Network News: Inspectors Archive  filter by category: Program Info

Required Sample 2019 End of Year Update

See where your state stands in this 2019 required sample update. 

Required Sample 2019 Summer Update

See where your state stands in this 2019 required sample update. The inspections for this sample are due December 9th, 2019.

ATFS Network News Alert: Welcome New Staff

In our 2018 survey, we heard from state leaders that ATFS certification is important, but that that administering ATFS certification takes a lot of time and effort, limiting the time you have to work directly with landowners. One way we are working to remove this barrier is by investing in dedicated regional ATFS staff to work directly with states.

Brittany VanderWall of Michigan Awarded 2019 National Leadership Award

The American Tree Farm System is pleased to recognize Brittany VanderWall of Michigan with the 2019 National Leadership Award. Learn more about her passion for ATFS.

2019 NLC Wrap-Up

Last month, AFF welcomed more than 250 Tree Farmers, inspectors, state committee leaders, policy supporters and partners to the three-day 2019 National Leadership Conference (NLC). Check out some of the most memorable moments. 

New Tree Farmer Certificate Updated

The American Tree Farm System sends a welcome packet and certificate to all newly enrolled Tree Farmers each month. The landowner certificate template has recently been updated and is now available!

Bill Chaney of Arkansas Awarded ATFS 2019 National Inspector of the Year

The American Tree Farm System is pleased to recognize Bill Chaney of Arkansas as the 2019 National Outstanding Inspector of the Year. Learn more about Bill and his incredible achievements. 

Countdown to NLC

We are incredibly excited about the opportunities ahead of us in 2019 as we find ways to engage more family forest owners in active stewardship through the American Tree Farm System (ATFS). Learn more about this year's upcoming NLC. 

AFF Standards Review Process to Begin in 2019

The American Forest Foundation (AFF) is aligning its standard revision process with the new revision process adopted by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Learn more about the PEFC process. 

Springtime in DC: ATFS Fly-In and Hill Day

Join ATFS and other Tree Farmers to meet with Members of Congress and share the importance of the hard work landowners do to keep their woods health. 

Third-Party Assessment Opening Meeting Kickoff

We have completed the third-party assessment opening meetings for 2019. Thank you to the leaders in Alabama, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, and Washington for your hospitality, hard work, and dedication to the ATFS program.

2019 Required Sample Available in ATFS Database

2019 Required Sample Available in ATFS Database

The annual required and priority pioneer sample is now available for viewing in the database. For chairs and administrators, the report can be found under Tree Farm reports. The deadline for submission and approval of these inspections is December 9, 2019.

Required Sample 2018 Final Update

Read about completion of the 2018 required sample for the American Tree Farm System

Online Refresher Still Available

Online Refresher Still Available
If your inspector credentials are going to expire soon (or have expired but you've taken the 2015-2020 Standards training), you may renew them for until 2020 by taking the AFF Standards Online Refresher.
There are 4 required training modules and quizzes to bring you up to speed with the 2015-2020 Standards of Sustainability. A special note if you have already taken the online refresher: You need to reset your training, prior to retaking it, in order for the latest training to be recorded. Instructions for doing this can be found on the training page. 

Standards Highlight: Standard 5 – Fish, Wildlife, Biodiversity and Forest Health

Standards Highlight: Standard 5 – Fish, Wildlife, Biodiversity and Forest Health

The Standards require management plans to be active and adaptive. While many foresters focus on ensuring management recommendations meet this requirement, remember that all the elements of the Standards need to be reviewed routinely. Specific to Standard 5, forest health conditions change, new T&E species are listed that might impact your landowners, and these species can move!

Working with you to Strengthen, Grow and Increase the Impact of ATFS

I am reaching out to you to share the results of the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) assessment we began a year ago. Thank you for your participation in this important fact-finding undertaking. We hope you will continue to be involved in this effort as we work to develop an implementation framework that will strengthen, grow and increase the impact of Tree Farm. 

Good Practices Highlight: Excellent State Newsletters

Two great examples of informative, engaging newsletters are the Arkansas Inspector News and Washington’s Tree Farm News.

2018 Field Assessment Kickoff

2018 Field Assessment Kickoff

Farmers in Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Virginia are currently being visited by assessors from PriceWaterhouseCoopers to review management plan documentation and forest management activities on their Tree Farms to ensure conformance to the ATFS 2015-2020 Standards. Once the field visits are complete, we will share a review of any findings and corrective actions that will be taken. 

