About
The American Tree Farm System is delivered through Colorado Family Forests by the Colorado Family Forests Committee with support from the Colorado State Forest Service.
Colorado Family Forest focuses on supporting private landowners in managing their forests sustainably while fostering a sense of community among forest stewards.
The American Tree Farm System Standards of Sustainability serve as the foundation for all participation, ensuring that forest management practices align with the principles of managing forests for wildlife, recreation, water, and wood while promoting long-term forest health and productivity.
Benefits of Participation
- Family Forest sign: showcase your commitment to sustainable forestry on your property.
- Community recognition: Be celebrated for your efforts in responsible forest management.
- Awards and celebrations: Eligible landowner can compete for the Family Forest of the Year award and participate in in-person celebrations and community engagement events.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with other forest landowners to share resources, equipment and contractors, and collaborate with local land management groups.
Meet the Colorado Family Forest Committee
- President John Janowski - Owner of Pagosa Springs Golf Course
- Secretary Lucy Bauer - Founder, Owner of Fireweed Ecological Services
- Administrator Erik Castello - Forest Stewardship Specialist, Colorado State Forest Service
- Member Adam Moore - Supervisory Forester, Colorado State Forest Service
Events
Colorado Family Forest Committee Meeting
3pm - 4pm. The Committee meets to discuss and plan community engagement events and how we can support and engage with private forest landowners.
Colorado Tree Farmer of the Year Picnic
The Colorado Family Forest Committee and Family Forest participants will gather to celebrate the 2025 Colorado Tree Farmer of the Year during a community picnic.
Resources
Colorado State Forest Service
The Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) provides technical forestry assistance, wildfire mitigation expertise and outreach and education to help landowners and communities achieve their forest management goals.
Natural Resource Conservation Service - Colorado
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps private landowners care and make healthy choices for soil, water, air, plants, and animal habitats. Much of the Agency's work is accomplished through partnerships, providing technical assistance, and financial assistance through conservation programs within the Farm Bill.
Colorado Conservation Districts
Colorado’s 72 Conservation Districts have represented private landowners’ interests in conservation planning and practices since 1937. Conservation Districts are local governments and fall under the statutory guidance of the Colorado State Conservation Board (CSCB).
Division of Fire Prevention and Control
The Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) is responsible for safeguarding lives, property, and the environment through fire prevention, preparedness, and emergency response coordination across the state.
Who can Participate?
To become a Certified Colorado Family Forest, a landowner must have 10 or more forested acres and a Forest Stewardship Plan that meets the ATFS Standards of Sustainability. Though we encourage participation from landowners of any size. There is no membership fee.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Erik Castello at Erik.Castello@colostate.edu.