Leadership Update, October 2013
The monthly e-newsletter exclusively for ATFS State Committee leaders.
Table of Contents
Special Announcements
Tools
On the Ground
Special Announcements
Recognize Your Top Tree Farmer in 2014!
The Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year award program, sponsored by STIHL, Inc., is a tool that state committees can use to honor outstanding Tree Farmers throughout the year. The 2014 Regional Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year nomination guidelines have been posted, and nominations are now being accepted. The guidelines can be found on Leaders Only on the “Recognitions” page. Your state’s nomination must be approved by your committee and submitted to operations@forestfoundation.org by February 1, 2014. Awardees at the regional and national levels will received travel assistance to attend the 2014 National Tree Farmer Convention, as well as other gifts and prizes including a product certificate from STIHL. For questions about the Regional and National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year award program, please contact Sara Anrrich at sanrrich@forestfoundation.org.
Tools
Committee Roster Template Available
If you want to fill out your Committee Roster Template for 2014 a little early it is available now on the Tools and Resources section. The updated roster is due by December 16, 2013. An updated State reporting form will also be coming in the next few months. We are going to try using the same formate as this year's grant applications so if you have any questions or suggestions about those forms please contact MacKenzie Rawcliffe, mrawcliffe@forestfoundation.org.
ATFS Leadership Webinar Series
In response to our committees’ desire for more leadership tools and volunteer training throughout the year, and to have that information made available in a convenient and consistent manner, AFF presents a Leadership and Professional Development Webinar the second Tuesday of every month from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (Eastern). Our hope is that you will use these webinars to not only strengthen your local Tree Farm program, but also to improve the ability of our partners and supporters to carry out their missions as well. Upcoming webinars are:
 November 12, 1pm EDT Fundraising Fundamentals with Nathan Truitt and Dinetta Parrot |
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Previous webinars are available for viewing at any time here.
For more information or to suggest topics for future webinars contact Mike Burns or (202) 459-1702
Land Ethic Leaders Webinar presented by our partners the Leopold Foundation
Jennifer Kobylecky, Education Coordinator and Jeannine Richards, Communications Coordinator with The Aldo Leopold Foundation present on Leopold’s enduring idea of a “land ethic,” a moral responsibility of humans to the natural world. This is still extremely relevant in today’s society. During the hour-long broadcast they will introduce you to the “land ethic” and The Aldo Leopold Foundation’s Land Ethic Leader’s program, as well as help you to articulate your own personal land ethic. This program was first developed for Tree Farm State Leaders and the first two workshops received very positive feedback despite being a little out of the norm for Tree Farm Meetings. October 23 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. (EDT) Register here
Strategic Planning Facilitator Available
ATFS is making the services of Dave Halley from True North Organizational Development Services available to any Tree Farm Committee that is considering developing a Strategic Plan. Dave is uniquely qualified to work with your committee as he has more than 20 years of experience as both a facilitator and in Tree Farm leadership. The session will run 1 ½ days; 2 days if a Mission Statement also needs crafting.
ATFS will cover all costs for Dave and a representative from ATFS staff to participate; state programs are responsible for local arrangements including facilities and refreshments. Contact Mike Burns with any questions or for additional materials (agenda, references, sample products); Interested parties should fill out this form and return it to Mike at mburns@forestfoundation.org.
Tax Tips for Forest Landowners for the 2013 Tax Year is now available.
This is a resource provided by the USDA Forest Service. AFF may not give tax advice but if you receive questions feel free to distribute this information.
On the Ground
On the Ground: In Your State
AFF and State Committees working together to raise funds
One of the major takeaways from the Landowner Engagement Strategy pilot test was the importance of a “local voice” when engaging with landowners on the ground. Building upon this, AFF’s development team is working with thirteen state committees to incorporate their voices into the November fundraising appeal. Based on what we know from earlier tests, incorporating the local voice in the appeals should improve the rates of return for those states, respectively. Don’t forget – 50% of the net revenues from our fundraising appeals go directly back to the state programs. Nathan Truitt, AFF’s Vice President of Development, and his staff are keeping a close watch on this appeal and will share their insights with you later in the year. A big thank you to the states who agreed to participate; Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, and Vermont.
Tools You can Use at the 2013 SAF Convention
Headed to the SAF Convention from October 23 -27 this year? The American Forest Foundation will be there too! The following sessions will either be led by Mike Burns or are recommended by him.
Silviculture Matters; Words Matter (Friday 10/25 1-3 pm)
The American Forest Foundation, in cooperation with Sustaining Family Forests Initiative and the Society of American Foresters, developed a communications workshop for foresters called “Expand Your Base!” Much of that workshop is devoted to helping break down barriers between the public and owners who see their woodlots on an emotional level, and the forestry professionals who understand it on a scientific and technical level. These two groups speak in different languages. To be successful we need to translate the services foresters provide into the language that is most compelling to a given audience.
Family Forest Legacy Planning: The Forester’s Toolkit (Friday 10/25 1-5 p.m.)
Today’s family forest ownership is dominated by landowners aged 65 and above, many of whom lack a plan for the future of their land and are susceptible to short-term decisions brought on by sudden life events. Without a plan, the sustainability of these woodlands is threatened. Woodland owning families, challenges may be technical associated with estate planning, taxes, and wealth transfer, as well as basic communication about these complicated issues. Foresters often are the primary contact with these landowners and need resources and information to prepare clients for these difficult decisions.
Family Forest Legacy Planning: Collaborative Planning Discussion (Saturday 10/26 8:00-9:30 a.m.)
Nationwide, privately owned family forestlands are predicted to undergo increasing turnover as aging woodland owners faced with life choices make decisions often leave their treasured woodland without a management plan, a forester, family input, or long-term financial foresight. Numerous extension foresters, researchers, outreach professionals, and consultants across the United States address this problem daily, and many creative resources have been developed. However, there remains an overwhelming need for a collaborative, sustained effort to promote family forest legacy planning.
Leveraging Digital Technologies to Engage and Connect Landowners, Foresters and Partners (Saturday 10/26 9:00-10:30 am)
The American Forest Foundation (AFF) through its signature program the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) seeks to provide people with the tools they need to be better stewards of the forest. As landowners and foresters are increasingly embracing digital platforms, AFF is also creating and adapting new technologies to support sustainable forestry on the ground and within the ATFS community. During this session, you will learn about a suite of new digital tools designed for family landowners and foresters, as well as conservation groups, state agencies, and forest industry partners.
