American Forest Foundation (AFF) Standards to Undergo Review in 2008
In 2008, the 2004-2008 AFF Standards for Sustainability for Forest Certification will undergo review. The AFF Board of Trustees will convene an Independent Standards Review Panel (ISRP), representing a cross-section of forestry community leaders with a stake in the American Tree Farm System and sincere interest in forest sustainability on small private forest ownerships in the United States. The Board of Trustees will publicly announce the convening of the ISRP and the names of ISRP members. The ISRP will follow the process outlined in the AFF Standard Setting Procedures, available at www.treefarmsystem.org. The Panel will review the current Standards and determine if it adequately reflects the criteria set forth in the Montreal Process. The ISRP will also use all Interpretations provided by the National Standards Interpretations Committee (NSIC) from the 2004-2008 Standards. All interested parties will have an opportunity to present views and comments through ISRP members or through public consultation.
As Tree Farm Inspectors, you are an important stakeholder. We strongly encourage you to stay abreast of the review process and to provide input. Upon acceptance and adoption of the Standards by the AFF Board of Trustees, AFF will make the Standards publicly available. Once the Standards are adopted, ATFS will begin the process of implementation. We will notify all inspectors and certified Tree Farmers of the revised Standards and provide the necessary training. It is anticipated that the transition period will take one year. At such a point, all inspections will require use of the revised Standards. Visit www.treefarmsystem.org for updates.
