Not Trained Yet? What to do.
All Tree Farm Inspectors need to complete refresher training before conducting new inspections new inspections to the new AFF Standards that went into effect on July 1, 2004.The refresher training is just that – it is only intended for foresters who previously completed the full six-hour workshop covering all aspects of the Tree Farm program.
The refresher course is an abbreviated training that highlights recent program changes and primarily focuses on the new standards for Tree Farm certification and the revised forms that are used to measure properties to these new standards. The refresher training takes up to two hours to complete.
If you are planning to conduct Tree Farm inspections and you have yet to complete this required training, you have a couple of options. The easiest and most accessible option is the on-line training course that you can find on the Tree Farm website, www.treefarmsystem.org under the Program Highlights section on the home page and click on the item called Online Inspector Refresher Training and take it from there.
The online course was designed with a forester’s busy schedule in mind. Inspectors can complete the course in one sitting,or log off and return later as many times as needed. The time required to complete the online course will vary. Inspectors who are familiar with the new Standards and 004/AVF form may be able to complete the course in one hour. Those less familiar with the recent program changes will need to spend more time “getting refreshed.”
If you do not have Internet access, perhaps a friend or coworker can help. If you run into difficulties running the training program on your computer, again, perhaps a friend or coworker can lend access to their computer to allow you to complete this important training.
If the online option still will not work,then seek the opportunity to attend a refresher training workshop in your area.State committees are aware that some foresters have limited access or limited interest in completing the online training. Many are offering the training in local workshops and in conjunction with other meetings that attract foresters. Let your district chair or State Tree Farm Committee chair know that you need to attend the next workshop. The more demand voiced by foresters, the greater the likelihood that more workshops will be organized.
ATFS Inspectors who have access to local training workshops offered by their State Tree Farm Committees are urged to participate. The advantage of attending a workshop is in the discussion that takes place among the attendees, particularly regarding the interpretation of the new Standard. The refresher workshops last approximately two hours, while the full training for new inspectors consumes the majority of a work day. Inspectors in need of refresher training can choose either available option.
Inspectors who complete the refresher training course, online or in person, are fully trained until the AFF Standards of Sustainability undergo their next revision in 2009.
You still have time. The schedule for completing reinspections was revised to accommodate this training period. Reinspection forms, now consisting of the 004 and accompanying Auditor Verification Form, were distributed Summer 2004 and are not due in the National Office until December 2005. The next round of new reinspection forms will be printed and distributed in January of 2006, and they will be due at the end of 2006 – putting us back on our regular annual schedule. Don’t let your need for this relatively short training program be a stumbling block for the Tree Farm program in your state. So much has been accomplished in the revision of the standards for Tree Farm certification – this training is a necessary step to maintain program credibility and assure that these new standards are applied consistently across the country. The sooner we have everyone up-to-speed, the sooner we can get on with the business of serving family forest owners and growing the American Tree Farm System.For more information, visit the Tree Farm website at www.treefarmsystem.org.
