Trainings & Resources for Inspectors

Inspector Training

How do you become an Inspector?

All candidates who meet the Inspector Requirements take a 4-hour classroom Inspector Training held by each State's Committee, or may take an online training by contacting Steve Lloyd (slloyd@forestfoundation.org) to request access to the training platform. 

Please contact your state for the next classroom Inspector Training.

Facilitators: Classroom inspector training materials can be found on the Resources for ATFS Leaders page.

Tree Farm Standards

• The FORI Primer provides additional guidance for Forests of Recognized Importance referenced in the 2021 Standards. FORI replaces High Conservation Value Forests (HCVF).
• 2021 AFF Standards of Sustainability are the current Standards all ATFS certified Tree Farms must follow.
• Management Plan Template is a useful tool for landowners and foresters when creating or updating forest management plans. It is a unified plan created jointly by several forestry groups. Here is a presentation explaining the Template further
• The 2021 Management Plan Addendum is a tool for our Certified Tree Farmers, designed to help them review their management plans, reflect on their stewardship objectives, assess the current condition and health of their woods and ensure that their management plan meets the 2021 Standards of Sustainability.  

Important Inspector Policies

• Inspector Registration and Eligibility Requirements 
• Volunteer No Harassment Policy Revised September 2017
• No Harassment Policy FAQ Revised September 2017
• Inspecting Forester Compliance Policy Revised October 2016
• Conflict of Interest Regarding Inspections Policy Revised March 2018
• Payment for Inspections Policy Revised October 2016
• ATFS Sign and Certificate Policy Revised October 2016
• AFF's Insurance Policy for ATFS FAQ Revised March 2017

Other Resources for Inspectors

• Certification provides information about certification options for landowners, and background information about third-party certification and recognition.
• Tree Farm Category Definitions Revised Oct. 2017 [PDF]
• Guidance for Carbon Sequestration: a document that provides information on the importance of carbon sequestration and the steps foresters can take with their clients to get involved in carbon markets
• Southern Woodland Owners and Conservation Agreements: A comprehensive guide to various conservation agreements
• AFF Guidance on US Fish and Wildlife 4(d) Northern Long Eared Bat Rule for landowners and for foresters

Q: Can I get CFE credits for doing other ATFS related activities?

 A: ATFS submits monthly reports to SAF on behalf of all active ATFS inspectors for their participation in the following activities:

• Inspector Training (based on ATFS Database training records)
  • Classroom: 3.5 Category 1 credits
  • Online: 1 Category 1 credit
• Facilitator Training: 0.5 Category 1 credits, 3 Category 2 credits
• ATFS National Leadership Conference: Varies by sessions (submission occurs at NLC)
• ATFS webinars: Varies by webinar

In addition, SAF members and non-members can get 2.0 Category 3 credits per Tree Farm inspection (one inspection per year credit limit) and 2.0 Category 3 credits per year serving on a state Tree Farm committee. To claim these credits, you must fill out and submit the post approval form to SAF yourself.

Network News: the Monthly newsletter for Inspectors

Network News: the monthly E-newsletter for Inspectors. Please email info@forestfoundation.org for questions.