Inspecting Foresters and ATFS: A Vital Partnership
The American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) operates as a partnership with thousands of Inspecting Foresters across the country. These natural resource professionals provide on-the-ground validation essential for the integrity of the program. By working together, foresters and ATFS are helping to ensure the future health, productivity, and longevity of America’s private woodlands.
ATFS offers a host of valuable professional development benefits to Inspecting Foresters. Foresters can connect with local landowners, industry representatives,government natural resource managers, and consulting foresters through the state Tree Farm programs. Inspecting Foresters are invited to the National Leadership Conference, the National Tree Farmer Convention, as well as local Tree Farm events. Inspecting Foresters can receive SAF Continuing Forester Education (CFE) credits for participating in classroom and online trainings,participating in state Tree Farm committees, and completing one inspection per calendar year.
ATFS Foresters may conduct any one of three different types of Tree Farm inspections. The first is a required re-inspection, assigned from a list given to every state Tree Farm program at the beginning of each calendar year. The second is an optional re-inspection, conducted with the permission of a Tree Farmer. The third is an initial inspection, where an Inspecting Forester may recommend certification on a parcel, and bring a new landowner into the ATFS program. Inspection visits serve two important purposes. First, they verify that practices taking place on the property meet AFF standards, an important component of our internal monitoring system. Second, they provide landowners with an educational opportunity through your expertise and advice.
Inspectors should complete at least one inspection per calendar year to utilize their ATFS Inspector training, engage with the Tree Farm network, and maintain active status in the program.
Please feel free to contact your state committee, or email inspectors@forestfoundation.org with questions.Happy Inspecting!
