Update from the Field
Regular field inspections are crucial to the viability of the ATFS program and often serve as the primary engagement a landowner has with the ATFS program. First and foremost, as an ATFS Inspecting Forester, thank you for your efforts in working with Tree Farmers to continue their sustainable forest management practices. Second, please help us maintain a credible program, and take full advantage of your interaction with the landowner, by thoroughly documenting your visit using the 004 inspection form.
When reviewing a landowner’s management plan, consider the following questions:
- Does the plan still reflect the landowner’s objectives?
- Does the plan still reflect the condition of the forest or have there been significant changes that require an update or rewrite of their plan (ex. natural disasters, recent harvests, etc.)?
- When was the last T&E review completed? Is an updated review necessary?
- Is an ATFS Addendum needed to be in conformance with the 2015-2020 Standards? Have all of the required elements been considered and addressed, such as the presence or absence of Forests of Recognized Importance (FORI) and Special Sites (both of cultural and personal importance)?
- Has the forest health of the Tree Farm changed? Are invasive species now present or spreading throughout the property? Have management measures to address forest health changed?
When completing the 004 inspection form, please use the notes sections to track any of these issues. The Tree Farmer may use their copy of the 004 inspection form for their personal notes, which may drive future management decisions. The state committee can use this information to direct any follow up communications, such as upcoming education opportunities and available resources, and future Inspecting Foresters can review this information to provide background on the Tree Farm as well as discern possible trends.
If you have any questions about the 004 inspection form, please reach out to the ATFS team or your state committee administrator.
