Good Management Practice Spring 2011
March 1, 2011 at 3:25 PM by certification
The Standards checklist on the new 004 form includes all of the 2010–2015 Standards. By following these Standards, Tree Farmers are the best ambassadors for well-managed private forests because they take their forest heritage seriously and are committed to keeping their forests healthy, productive, and enjoyable. Next to each Standard are check boxes labeled “yes,” “no” and “n/a” (not applicable).
Check the box labeled
“yes” if the Tree Farmer has done an action related
to the Standard in question and
the action was in conformance with
the Standards. For example: the
landowner has researched whether
or not they have threatened
and endangered species on
their property by contacting their state’s
natural heritage program. You
can check the “yes” box because
the landowner has fulfilled the
requirements for Indicator 5.1.1.- Check the box labeled “no” if the Standard in question is applicable to the landowner’s property and management and was not completed in conformance with the Standards. For example: the landowner has not made a reasonable effort to locate special sites on their property. In this case, you would check the “no” box for indicator 7.1.1 and the Tree Farm would have to be decertified.
- Check the box labeled “n/a” if the
Standard is not
relevant to the property
or the Tree Farmer’s objectives. For example,
if the Tree Farmer is lucky enough not to have any invasive species in their woodlot,
indicator 5.3.1 is not applicable to their management
and you can check “n/a.”
- FYI: Landowners can address this standard through a variety of ways like walking their property with a knowledgeable forester or other natural resource professional, contacting their state natural heritage program, contacting local historical associations, or by accessing resources listed on the ATFS Woodland Owners Resource on the Tree Farm website.
- If you check “n/a” or “no” be sure to include a brief note in the comments section explaining your choice.
If you have specific questions about completing the 004 form (including the Standards Checklist), refer to our guide available on the Inspectors Corner of the Tree Farm website at www.treefarmsystem.org/inspectorscorner.