Dr. George Kessler Receives 2018 National Leadership Award

Each year, the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) is honored to recognize an outstanding leader from the community of ATFS leaders and volunteers for their exceptional service and leadership. At the 2018 National Leadership Conference, Dr. George Kessler of South Carolina received the 2018 National Leadership Award. 

Online Training Eligibility Update

Online Training Eligibility Update

In a continued effort to support and strengthen our ATFS Inspector corps, we have responded to concerns raised by state committees about in-person inspector training limitations related to the Inspector Training Policy.

2018 Required Sample Available in ATFS Database

2018 Required Sample Available in ATFS Database

The annual required and priority pioneer sample is now available for viewing in the database. For chairs and administrators, the report can be found under tree farm reports. The deadline for submission and approval of these inspections is December 9, 2018.

Online Training Eligibility Update

Saying Goodbye to the App in 2018

Saying Goodbye to the ATFS Inspectors App in 2018

The current ATFS Inspectors app will be sun-setting in February. Please submit any outstanding inspections before February 1, 2018 to your state committee, if submitting through the app. You may also use alternate means of submitting the inspections as described here: Submission of 004 Form.

A Stronger, Growing, and More Impactful ATFS

As we begin 2018, we find ourselves at the cusp of an exciting and important time for the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), the largest landowner program of the American Forest Foundation (AFF).

New Inspector Facilitator Materials Available Online

New Inspector Facilitator Materials Available Online

We have made some recent updates to our ATFS Inspector Training Workshop Facilitation materials that are now available online in Leaders Only. We are always interested in any feedback you may have to better provide support for all of your efforts. Please keep us posted if you would like to see any additional materials made available or changes made to existing information and we will do our best to accommodate these requests. 

Thank You 2017!

Thank you for a wonderful 2017 and for your efforts supporting Tree Farmers across the country.

Required Sample 2017 Fall Update

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

Stay Active in 2018

ATFS recently expanded the inspector training policy to acknowledge other ways that an ATFS Inspector utilizes his/her knowledge of the ATFS Standards to maintain active status.

National Database Clean up

The American Tree Farm System is dedicated to maintaining the credibility of the program while minimizing the administrative burden that it can bring. Earlier this year, we began implementing a two-year database cleanup project in partnership with Edge Research. This project aims at reaching out to ATFS landowners and updating crucial data like contact, property and interest information.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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!

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

The Importance of Inspections

ATFS Inspectors are often the primary liaison between the ATFS program and landowners, offering guidance, support, and information about sustainable forest management. In many instances, a landowner’s positive experience with an ATFS Inspector leads to the recruitment of their neighbors, strengthening our network of stewardship across the country. 

Don’t Lapse! Inspector Refresher Training Available Online

If your inspector credentials are going to expire soon, you may renew them for another 2 years by either completing an inspection on the ground or by taking the AFF Standards Online Refresher.

2017 NLC Recap

Last month, ATFS hosted the 2017 National Leadership Conference in Greenville, South Carolina. This annual leadership development conference brings together leaders, volunteers and partners of ATFS for three days of networking and information-sharing. The 2017 event hosted more than 215 guests, including more than 78 first-time attendees, and featured a robust agenda of engaging speakers. 

New Year, New Focus On Inspections

On-the-ground inspections are a fundamental component of the American Tree Farm System’s (ATFS) success, and ATFS Inspectors are key to implementing this outreach to Tree Farmers. Regular communication and outreach is essential to maintaining relationships with all ATFS Tree Farmers, especially those who have not been engaged recently, to ensure that they are managing their forests to the ATFS Standards and upholding the integrity of the program. This outreach requires solid inspector engagement and assignment strategies, a thorough system-wide database clean-up combined with tailored intentional landowner communication to ensure the momentum created by the State’s Voice, State’s Choice initiative continues. 

New Inspector Engagement in 2017

In 2017, ATFS will launch pilot programs with 3-5 states to help us learn more about what approaches are most successful to increase the number of inspections done each year. Our goal is to have all active inspectors that are trained to the current standards complete at least two inspections per year. Of course, we know that many of you do way more than this, which is greatly appreciated; however, many inspectors are trained and never complete a single inspection.

Introducing the New Inspection (004) Form Course

In addition to the online inspector training refresher available online in the ATFS Database, Inspectors can now access the newest learning module of the inspector training – the Inspection (004) Form. 

