American Forest Foundation Blog

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Four Must-Dos for Family Forests

The interim results from the 2011 USFS National Woodland Owner Survey should give everyone who cares about the benefits that come from forests—clean water, clean air, wildlife habitat, scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, wood products,  and good paying rural jobs—cause for concern.

Five Tips to Celebrate Earth Day, Every Day

In honor of Earth Day 2013, I’ve compiled a list of five tips we can all do to protect America's forests.

2013 Outstanding Tree Farm Inspectors are Actively Engaged in Forestry Community

We are proud to recognize the 2013 Regional Outstanding Inspectors of the Year! These four outstanding Inspectors were selected based on their demonstrated commitment to the American Tree Farm System, a program of AFF. The Regional and National Outstanding Inspector of the Year awards are generously sponsored by our partners at STIHL.

Tools for Landowners Threatened by Forest Pests

The Maryland DNR Forest Service works tirelessly to ensure private landowners have the tools and information they need to tackle threats like the EAB head on. Beyond the identification and reporting information we provide for the general public, landowners can also receive technical assistance and advice for management options moving forward.

Baseball and the Threat of Emerald Ash Borer

It's baseball season again, and can't wait to see my Orioles in action. Did you know that most wooden baseball bats are made from ash trees? Unfortuntely for my fellow baseball fans, there's something nefarious lurking in America's trees and devastating our primary source of bat wood: the emerald ash borer.

How Maryland’s State Forester Found His Forestry Calling

Shortly after graduating from forestry school, I joined the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service and have been working for the agency for 29 years. Today, I have the pleasure of serving as Maryland’s State Forester. I serve on the American Forest Foundation’s Board of Trustees, among other things, and am a huge supporter of the American Tree Farm System® and Project Learning Tree® programs.

Maryland Passes Landmark Forest Legislation

Maryland's General Assembly passed the Forest Preservation Act of 2013, exciting new legislation that establishes new and expands existing incentives and reforestation tools to help private landowners, local governments, and the state maintain its current tree canopy, improve water quality, and support community sustainability through forests and trees.

Maryland Tree Farm Committee Celebrates Arbor Day with State Legislators

Members of the Maryland Tree Farm Committee were in Annapolis today in celebration of Maryland's Arbor Day.

Family Forest Owners Not Out of the Woods on Forest Roads Regulations

The Supreme Court ruled today to uphold the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) long-standing policy to not require Clean Water Act permits on Forest Roads.  While this helps to ensure forest owners are not subject to additional regulations under the Clean Water Act, the issue is far from over.

Walnut Trees and Thousand Cankers Disease

Walnut timber growth and production is really a multi-generational process, as the growth cycle is at least 55 to 70 years. Raising walnut trees is a legacy and I do not expect to physically harvest the younger trees that I pruned and managed. Unfortunately, a walnut grower’s worst nightmare is threatening to ruin everything that woodland owners are working for.

Why Family Forest Owners Should be Concerned about Sequestration

Tick, tock. Congress’ sequestration deadline is 11:59 tonight. With so much disagreement, there’s a lot of uncertainty as to whether lawmakers will be able to come to an agreement on how to cut spending by the mandated $85 billion for this fiscal year. Read about how this will affect America's family forests.

For the Love of Our Woods

Happy Valentine’s Day, forest lovers! 

Thigpen Tree Farm: One of the Best-Managed Loblolly Pine Stands I've Seen

A few weekends ago, I attended a field day at the Thigpen family Tree Farm in Montrose, Mississippi. The Thigpen family's Tree Farm is one of the most well-managed and well-kept loblolly pine stands I’ve seen.

The Fiscal Cliff for Family Forest Owners

There’s certainly a lot of rhetoric flying around Washington about impending tax increases if Congress doesn’t act by the end of the year. All Americans need to know that the estate tax is not just about the 1%. It’s a forest conservation issue that could impact millions of acres of forestland if Congress doesn’t act.

To Reduce Risk of Wildfire, Family Forest Owners Need More Resources

The 2012 wildfire season could soon be one of the worst on record. Family forest owners need all the conservation tools they can get, and yet resources for private forest owners have diminished steadily over the last decade. That's one reason why AFF launched MyLandPlan.org.

