Network News: Inspectors Archive

Important Update Regarding Inspector Expiration dates

It was recently brought to our attention that the inspector training policy was not being implemented properly in the ATFS database, where inspector training records are held. As a result of a coding error in the database, training expiration dates had been incorrectly calculated. We apologize for the confusion.  This error has been corrected and you should have received a notice.

Stumped September 2017

Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I have just taken a classroom Inspector Training course to become an active inspector, now what?

2017 Assessment Recap

Thank you!

We have successfully completed the 2017 Third-Party Assessment! Thank you very much to the state committees of Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina, and South Carolina for all of your efforts throughout the entire process. 

Volunteer Highlight: Brittany VanderWall

Since Michigan Tree Farm Committee Chair Brittany VanderWall joined the committee a few years ago, her fellow committee members and Michigan landowners have immensely benefited. In her short time as chair, she has brought a new energy and fresh ideas, recruited younger members, and is already working to set the next chair and the entire committee up for long-term success so they can continue to provide for the state’s family landowners.

Extend your Inspector Credentials Through Training Applications

In 2015, to coincide with the implementation of the 2015-2020 Standards of Sustainability, a new inspector training policy was launched. Drawing on research and best practices in adult learning, this policy was developed to ensure that ATFS Inspectors retain a working knowledge of the ATFS program and the ATFS Standards by using and applying this knowledge regularly. As a result, the inspector training policy specified that an ATFS Inspector must undergo training or complete one inspection, at a minimum, every two years to remain in “active” status and be able to conduct inspections. 

Seeking Nominations for Outstanding Inspector Award

ATFS is currently accepting nominations for the 2018 Regional Outstanding Inspector of the Year Award. This award recognizes outstanding leaders and volunteers and is presented at the annual ATFS National Leadership Conference. Know someone who should be recognized? Download the nomination form online, talk to your state Tree Farm Committee, or contact Sara Anrrich if you have any questions. Nominations are due September 15!

Deadline Extended! Your Thoughts Needed

The Society of American Foresters is conducting research on how they can support your professional development needs. We are partnering with SAF to develop and deliver priority learning opportunities for you. We would like to understand what will help you poise yourself better in the workplace, especially with the work you do with current and prospective Tree Farmers—from technology to best management practices, from applied forest science to resource planning, from sound business practices to leadership. Please take a moment to complete this survey by August 18 so we can be an effective partner in your success helping to develop your professional skills.

Stumped August 2017

Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can an ATFS Inspecting Forester help ensure that a Tree Farmer’s conformance to the Standards with their reforestation/afforestation efforts?

Your Thoughts Needed

The Society of American Foresters is conducting research on how they can support your professional development needs. The American Tree Farm System is partnering with the SAF to develop and deliver priority learning opportunities for you. Please take a moment to complete this survey by July 31 so we can be an effective partner in your success helping to develop your professional skills.

Nominate an Outstanding Inspector

Every year the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) recognizes exceptional ATFS Inspectors with the Outstanding Inspector of the Year award program. We are now accepting nominations for the 2018 Regional Outstanding Inspector of the Year Award. 

Please consider nominating one of your peers for this award. Download the nomination form online, or contact Sara Anrrich if you have any questions.

Thank You!

Thank you!

We have recently completed the field visits for the 2017 third-party assessment. The ATFS staff would like to thank every one of our volunteers participating in the assessment. 

Stumped July 2017

Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where are the ATFS policies posted for inspectors?

Required Sample 2017 Summer Update

See where your state stands in this 2017 required sample update. The inspections for this sample are due December 8th, 2017.

Greetings from the field!

We are in the midst of the 2017 third-party field visits with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). In April, PwC field auditors, AFF staff and state committee representatives visited Tree Farms in North Carolina and South Carolina. Tree Farmers in Colorado were visited in May, and the Maryland committee is hosting the assessment team this week. The field visits will conclude in Maine and Montana at the end of this month. 

Volunteer Highlight: Christine Walroth

At the 2017 NLC in February, ATFS was proud to honor the inspectors, volunteers, Tree Farmers and other partners who dedicate their time to the Tree Farm program. One such inspector, Christine Walroth of Wisconsin, has dedicated decades of her time across three states to the program and to advancing sustainable forestry. We were honored to present her with the award for the North Central Outstanding Inspector of the Year. 

Register for AFF’s Advocacy Day!

We hope you will join us in Washington, DC for the 2017 AFF Advocacy Day, October 3-4, 2017. Get an in-depth briefing on federal policy issues, learn strategies for being an effective advocate, and meet face-to-face with your Members of Congress. Join Tree Farmers from across the country and make your voice heard on policy issues that affect woodland owners. Register today!

Stumped June 2017

Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What information is required on a Tree Farm map?

Happy Spring! Training Reminder

It’s May, which means it’s a good time to refresh your inspector training before getting back out in the field to enjoy all of the beautiful spring-time forests in your area. Take advantage of our online training modules available at www.atfsdatabase.org or participate in an upcoming classroom training held by your state committee to connect with other foresters, ask questions, and share your experiences in the field as an ATFS Inspecting Forester. 

Reminders for May 2017

Don't Forget!

Don’t Get Left Behind! Inspector Refresher Training Available Online

Inspector Training Opportunity at the ACF National Conference

Update from the Field

Regular field inspections are crucial to the viability of the ATFS program and often serve as the primary engagement a landowner has with the ATFS program. First and foremost, as an ATFS Inspecting Forester, thank you for your efforts in working with Tree Farmers to continue their sustainable forest management practices. Second, please help us maintain a credible program, and take full advantage of your interaction with the landowner, by thoroughly documenting your visit using the 004 inspection form.