Congratulations to the 2016 National OTFY

Thank you to the Oregon Tree Farm Committee for nominating the Defrees family of northeast Oregon, who were recently named the 2016 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. The Defrees family truly embodies what it means to be a champion for ATFS as well as an outstanding steward of the forest now and for the future generation.

2016 Required Sample Update

On-the-ground inspections with an ATFS Inspector provide the greatest value to Tree Farmers enrolled in ATFS. To help ensure the credibility of ATFS, every year we ask state programs to complete a number of “required sample” inspections. 

Stumped July 2016

Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q:As an inspector, how often do I need to complete an inspection or take a refresher training course to stay active? 

Are You Familiar with the Inspector Training Policy?

All ATFS inspectors are bound to the ATFS Inspector Training Policy posted on the Inspector's Corner page. This policy clarifies the necessary training and expectations for maintaining credentials of all qualified inspectors. 

Stumped June 2016

Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a Forest of Recognized Importance (FORI) and a Special Site?

Coming Soon for ATFS Inspectors: The NEW Sightline eNewsletter

This year, the American Tree Farm (ATFS) is celebrating its 75th Anniversary and as we reflect on how far we have come during that time, it is important to recognize the crucial role that our volunteers and inspectors have played in our success. This program would not be able to function without our passionate corps of volunteer inspectors who performed more than 8,000 inspections this past year alone.

2016 National Inspector Awardees

Congratulations to Jeremy Scherf (OH) who was named the 2016 National Outstanding Inspector of the Year at the National Leadership Conference in February. 

Independently Managed Groups

In addition to becoming certified individually through a state Tree Farm committee, a landowner may also be American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) certified through an Independently Managed Group (IMG).

Special Sites

Special sites are areas of unique historical, archeological, cultural, geographic, biological, or ecological value

Taking Advantage of Online Natural Heritage Databases

As an ATFS Inspecting Forester, you work closely with landowners to help them learn about their woods and sustainable forestry, while achieving their stewardship goals. Tree Farmers are ambassadors for good forestry,which includes managing for some unique and less understood resources, such as imperiled species, special sites or high- conservation-value forests.

Inspecting Foresters and ATFS: A Vital Partnership

The American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) operates as a partnership with thousands of Inspecting Foresters across the country. These natural resource professionals provide on-the-ground validation essential for the integrity of the program. By working together, foresters and ATFS are helping to ensure the future health, productivity, and longevity of America’s private woodlands.

ATFS Combines the North Central and Western Regions

After successful completion of our first, full 3-year assessment cycle for third-party certification, the ATFS Certification program will be recertified in 2012. The assessment process is valuable in many ways. First, it represents the third-party verification that is a hallmark of a globally recognized and competitive certification program. In addition, the assessment also provides a critical opportunity to engage with Tree Farmers and highlight their excellent on-the-ground stewardship. In addition, through the assessment process, we also learn about opportunities to strengthen and enhance the ATFS certification program into the future.

ATFS Continues to Provide New Tools for You and Your Landowners

There are many different types of planning documents that a landowner could use to guide their forest management. The common goal of these plans is to help the landowner (and the operators they work with) achieve their objectives. There are 4.4 million landowners that own 10 or more acres of woods and they have a variety of reasons for owning their woodlands. But all landowners can benefit from having a plan for their property. Whatever type of planning document is used, the goal should be to make it useful and meaningful for the landowner.

SAF Continuing Forester Education Credits

We are making it easier for ATFS Inspectors to claim SAF Continuing Forester Education (CFE) credits for our inspector trainings. ATFS met with SAF staff and clarified the process to claim Inspector Training credits.

Stumped Winter 2010

Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What does it mean for a management plan to “address” resources elements such as forest health, soil, water, wood and fiber production, threatened and endangered species, special sites, invasive species, integrated pest management and high conservation value forests?

Q:As an inspector, what sort of evidence should I look for to see if the Tree Farmer has met the Standards’ indicators?

Q:How can I get information from Tree Farm on a more regular basis?

Q:What are high conservation value forests and how can Tree Farmers tell if they have one on their property?

Q:How can a Tree Farmer “consider” integrated pest management in their management to control pest, pathogens, and unwanted vegetation?

Good Management Practice Winter 2010

Many Tree Farmers keep a folder of all documents related to their Tree Farm for safe keeping, making documentation collection for third-party certification audits and Tree Farm inspections easier. During your inspections and Tree Farmer interviews be sure to ask where the management plan is kept, if they have harvest plans or contracts for forest operations, and if they have any documents related to cost-share programs, pesticides, prescribed burns or special sites. 

