What have we learned from the first two years of third-party certification assessment?
Twenty-four State Tree Farm Committees have participated in the first two years of third-party certification assessments. Through these assessments, we have learned a great deal about the good work undertaken by Tree Farmers and ATFS Inspectors. The assessments have also illustrated what improvements are needed to ensure ATFS remains a credible program that creates opportunities for family woodland owners.
The independent assessment teams cited a number of good management trends in the Tree Farm community:
- Landowners and foresters have a clear commitment to ATFS. Given the volunteer nature of the program, the level of commitment and dedication observed during field visits is unprecedented.
- Tree Farmers are doing a wonderful job of managing their forestland for a multitude of objectives. In particular, the assessment teams observed that Tree Farmers make remarkable efforts to maintain and enhance wildlife habitat.
- Tree Farmers are active in hosting educational and outreach programs with a wide range of workshop topics to share their experiences with other landowners, school groups, and community members.
However, we need to improve the documentation of our good work. The assessments show a trend of Tree Farms lacking current and applicable management plans that address all required elements of AFF’s Standards.
ATFS developed the management plan addendum and revised the inspector training to help with this issue. The assessments reveal that previous inspector trainings did not stress the importance of consistent completion the 004 form. The 004 inspection form is our internal record that documents how the landowner meets the AFF Standards. This form must be completed properly to ensure we have the necessary data to determine if the forestland meets ATFS certification.
004 Form Must Haves:
- Dates are noted
- Each check box is marked in the Standards checklist
Overall, the assessments are successful and we are able to maintain third-party certification for Tree Farmers across the country. Thank you to all participating inspectors, committees, and Tree Farmers.
The 2011 regional assessments will take place in the following states: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Oregon, and Wisconsin.
