Standard 5: Forest Health
Standard 5.3 - Forest Health
Indicator 5.3.1 states that the landowner should make practical efforts to promote forest health, including prevention, control or response to disturbances such as wildland fire, invasive species and other pests, pathogens or unwanted vegetation, to achieve specific management objectives.
One of the most common topics between a landowner and their forester is about forest health. From fire resiliency to the onslaught of invasive species, ATFS Inspectors need to be sure that landowners are aware of what’s happening on and around their property.
As you work with landowners, help them understand and identify the range of stressors that their woodlands may be vulnerable to, and consider measures to promote the resilience and reduce the susceptibility of their properties. While a landowner might be familiar with a native pest species and are working hard to eliminate or minimize its presence, are they aware of what invasive species might be on their property? Does their management plan include addressing invasive species, which is a requirement within the ATFS Standards?
If fire prevention is or should be an objective for the landowner, work with them to understand possible fire risks around their home and property. Have they developed a defensible space around their house? Do they understand the potential fire risk of understory vegetation such as yaupon in the South?
As the ATFS Guidance states, new, previously unknown or under‐recognized pests, pathogens and invasive species are, unfortunately, emerging as serious and immediate threats to forest health. Outbreaks and impacts may be sudden, widespread and profound. Given this and a landowner’s deployable resources, he or she may have limited ability to prevent, respond or control the impacts of a disturbance. Work with landowners to take a practical, proactive approach to promoting the resilience, productivity and vitality of their forests.
If yo have any further questions about Standard 5, please let us know. Thank you for your service to the Tree Farm Program!