Tree Farmer and Rolling Stones’ Keyboardist Celebrates USDA Anniversary

Chuck Leavell is an American Tree Farm System Certified Tree Farmer, keyboardist with the Rolling Stones, and co-founder of Mother Nature Network. Chuck helped celebrate the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and shared his thoughts on conservation, working forests, and USDA leadership.

Why Woodland Owners Need the USDA Farm Bill

Last week, the Senate Agriculture Committee passed the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012, more commonly referred to as the Farm Bill, with a bipartisan 16-5 vote.  After months of working with staff to make sure the Farm Bill works for forest owners, the American Forest Foundation is excited to see the committee take a big step forward.

Conservation Creates Jobs in America’s Forests

The 2012 Farm Bill reauthorization process has begun! Today, the Senate Agriculture Committee held a Farm Bill conservation hearing, which focused on strengthening conservation in the 2012 Farm Bill.

Tree Farmer Chuck Leavell Receives Lifetime Achievement Grammy Nod

Tree Farmer and musician Chuck Leavell was included in the 2012 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards! Beyond his recognition as a talented and respected musician, Leavell is hugely involved with tree farming, wildlife, and forest management.  In 1999, Chuck and his wife Rose Lane were selected as the National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year, sponsored by STIHL, and their incredible conservation work on Georgia's Charlane Plantation continues to this day.

Congress Wants to Get Rid of Smokey Bear

Congress wants to eliminate funding for the U.S. Forest Service’s conservation education program, which could mean we say farewell to Smokey Bear.

Celebrate and Help Protect America’s Forests

The holidays are a time when I can help out those who are less fortunate and support my community, in order to celebrate one another. When you are making your year-end donations this year, please consider a gift to the American Forest Foundation.

What’s Next for the Farm Bill and Forest Conservation?

The Congressional "supercommittee" was unable to reach an agreement on an alternative to the sequestration as the co-chairs announced. While this unfortunate circumstance will initiate automatic cuts in scores of federal programs, it also leaves more uncertainty in its wake.

Welcome to the Woods: 10 Tips for New Family Forest Owners

New to the world of Tree Farming? Nationally recognized family forest owners provide input on what they believe to be the top 10 tips new Tree Farmers should consider. Thanks to Tree Farmers Putnam Blodgett, Bob and Jean Cooper, Des and Marilyn Jones, and Doug Stinson for their input.

Pests, Begone! Invasive Species Threaten Family Forests

Invasive species present a major threat to America’s family forests. Nonnative insects and plants that migrate to non-indigenous forests can wreak havoc.  More than 27 million acres of state, county and private forests are at risk in the United States. The Continental Dialogue on Non-Native Forest Insects and Diseases is a collaborative effort among hundreds of member organizations and concerned individuals to abate the threat of non-native pests and pathogens in North America.

Wood is Good: How We’re Fighting for Green Building Materials

These days, who doesn’t want to build green? Wood, especially wood from American Tree Farm System certified forests, is one of the greenest building materials out there.

Unfortunately, a new U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) rating system still leaves this green building material high and dry—proposed changes continue to discriminate against wood products compared to other materials. 

My Most Memorable Moments: 2011 Tree Farmer Convention

I am grateful that the Albuquerque airport has free Wi-Fi—I couldn’t wait until I was home to upload and share photos from my first National Tree Farmer Convention. Here are links to my most memorable moments from last week’s event in New Mexico.

Ohio Tree Farmers on Capitol Hill

July 20^th started typically early for Walt and Donna Lange—except with meetings on Capitol Hill in place of the usual planting and weed pulling.  The Langes, who own 32 Ohio acres that help protect the watershed for Lake Erie, came to Washington to represent fellow Tree Farmers.

On the Front Line of Fires

I’m trying to get work done in the crunch time before our National Tree Farmer Convention and have to pause to reflect on the amazing corps of volunteers that ATFS relies on.  This is even more apparent to me in the recent days with fires burning across the country.

Hundreds of Groups Urge Natural Resource Investment

It’s usually next to impossible to get folks in Washington to agree on anything.  And yet, when it comes to protecting our natural resources, you can bet that there is little to argue about.  On June 21, the American Forest Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, the Land Trust Alliance and more than 350 other organizations released a letter to the Obama Administration and Congress  to protect conservation programs in the federal budget. 

