Recognition & Awards

National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year

ATFS recognizes the superior stewardship of its members by sponsoring the annual Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. For over 33 years, ATFS has honored those members who show an outstanding commitment to responsible forest management through the National Outstanding Tree Farmer(s) of the Year award. These awardees are recognized for their remarkable efforts to enhance and sustain their forests, and for spreading the practice of sustainable forestry.

The detailed process begins with inspecting foresters nominating Tree Farmer(s) whose conservation efforts, outreach efforts in the community, and advocacy for sustainable forest management exceed expectations. ATFS State Committee's select a state honoree to compete on the regional level. Regional judges select four regional winners who attend the annual National Tree Farmer Convention where they detail their sustainable forestry work during a panel discussion. At the convention, a national panel of judges selects the National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. Stihl, Inc. is the exclusive sponsor for this award and the sole lightweight outdoor power equipment provider for ATFS.

See past National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.

Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year

Regional Tree Farmer of the Year Videos
For the past several years, our partner in sustainablity, STIHL, has produced videos that highlight the four Regional Tree Farmers of the Year.

Outstanding Inspector of the Year

The Outstanding Inspector of the Year award honors an ATFS volunteer inspector. Outstanding inspectors give their time to ATFS, and perform considerable outreach efforts to educate the public and private landowners on the benefits of sustainable forestry. The honored individual is selected from four regional winners. Many Outstanding Inspectors of the Year are also honorees of the hardhat awards, which recognize inspector efforts to introduce ATFS to hundreds of new Tree Farmers.

2010 Award Winners

2009 Award Winners

2008 Award Winners

2007 Award Winners

2006 Award Winners

NRCS State Conservationist Award

This award recognizes Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationists and their staffs for outstanding technical and financial assistance to private forestland owners on forest conservation activities. Any individual, organization, agency, and others may nominate a State Conservationist for this award. Up to three State Conservationists may be recognized annually (one per NRCS Region: East, Central, and West). For more information, please see the 2009 call for nominations.