Recognition & Awards

ATFS recognizes the superior stewardship of its members and other forestry professionals by sponsoring the annual Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year, and Inspector of the Year.

Outstanding Tree Farmers
For 26 years, ATFS has honored those members who show an outstanding commitment to responsible forest management through the National Outstanding Tree Farmer(s) of the Year award. These awardees are recognized for their remarkable efforts to enhance and sustain their forests, and for spreading the practice of sustainable forestry.

The detailed process begins with inspecting foresters nominating Tree Farmer(s) whose conservation efforts, outreach efforts in the community, and advocacy for sustainable forest management exceed expectations. ATFS State Committee's select a state honoree to compete on the regional level. Regional judges select four regional winners who attend the annual National Tree Farmer Convention where they detail their sustainable forestry work during a panel discussion. At the convention, a national panel of judges selects the National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. Stihl, Inc. is the exclusive sponsor for this award and the sole lightweight outdoor power equipment provider for ATFS.

Outstanding Inspector of the Year
The Outstanding Inspector of the Year award honors an ATFS volunteer inspector. Outstanding inspectors give their time to ATFS, and perform considerable outreach efforts to educate the public and private landowners on the benefits of sustainable forestry. The honored individual is selected from four regional winners. Many Outstanding Inspectors of the Year are also honorees of the hardhat awards, which recognize inspector efforts to introduce ATFS to hundreds of new Tree Farmers.

NRCS State Conservationist Award
This award recognizes Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationists and their staffs for outstanding technical and financial assistance to private forestland owners on forest conservation activities.