Standards of Sustainability
All properties certified through the American Tree Farm System are required to conform to the American Forest Foundation’s Standards of Sustainability for Forest Certification.
The AFF Standards focus on the issues critical to maintaining sustainable forest practices on private forestlands in the United States, such as reforestation, air, water and soil protection, fish, wildlife and biodiversity, and wood fiber harvest. The AFF Standards are developed independently of the ATFS certification program by an outside panel of stakeholders.
AFF has new Standards
The 2010-2015 Standards were developed by an independent panel of experts, representing academia, conservation organizations, Federal and State governments, landowners, and foresters.
There are six things to know about the new Standards
- The Standards were developed specifically for small woodland owners.
- The management plan requirements streamline the process for landowners to participate in USDA conservation incentive programs.
- The 2010-2015 Standards require maintenance of special cultural and environmental sites [historical, archeological, geological, biological and ecological sites].
- Periodic monitoring has been added to encourage landowners to monitor their woodlands for changes that could interfere with their management objectives.
- Landowners are encouraged to make practical efforts to prevent, eradicate or otherwise control invasive species using a range of integrated pest management methods.
- The new Standards were officially released January 1, 2010, and Tree Farmers will have one year to ensure their management plans and management activities meet the Standards.
Strengthening the AFF Standards is an important step in gaining and expanding woodland owner’s access to markets through American Tree Farm System certification.
Landowner Q&A Webinars on the new 2010-2015 Standards
Tree Farm is offering a series of Internet-based webinars this year that will feature additional information for landowners, volunteers, and forestry consultants. The one-hour webinar will cover how the new Standards will impact current forest management practices.
Mark you calendar with the following webinar dates and register now to join one or more of these webinars.
Tuesday, April 13 from 1:00-2:00pm
Thursday, May 13 from 1:00-2:00pm
Tuesday, September 14 from 1:00-2:00pm
Tuesday, October 12 from 1:00-2:00pm
Tuesday, November 9 from 1:00-2:00pm
With our commitment to sustainable forestry, the implementation of third-party certification assessments is essential for maintaining the credibility of the American Tree Farm System.
Tree Farmers should be prepared for the possibility they will be asked to participate in third-party assessments.
An assessment visit is similar to a Tree Farm inspection. An assessor will review the management plan and related documents and take a walk around the property to confirm the management follows the appropriate management plan.Landowner Q&A Webinars on third-party certification assessments.
Tree Farm is offering two Internet-based webinars this spring that will feature additional information on third-party assessments for landowners, volunteers, and forestry consultants.
Mark you calendar with the following webinar dates and register now to join one or more of these webinars.
Tuesday, March 23 from 1:00-2:00pm
Thursday, April 22 from 1:00-2:00pm
The following states have been identified to participate in our 2010 third-party assessments: Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Washington.
For more information on AFF's Standard setting procedures:
