Stumped Spring 2004
Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Heritage Tree Farm Program?
A: For more than 60 years, the American Tree Farm System has recognized industrial forestlands, as well as, smaller family forestland Tree Farms. It is no surprise that what farms the core of ATFS are these “smaller” family forestlands. So, what will happen to the larger, industry owned Tree Farms? How do we distinguish those industrial forestlands and organizations that have been a historically valued and supportive element of ATFS, while continuing to focus on the core of the Tree Farm Program, family forestland?
Beginning in 2004, ATFS has established the Heritage Tree Farm Program. The Heritage Tree Farm Program recognizes industrial forestlands which participate in the American Tree Farm System. The forest industry has been a historically valued and supportive element of ATFS and the Heritage Tree Farm Program seeks to recognize these properties and organizations. The Heritage Tree Farm Program is still under development, so not all details are available at this time. However, a few of the specifics of the Heritage Tree Farm Program are: properties must already be enrolled in ATFS, Heritage Tree Farm signs are available for purchase by the participating organization, and state Tree Farm committees are not responsible for inspecting these Heritage Tree Farms.
Enrollment in the Heritage Tree Farm Program will be handled automatically, beginning with all Industrial forestlands within ATFS currently 3rd Party Certified under the SFI Program®. Heritage Tree Farms are not ATFS Certified, yet may display the Heritage Tree Farm Sign.
