Stumped Fall 2004
Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’ve read over the new Standards several times, and to me, it seems more rigorous than the old Standards. How am I supposed to tell Tree Farmers they aren’t doing a good enough job now when the last time they were inspected, they were doing fine?
A: The 2004 AFF Standards of Sustainability for Forest Certification (Standards) provide more written details on what is expected of the landowner which is different from the old Standards. There are more requirements within the new Standards. The additional details and requirements make it clear what is involved in ATFS Certification. Many Tree Farmers are positioned to meet the new AFF Standards now and some are not. There will be occasions where a Tree Farmer met the old Standards, but they do not meet the new Standards. In these cases, the Tree Farmer needs to adjust their management to meet the new Standards. There are many ways an inspector can handle this. One option is to complete as much of the Tree Farm inspection as possible, noting areas that the landowner needs to address to be certified to the 2004 AFF Standards. Then, discuss with the landowner the idea of allowing some time to address the areas not meeting the AFF Standards. Keep the 004 Form and when the follow-up reinspection takes place, directly address those particular areas of concern. This allows the landowner time to address any areas of concern required to meet the AFF Standards. What we should try to avoid is immediately decertifying a Tree Farmer upon inspection to the new Standards if it is obvious they just need a little time to make the necessary changes.
Keep in mind that the new Standards, just like the older version, are written to reflect family owned forests. While the AFF Standards contain more detail and requirement, they also need to be applied in the context of the American Tree Farm System. The 2004 AFF Standards went into effect July 1, 2004. Many Tree Farmers weren’t made aware of this until they received their complimentary issue of Tree Farmer Magazine in July, so it is important that during some of your upcoming reinspections, you discuss the new Standards with them. Being certified to the new Standards should make Tree Farmers even more proud of the great job they’re doing. While there may be a bit of transition involved in moving to the 2004 AFF Standards, it is a process that can go smoothly for all involved.
