Growing the System: Group Certification Procedures developed, first pilot with F&W Consulting underway. Additional pilots for company LAP and forestry coop planned. Reduce Certification Backlog Implemented program with states accountable for greatest part of backlog (NY, MI, MN, GA, OR). Assisted each with planning and implementation of tailored strategies to reduce backlog. Changed state reporting requirements to improve monitoring of re-inspections. Trained 30 new Inspector Workshop Facilitators serving LA, AR, TX, GA and AL. Nationwide, over 1000 foresters have attended 2002 training workshops. Resumed SightLine newsletter for inspectors, focusing attention on strategies for addressing backlog problem. Achieving International Mutual Recognition Developed draft MOU between states and national office. Developed NOC-approved dispute resolution process for states Amended AFF bylaws to separate standard setting, accreditation functions. Independent Standards Review Panel Reached consensus on AFF standards, now available for public comment. Access to Certified Markets Companies in Northwest seeking Tree Farm wood. Provided Tree Farmers in region with identification numbers and reinspection data to verify certification status to purchasers. Administration Improvements to database now underway.

Working for Stronger State Programs ATFS National Leadership Conference in February set the stage for strengthening state programs, by engaging state leaders directly and personally in planning for Tree Farm's future. New and enhanced internal communications, including the Tree Farm Network list-serv, Leadership Update and the reintroduction of Tree Farm Notes and Sightline newsletter for Tree Farm inspectors, has sustained the momentum established at the conference. The vast majority of leadership from 35 states responding to a survey indicated satisfaction with service from the national office. Implementing New Farm Bill Helped lead a primary coalition - National Council on Private Forests - advocating for the interests of family forest owners. Through testimony by Tree Farmers, direct grass-roots contact, and an op ed campaign featured in six Southern newspapers, helped build support for a bill that dramatically increases cost-share funding for forest owners, makes forestry funding a priority in rural conservation, and earmarks funds to educate forest owners on value and benefits of practicing sustainable forestry. Tree Farmers now taking lead roles in advocating effective implementation by agencies. Growing Forests For Watersheds And Wildlife Shared Streams projects in Maine move toward completion this fall. New Forested Flyways initiative to address bird conservation working with the American Bird Conservancy and a number of partners on private family owned forestlands in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Seeking federal funding for new initiative to promote private forestland Gopher Tortoise Safe Harbor Agreement with Environmental Defense in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Working with the Aldo Leopold Foundation to create an award recognizing ecological restoration efforts of Tree Farmers. Tree Farmer Magazine. Editorial Board and National Operating Committee leading effort to improve subscription renewal rate - only 50 percent in 2001.

Sponsor News. Stihl Corporation becomes National Sponsor of Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Award. BASF will present fourth AFF/BASF Award for Outstanding Achievements in Sustainable Forestry at Convention in Asheville.

Forest Leadership Forum. Tree Farm played visible role in Certified Forest Products Council event, providing plenary speaker [Rachel Jordan], hosting major reception for attendees [Chuck Leavell] and establishing significant public presence with new Tree Farm Exhibit.

Rachel was the right choice for the presentation, no doubt. You want to make sure the world realizes that Tree Farmers are out there as THE BIG PLAYERS in land ownership and management issues, and that they have certain management "codes" that fit them and their situations well (such as tree farm certifications, BMPs, etc.). You guys have to take advantage of your opportunities (such as the Atlanta Forum) to have that message come across. And you want to personalize it when you can with the kind of personality, sincerity and credibility that Rachel and Chuck represent.

Vice President, Corporate Affairs