Stumped Spring 2005
Question: I have completed all my assigned reinspections, what do I do now?
Answer: A fundamental role of an ATFS Inspector is actually completing inspections and working with landowners to help manage their forest properly. In many cases, this is an ongoing processthat is never really complete. However,if you find yourself caught up on reinspections and looking for ways to help your state program, there are many things you can do.First, contact your state committee. State committees often have projects or activities where they could use additional help.Projects may involve advocacy, landowner field days, information booths, conferences,etc. Maybe your state committee could use help with the behind-the-scenes work that makes a state program successful.Attending your State Tree Farm Committee meetings and providing assistance is another idea. You may elect to serve on the committee and influence your state program. If these opportunities don't strike your fancy, there are always Tree Farms in need of reinspection. Contact your state committee and ask which additional Tree Farms are due reinspection and offer to help complete them.Tree Farm reinspections are very important, but your contribution to ATFS can be much more. If you find yourself with more time, please contact your state committee. You may find the contact information for your committee at www.treefarmsystem.org - Tree Farm in Your State -Searchable Map or contact the ATFS National Office.
Question: What if I have suggestions for the national office?
Answer: If you consider this a "loaded"question, we want to hear from you. ATFS is most successful when it is lead from the field. Whenever there is a policy or program change, there is a significant reason why.When the National Operating Committee(NOC) or national office is faced with a situation that requires change, the first and foremost consideration is "how will this affect Tree Farmers and our volunteers."In nearly all cases, state committees are asked to comment on proposed changes.If a change directly affects Tree Farmers,the national office seeks their input as well. Even with the diverse expertise of the NOC, we still want to hear from you. If you have something on your mind, a compliment, question,criticism, or suggestion, email us at inspectors@treefarmsystem.org. Let us know how we can improve ATFS.