Stumped Summer 2010

Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q:When can I inspect Tree Farms to the new Standards?

Q:What Standards do I use to inspect required sample properties this year?

Q:My state still does the five-year reinspections for each Tree Farm. What Standards do I use to inspect these Tree Farms this year?

Q:My state has not participated in a third-party certification assessment yet. Are Tree Farms in my state considered third-party certified?

Need a 004 Form?

Electronic copies of the 004 inspector form and the auditor verification form are always available on the ATFS website. Visit www.treefarmsystem.org/004form for this and other resources for inspectors. 

Active and Adaptive Management Plans

Under the AFF Standards, management plans should be active,adaptive and current to the landowner objectives. As all foresters know, management plans are much more useful if they are up-to date. But what constitutes a plan update?

Spotlight: Forest Management Plans

As we move into the summer, and inspections pick up, we want to highlight the importance of forest management plans and clarify any confusion around the ATFS requirements. All landowners enrolled in the Tree Farm program must have a written management plan. Inspectors are asked to review this plan as part of an initial or reinspection visit and ensure the plan components meet ATFS management plan requirements as outlined in the AFF Standards (Standard 3: Commitment to Practicing Sustainable Forestry).

Stumped Summer 2009

Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What type of land is eligible to be certified as a Tree Farm?

Q:Does ATFS have a system through which mills can verify a load of logs from ATFS certified lands?

Q: If I talk to a landowner about their property but do not visit it, can our conversation count as a reinspection?

2008 Required Sample Reinspections Overview

2008 Required Sample Reinspections Overview

In 2006 ATFS transitioned from a five year reinspection cycle to a statistically valid sample. The sample was initiated to reduce the workload in the states and still meet our internal monitoring needs. The sample measures conformance to the AFF Standard.

New Tree Farm Sign Available!

New Tree Farm Sign Available! 

By now you may have seen or heard about the new ‘Certified Family Forest’ sign that has been made available for distribution. 

2008 National Tree Farm Leadership Conference Met in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

2008 National Tree Farm Leadership Conference Met in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

The annual two and a half day meeting of ATFS volunteers provides the opportunity for volunteers, leaders, and staff to discuss issues, trends, and new policies that may impact the program at the state and local level in upcoming years.

Stumped Spring 2008

Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q:With the implementation of the required sample, I’ve been assigned an inspection for a property I have recently inspected. Is an over-the-phone recertification acceptable?

Q:I know somebody who'd like to become a Tree Farm inspector. Who do I refer them to?

Q:As a member of ATFS, is a landowner required to cut trees?

New Guidelines for Tree Farm Eligibility

New Guidelines for Tree Farm Eligibility

In 2002, a moratorium was in place that limited the acreage size of new Tree Farms entering ATFS to less than 10,000 contiguous acres. At their December 2005 meeting,the AFF Board of Trustees approved new guidelines for determining eligibility for ATFS certification.

Statistical Sampling For Reinspections

In 2002, ATFS contracted with Virginia Tech’s College of Forestry to explore the concept of stratified random sampling as a means of reducing the number of annual reinspections necessary for program policy conformance.

Stumped Spring 2006

Stumped? Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How do I know if I need to take a refresher course?

Question: I’ve been assigned to inspect a property I’ve inspected less than 5 years ago. Why is that?

Not Trained Yet? What to do.

All Tree Farm Inspectors need to complete refresher training before conducting new inspections new inspections to the new AFF Standards that went into effect on July 1, 2004.The refresher training is just that – it is only intended for foresters who previously completed the full six-hour workshop covering all aspects of the Tree Farm program.

004 Form Extension

Transitioning to the new AFF Standards required several provisional steps be taken. One of these steps was changing the time when 004 Forms were distributed. 

Heritage Tree Farm Program

The Heritage Tree Farm Program, has been fully implemented into the American Tree Farm System. This program was developed to recognize industrial forestlands which participate in ATFS.

The Tree Farm Inspection Record (004 Form)

The 2004 version of the 004 Form for Tree Farm inspections is now available. Although similar to the previous 004 Form in design, the new form includes a few notable changes.

Stumped Spring 2004

Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Heritage Tree Farm Program?

Stumped Spring 2003

Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q: As an ATFS Inspector, am I responsible for writing forest management plans for the Tree Farms I inspect?

Q: Do I have to wait five years to reinspect a Tree Farm?