Stumped September 2016
Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When are phone interviews acceptable for inspections?
A:Phone interviews without an associated field visit are acceptable when the result of the call leads to a decertification or to move the Tree Farm into pioneer status based on a conversation with the landowner. A field visit is required for any inspection that results in a property becoming certified or recertified.
In the instances when you, as an inspector, are unable to meet with the landowner in person, you can perform the landowner interview via phone or email. You must obtain permission from the landowner to visit the property when he or she is not there in order to complete your inspection. If you have visited the property within the last 180 days and no management activity has occurred, you do not need to visit the property to complete the form. However, you will need to verify by phone or email with the landowner that no management activity has occurred.
