Third party certification

What is forest certification?

Third-party forest management certification provides verified assurances that forests are managed responsibly. Mills and manufacturers in the forest products sector use these assurances to meet corporate sustainability targets and access markets where sustainable forest products are in demand.

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Becoming third-party certified

All Tree Farms are verified to comply with the ATFS Standards of Sustainability and Eligibility. Third-party certification is an additional step offered by Independently Managed Groups, select state Tree Farm programs or, in cases of large landowners, through a issuance of an individual certificate.

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Verifying certification

Mills and manufacturers use the ATFS Verification Database to validate sustainable forest management claims for their supply chains.

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ATFS Normative Documents and Support Guidance

The American Forest Foundation Standards of Sustainability, Eligibility Requirements, and Standard Setting Requirements form the basis for ATFS third-party certification.

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Conformance Innovations

In addition to third-part forest management certification through ATFS, the American Forest Foundation has worked with partners to create additional innovative tools that support validation and verification of sustainability. These include Landscape Management Plans, the SFI Small Lands Module, and the Risk-Based Approach for Biomass Pellet Roundwood Sourcing.

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