New Rule Will Help U.S. Stop Invasives

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has the authority to stop the importation of suspicious plants, but the current rules draw the process out for months and allow potentially harmful plants to continue to enter the country until a final decision is reached.

USDA Finds Agroforestry as a Real Solution

USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan recently announced a plan to promote agroforestry to farmers, ranchers, and woodland owners to enhance their productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship.

AFF’s effort to help more land owners care for their forests

Last week I trekked South with AFF's Southern Forest Conservation Director, Paul Trianosky, to southeast Mississippi to test the waters for the Foundation’s latest pilot project.

Personal Statement to Congress Boosts Tree Farmer Voice in the 2012 Farm Bill

On May 31^st, Karen Serfass testified before Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. 

Karen, a Tree Farmer from Dafter, Michigan, spoke for both the American Forest Foundation and the 95,000 Tree Farmers the foundation works with every day.

Karen reminded the Committee that most Americans don’t realize that forests provide tremendous public benefits: clean water, clean air, wood products, and wildlife habitat.

Conservation, Industry Groups Applaud USDA for Green Building Leadership

Wood products are good for jobs, particularly in rural economies, and strong markets for wood products help keep working forests as forests. Secretary Tom Vilsack and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently developed a new green building strategy to promote wood products as an environmentally preferable building material. AFF, along with 40 conservation, landowner and industry partners, want to thank USDA for its continuing leadership on this issue by becoming a cheerleader for wood products.

Southern Forest Futures Project Portrays Growing Threats to Family Forests

The results of the new Southern Forest Futures Project, released this week, focus on potential future scenarios that can be influenced by both proactive policy and cooperative, on-the-ground action.

[Video] Don't Leave Family Forest Owners Out on a Limb

There’s no question that Congress is going to make cuts to programs in the 2012 federal budget, but will they maintain the programs that give Tree Farmers tools needed to keep their land healthy for future generations? Check out this new video.

Budget 101: NIFA Renewable Resources Extension Program

The Renewable Resources Extension Program actively supports outreach and education to forest owners, so they have the information they need to be better stewards of their land.

Budget 101: Natural Resource Conservation Service

Forests face more insect and disease threats now more than ever before and it is critical we manage our forests to prevent more devastation and loss of species. AFF's Christine Cadigan continues her Budget 101 series with a post about the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

Budget 101: Farm Bill Conservation Programs

To better highlight the various programs AFF hopes the Subcommittee will support as the FY 2012 budget process unwinds, AFF's Christine Cadigan identifys specific Farm Bill programs and their many benefits. Read Part 2 now.

Budget 101: APHIS Invasive Pest and Pathogens Funding

To better highlight the various programs AFF hopes the Subcommittee will support as the FY 2012 budget process unwinds, AFF's Christine Cadigan has written series of blog posts, identifying specific programs and their many benefits. Read Part 1 now.

Tree Farmer Mathematician: Farm Bill Benefits Really Add Up

Walt and Donna Lange own a 32 acre Tree Farm in Swanton, Ohio. Farm Bill programs have enabled the Lnages to protect their soil, enhance wildlife habitat and provide recreational opportunities for their community. With Congress beginning work on the 2012 Farm Bill, we're looking to hear your Farm Bill stories.

Last Call to Enroll your Land in Conservation Reserve Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). CRP is accepting general applications until April 15^th for those who want to enroll new land in the program. 

Good News for Tree Farmers

We had a terrific meeting with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Dave White, their National Forester Bruce Wight, and the Director of Ecological Services Terrell Erickson on Tuesday, March 22.  The purpose of the meeting was to sign a memorandum of understanding between NRCS and the American Forest Foundation with two key elements.

South Carolina Tree Farmers Lobby State Legislators

In celebration of the 65^th anniversary of the state Tree Farm Program, the South Carolina Tree Farm Committee held on March 2 its first Legislative Day at the State House.

ATFS Honors Colorado Tree Farmer Wes Rutt

We are pleased to announce that Wes Rutt has been awarded the 2010 National Field Leadership Award for having demonstrated outstanding commitment to education and outreach.

