Third party certification
AFF National Certificate and State Tree Farm Programs
The American Forest Foundation, in addition to owning and operating the ATFS Third-Party Forest Management scheme, also holds a certificate under this scheme. Twenty-one state-based Tree Farm programs administer on-the-ground functions of third-party certification under this certificate.
Third-party certified state Tree Farm Programs
[List of third-party certified state Tree Farm Programs with links to each of their pages]
As an ATFS certificate holder, the American Forest Foundation (AFF) and landowners participating in state Tree Farm programs undergo audits by an accredited third-party certification body to ensure compliance with the eight Standards of Sustainability and Eligibility Requirements. This external monitoring process assesses a sample of enrolled landowners to verify that the program is fulfilling the endorsed Standards and Eligibility Requirements.
Internal monitoring is led by trained volunteer inspectors and state program leaders who guide landowners in maintaining their ATFS certification. Inspections provide essential documentation for compliance while giving landowners a hands-on opportunity to engage with professional foresters and take pride in sustainable forest stewardship.