History of the American Tree Farm System®

Farming implies continual stewardship and production of goods year after year. By linking the term "farming" with trees, foresters could communicate the concept of sustainable production of forest products over time. Tree Farming implies commitment to the land and was the philosophical opposite of the "cut-out and get-out" philosophy of the early 20th century.

From the beginning, Tree Farms were viewed as more than pine plantations or Christmas tree farms. Even the first Tree Farms certified into the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) were varied in nature and contained many different habitats and stages of forest regeneration, from seedlings to mature timber. To this date, biodiversity remains a critical component of a Certified Tree Farm. To join and remain in ATFS, Tree Farmers must pledge to maintain their land for clean water and healthy watersheds, abundant wildlife, and recreation - as well as wood. Some of the most progressive family forest owners of their era were recognized as Certified Tree Farmers over a half century ago. That heritage continues today.

The first Tree Farm was designated in Montesano, Washington just before the beginning of World War II, in 1941. The aim was simple but farsighted. Leaders from industry felt that America's private forests were being cut at unsustainable rates without reforestation. Tree Farms, recognized for their outstanding practices, would become demonstration sites to other forest owners - showing them the benefits of scientific forestry, and how to do it on their own land. Within a few years, ATFS spread to virtually all forested states in the United States, embracing thousands of family forest owners. They became members of ATFS only after their properties were visited by a professional forester who verified they had a plan that took into account water, wildlife, soil and recreation opportunities. Properties were re-certified every five years, and landowners who had not yet developed a plan for their forests were recruited into the Pioneer Tree Farm program, and guided toward full Tree Farm status.

Key Elements of Tree Farm National Operating Committee led by Tree Farmers 48 State Committees 7,000 Volunteer Inspecting Foresters 65,000 Family Forest Owners 26 Million Acres of Sustainably Managed Forests Independently-reviewed Certification Standards