your woodlands and help update your forest management plan. All at no cost.
The wood-using industries recognize the value of the tree farmer.
Nearly 50 years ago they founded the American Tree Farm System.
Even then they realized that America would need more forest products,
but from limited lands. Today private forest owners, led by certified
tree farmers, must grow even more wood if Americans are to have
the forest products they need. As the Tree Farm movement grows
stronger, America's forests of today and tomorrow grow right alongside.
Trees, America's renewable resource, can be a valuable part of
your life.
Your information source
The American Tree Farm System is the key to making the best of your woodlands, for whatever reasons you have. To get started, simply fill out the form attached. There are no fees or obligations. A representative of your state Tree Farm committee will contact you.
The American Forest Council manages the Tree Farm System under the sponsorship of The American Forest Foundation. It also sponsors Project Learning Tree, an award winning environmental educational program.
Tree Farm® is a registered trademark. Use is controlled by the American Forest Council.
Click on this link to view the Adobe .pdf version of this publication: Tree Farming, the Sign of Good Forestry