Georgia’s Private Forests Provide Services Worth $37 Billion Per Year

Georgia’s private forests provide people with services worth more than $37.6 billion per year, according to a new report made public today in Atlanta. “Quantifying the Value of Non-Timber Ecosystem Services from Georgia’s Private Forests”, supported in part by AFF, was presented to Gov. Nathan Deal at the Georgia State Capitol.

President’s Better Buildings Initiative: Good for Wood?

On a visit to Penn State this week, President Obama outlined his Better Buildings Initiative, a plan to increase energy efficiency in businesses-setting his sights high with a goal of making commercial buildings 20 percent more energy efficient over the next decade.

Care about Wildlife?

Threats to America’s wildlife are predominantly centered around loss of habitat.  The recent report from the U.S. Forest Service, reinforces the need to address habitat loss – specifically on private forest land. That’ s because 60 percent of America’s at-risk wildlife depend on private forests for their habitat.

State Forest Assessments: Climate Change Threatens Our Forests

The 2008 Farm Bill called on each state to complete a Statewide Forest Resource Assessment and Strategy by June 2010. Those assessments have now been published, and climate change is mentioned as a serious threat to forest health in all regions of the country.

Congress Acts In the Nick of Time

The estate tax has been a hot topic in Congress, becoming the main focus of debate over the past two weeks as Congress considered an extension of the Bush tax cuts.  We are happy to say that the debate has been put to rest (for now).

Family Woodlands and the Estate Tax

With all the deal-making that has gone on with the extension of the Bush tax cuts, you might be surprised that the estate tax has become the lightening rod for those who oppose the tax cut package.

Family Forest Owners Continue Fight to Participate in Green Markets

Unfortunately, the majority of the wood from certified forests in the United States is not eligible for the Wood Certification credit under the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Forest Certification Benchmarks.

Progress Toward Fixing the Estate Tax?

AFF continues to call on Congress to fix the estate tax for America’s family forests.

The Perfect Storm

Once Congress gets back to Washington after the Thanksgiving break, there will be more focus on what to do about the “Bush tax cuts for the wealthy.”

America’s Forests Play Critical Role in Climate Change Fight

According to new data released by USDA, America’s forests play an important role in the fight against climate change. And private forests are particularly vital to reducing the carbon pollution that causes climate change.

New National Analysis of Forestry Programs in Farm Bill Released

Congress has done little this year to help address issues facing family forest owners. They failed to pass climate legislation that could create new market opportunities and other incentives for forest owners to sequester carbon and they have yet to address the estate tax, which is one of the biggest threats to America’s family forests. Gridlock and partisan battling have been the norm and solutions-focused legislation a rarity.

The Benefits of Private Forests

Secretary Tom Vilsack released the USDA report, Private Forests, Public Benefits, that brings attention to the additional stress that our privately owned forests are facing from development, fragmentation and increased housing density. This is important to know since 56 percent of America’s forestland is privately owned by individuals and families.

Permanent Estate Tax Reform Proposed

Earlier this week, I introduced a proposal along with my friend Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona to reform the federal estate tax. The proposal would permanently set the estate tax rate at 35 percent, with a $5 million exemption amount phased in over 10 years and indexed for inflation.  It would also provide a “stepped up basis” for inherited assets. The proposal would be included in a package of other measures intended to provide economic relief for our small businesses.

My Longleaf Pine Restoration Story

Saloom Properties, LLC is a 1762 acre Tree Farm in the coastal plains of south Alabama—an area in the natural longleaf range. Historically the longleaf pine was the dominant species of tree at an estimated 60 million acres. This has been reduced to its existing 3.4 million acres. We have seen a resurgence of restoration of the longleaf back to its natural ecosystem. Each year more acres are being planted and managed by private family forest owners.

Family Forests Vital to Longleaf Pine Restoration

In April, President Obama established the Great Outdoors Initiative to develop a conservation and recreation agenda “worthy of the 21st Century and to reconnect people to the great outdoors.”

Using Market Forces to Protect Nature’s Benefits

Using market forces to protect and restore America’s air, water and land was the theme of the 3rd Annual Conference on Ecosystem Markets, sponsored by the American Forest Foundation and World Resources Institute.

