Tree Farmers in Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Virginia are being visited by assessors from PriceWaterhouseCoopers 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.

Based on the initial review, there is a continued need for ATFS Inspectors to thoroughly review management plans to ensure that all required elements of the ATFS Standards are addressed before approving a Tree Farm’s certification.   

Standard 1 lists the required resource elements for conformance (italics added for emphasis). “Management plans shall describe current forest conditions, landowner’s objectives, management activities aimed at achieving landowner’s objectives, documenta feasible strategy for activity implementation and include a map accurately depicting significant forest-related resources. The forest management plan shall demonstrate consideration of the following resource elements: forest health, soil, water, wood and fiber production, threatened or endangered species, special sites, invasive species and forests of recognized importance. Where present and relevant to the property, the plan shall describe management activities related to these resource elements.”

Whether a Tree Farm has a resource element such as a special site, T&E species on site, or a Forest of Recognized Importance, the plan must indicate the presence or absence of the element. If the plan is otherwise up to date, reflecting the landowner’s current objectives and conditions on the ground, but a resource element is missing, the ATFS Addendum is a quick and easy way to bring the plan into conformance. We have added links to the addendum within the ATFS Database on the blank 004 form page, assign inspections page, and print/create inspection forms page.

ATFS Welcomes Laura Bosworth

My name is Laura Bosworth, and I'm excited to be the ATFS Certification Innovation Manager! Since graduating from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s in Forestry, I've spent my recent years down south promoting active forest management and developing rewarding relationships with some amazing folks in the forestry community. I am honored to be a part of the ATFS team and look forward to working with such passionate people to continue the great work that is already in motion.  

Please join us in welcoming Laura! She will be based in Georgia and can be reached at lbosworth@forestfoundation.org or 912-286-5138. Visit our website to learn more about the ATFS Staff.

Initial Results from the ATFS Survey

At the 2018 NLC, we kicked off a detailed study to learn how we can increase the value of Tree Farm for both landowners and volunteers. The first phase involved gathering data via interviews and an electronic survey of the ATFS network of landowners and volunteers. Survey participation was excellent – more than 1,300 Tree Farmers and almost 700 volunteer leaders and inspectors responded. Thank you! Here is a link to some key findings from that survey.

Our next step is to better understand how to make participation in ATFS easier and more meaningful for volunteers and partners. A follow-up survey has been sent to Program Administrators and we are currently collecting this information. Stay tuned for more results in the coming months.

ATFS Certification Guidance on Genetically Modified Trees

AFF's Certification Committee has developed a definition for and specific guidance related to the use of genetically modified trees under ATFS certification. The Committee issued this guidance in response to a condition of re-endorsement by the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), which requires that genetically modified trees shall not be used based on a “precautionary principle” as science on genetic engineering continues to evolve. The guidance issued by the Committee recognizes that research is ongoing and that genetic engineering may offer new opportunities for the restoration of species and promoting forest resilience. However, the guidance clarifies that use of genetically modified trees is not supported under the ATFS standards, reflecting conformance with PEFC requirements, which endorses the ATFS certification program. Currently, the use of GMO trees is limited to very specific applications, in accordance with federal regulations. As such, use of genetically modified trees by family landowners in the US is likely to be extremely low during the implementation period of ATFS 2015-2020 Standards. AFF will continue to monitor scientific developments in this area, adjusting guidance for the ATFS Standards, where appropriate. To read the definition and standards, link here.

New Resource Available on GMOs

If you are interested in learning more about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), we have a limited supply of Genetically Modified Forests: From Stone Age to Modern Biotechnology copies available to the state committees. Please contact Jasmine Slater to request a copy.

Policy Update: House Farm Bill Fails

AFF was successful in defeating amendments that were harmful to family forest owners and markets thanks to outreach efforts from landowners and partners. Unfortunately, the bill was rejected with 198 YES votes and 213 NO votes. The House will continue working over the next few weeks to discuss further efforts to move the bill forward. While this is not an ideal outcome, we are in a good place for what lies ahead, in large part because of efforts to fend off bad amendments while securing many policy and funding improvements that will help family forest owners. Visit AFF’s policy page to stay updated on what lies ahead for both the House and Senate, as they strive to complete a Farm Bill before the September 30, 2018 deadline. Contact Natalie Alex with questions about the Farm Bill.

Upcoming Dates: