Required Sample Reinspections Overview
2008 Required Sample Reinspections Overview
In 2006 ATFS transitioned from a five year reinspection cycle to a statistically valid sample. The sample was initiated to reduce the workload in the states and still meet our internal monitoring needs. The sample measures conformance to the AFF Standard. It does not measure decertified vs. certified. All Required Sample Inspections must be completed. The sample is not intended to replace regular landowner contact which the states are encouraged to do as their capacity allows. Group certified properties are excluded from the sample.
Properties selected for internal monitoring are listed in the ATFS Certification and Inspection Tracking System database under Tree Farm Reports > Required Inspections. www.atfsdatabase.org.
Sample inspections are selected using a stratified random selection process for each state developed by Virginia Polytechnical Institute (VPI). The stratification is based on five acreage categories:
1) 10-100 acres
2) 101-500 acres
3) 501 - 1,000 acres
4) 1,001- 10,000 acres
5) > 10,000 acres
Internal monitoring is a cornerstone of PEFC endorsement. Lack of completion of these inspections could seriously impact our certification credibility. The American Forest Foundation has created an incentive program to facilitate completion of the required inspections. Contact your state committee for more information on how this program is being implemented in your state.
As part of the AFF certification process, certified state programs will undergo periodic third-party assessments to ensure conformity to program standards. In the year that a state participates in the third-party assessment, the required inspection sample for that state will be considered a Monitoring Sample, and therefore optional to complete. Assessment sample selections during a third-party assessment will serve as the required internal monitoring for that year. An inspection must be completed for each Tree Farm selected.
