Stumped Spring 2011
Q: Can I conduct a phone interview for a required inspection?
A: ATFS accepts a phone or email interview with a Tree Farmer if the inspecting forester has conducted a field visit within six months of the phone or email interview. If it has been more than six months since the inspecting forester has had a field visit, they must visit the Tree Farm.
Q: As an inspector, what sort of evidence should I look for to see if the Tree Farmer has met the Standards’ indicators?
A: MyLandPlan.org is an opportunity for you to expand your reach to landowners who are not predisposed to actively managing their land.
You can help woodland owners take their management activities to the next level by advertising your services. This site will serve as a recommendation engine by actively presenting information about foresters based on location, certification, services and expertise. Forester Directory Sign Up
Q: One of my clients has a Tree Farm of more than 10,000 acres. How can I keep them in the Tree Farm program even though all Tree Farms over 10,000 acres are no longer eligible for the State Tree Farm Program?
A: There are several options you may explore with the Tree Farmer:
- Verify the property is contiguously forested. ATFS only certifies forested acreage. If the large parcel contains non-forested acreage, check the forested acreage. It may be less than 10,000 acres.
- If the property is not contiguous, it may be split into multiple Tree Farms of less than 10,000 acres each. However, if one management plan covers all of the acreage, it is important to clearly identify which tracks make up which Tree Farm within the management plan.
- If the property is contiguous, explore other ATFS Certification options. The Tree Farmer may be interested in the Independent Managed Groups (IMG) Certification, or third party certification. Please visit www.treefarmsystem.org/certification to find more information
Q: My training as an inspector expired. How can I take update my training?
A: To update your training with ATFS, contact your state committee chair to find when the next classroom training is scheduled in your area. If you qualify you can take the online refresher training at www.atfsdatabase.org. Contact your state administrator to get your login name and password so you can take the online refresher training, which will get you updated and ready to volunteer.
