Inspector's FAQ
Stumped? Get Your Questions Answered Here!
Email inspectors@forestfoundation.org to ask more questions, and get your questions posted on Inspector's Corner!
Q: Where can I update my contact information?
A: The easiest way to update contact information is by logging into this webpage (Top right corner) OR www.atfsdatabase.org and going to "Update My Profile". If you do not know your login information you can click "Forgot my login" or contact your state committee.
Q: Where can I find the Standards of Sustainability?
A: The 2021 Standards of Sustainability can be found here.
Q: When do I use the 021 form?
A: 021 Forms are the forms Inspecting Foresters fill out when initially certify or re-inspecting Tree Farms. Be sure to download and save to your computer in order to properly use all of the form features. Best Practice: Keep a blank version of this file on your computer so you can have a form on hand at all times.
Q: Where do I get the 021 form?
A: You may download the form online by visiting the resources section of Inspector's Corner. You may also contact your state committee to receive a copy.
Q: How do I fill out the 021 form?
Q: How is the new 021 form different from the old version?
A: The majority of the form's fields are the same as the previous version, but the layout has been improved to facilitate data capturing and entering. The new form contains optional survey-type questions such as questions about landowner conservation organizations involvement. The new form also comes in a PDF format that works best when information is typed directly into it.
Q: Is there an easier way to fill out this thing (021 form)?
A: Yes! The new 021 PDF format allows for emailing in the inspections to our inspectors@forestfoundation.org inbox. For more information read our tutorial: Submission of 021 Form [PDF].
Q: Can I get CFE credits for taking the training?
A: The classroom training has been approved for 3.5 Category 1 credits. Course completion will be reported to SAF by ATFS at the end of each month.
Q: Can I get CFE credits for doing other ATFS related activities?
A: Yes. SAF members and non-members can get 2.0 Category 3 CFE hours for the following activities:
- Tree Farm inspections (Limit 1 inspection/year)
- Per year serving on a state Tree Farm committee
- Facilitating an inspector training
- Participating in an annual 3rd party field assessment
To claim these credits the post approval form must be filled and submitted to SAF.
Q: What is my username and password for the ATFS database?
A: Contact your state committee to find out your log-in information.
Q: Is a management plan still current for
Tree Farm if it was written over 10 years ago?
A: There is no time requirement for
management plans within the Tree Farm program or the AFF Standards. Plans are
required to be active and adaptive. If the landowner has a plan that is over
ten years old but is still current to their objectives and for the type of
management practiced on the property, it can still be considered for Tree Farm
certification. Management plans must incorporate all of the required plan
elements:
- Landowner’s objectives
- Forest condition
- Recommended management practices
- Forest health
- Soil
- Water
- Wood and fiber production
- Threatened and endangered species
- Special sites (High conservation value forests)
- Invasive species
- Integrated pest management
Q: How do I bring a managment plan up to the current standards?
A: 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.
Q: What are important ATFS policies that pertain to inspectors?
A: Read up on important inspector policies here.