Tom Vilsack: Unlikely Partnership for Our Clean Energy Future

In an opinion article published today in the Richmond Times Dispatch, Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, says the tremendous economic and environmental costs of the Gulf oil spill make more apparent than ever the need to make the president’s vision for a 21st century clean energy economy a reality.  “America can no longer rely on energy sources that are growing increasingly difficult to find and utilize,” he writes. 

Keeping Forests, Forests: Insights from Missouri

Getting out of Washington, D.C. to hear first-hand about the challenges and opportunities facing America’s private forest landowners is one of the best parts of my job.

Harris Sherman: America’s Forests are Vital

Tom Martin, President and CEO of AFF, joined Secretary of USDA, Tom Vilsack, Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment, Harris Sherman, and Assistant Undersecretary Ann Wright at the National Summit of Rural America, held in Hillsboro, Missouri.

Alabama Forest Stewardship Meets AFF Standards

ATFS announced today that the program formally recognizes Alabama’s Forest Stewardship plans as meeting management planning requirements for family forest landowners.

AFF Leading Efforts for Forest-Climate Coalition

Today, the Forest Climate Working Group, a diverse coalition of forestry, conservation, industry, and carbon finance organizations let by AFF and the Trust for Public Land (TPL), weighed in with Senate leadership calling for a strong role for U.S. forests and harvested wood products in climate legislation.

Forest Cover is Declining in Every New England State

The new report released today by Harvard Forest and the Smithsonian Institute, Wildlands and Woodlands should be a wake up call to all of us that we need to work even more diligently to protect and enhance America’s woodlands.

Climate and Energy Bill: What it Means for America’s Forest Owners

Today, Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) released a climate and energy bill, after months of negotiation. Climate and energy legislation has the potential to stimulate new markets for family forest owners through carbon and forest biomass markets. By putting family forests to work on climate solutions, we can create more made-in-America jobs.

Wood Products Part of New Home Retrofit Legislation

Thanks to the leadership of Congressman Stupak (D-MI) wood products language was included in an amendment that passed on the House floor as part of the legislation.   The American Forest Foundation, along with other partner groups, has been working to secure the wood products addition.

Obama: Forest Conservation is Good for the Economy

President Obama spoke at the America’s Great Outdoors conference and emphasized the importance of private working lands, and the vital role of partnerships between government and private landowners.

New CEO & President Tom Martin Talks About His Family Tree Farm

I am excited to become the new leader of the American Forest Foundation because it really touches what I am passionate about. I’d like to stay in touch with more of you through our new blog, with my first post focusing on family forests and future ones to focus on environmental education, policy and other issues.  I would really like to hear your ideas, comments and feedback.

New study finds controlled burns may help reduce U.S. carbon footprint

National Center for Atmospheric Research scientists report that controlled burns (prescribed fire is another term) used in forest management to reduce the underbrush and protect bigger trees, release substantially less carbon dioxide emissions than widlfires of the same size.

Climate bill needs incentives for small forest owners like me

Lost in the growing climate change debate is an understanding about what the policy options will mean for the 504,000 people like me who manage forest land in the state of Georgia.

Tree Farm certification will become more popular in Tennesee and Alabama

Everyday more and more landowners are deciding to seek certification for their Tree Farms. This growing trend toward Tree Farm certification is on the rise with the increasing demand from consumers for products like wood and paper that are produced in a sustainable manner from trees.

Family-owned forests can help fuel America’s renewable energy

A recent Washington Post article entitled “The unintended ripples from the biomass subsidy program”, raised valid points concerning the issues facing the renewable energy and forest products industry.

What Is Market-Based Conservation?

Market-based conservation is exactly what it sounds like: conservation of natural areas supported by market mechanisms. This means providing woodland owners with an economic incentive to conserve their woodlands for clean air, clean water, and wildlife habitat. Because we haven’t historically put an economic value on ecosystem services, they are traditionally undervalued.    

Climate Change: What Have Forests Got to Do with It?

“Much of the focus at this week’s climate summit in Copenhagen will be on capping the emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.

Punxsutawney Phil Goes to Washington

Punxsutawney Phil was just beginning to snuggle down in his borrow for the cold winter when Bill Cooper, a member of Phil’s “Inner Circle” of handlers, made one final request for a good cause.  It seems the world-famous Phil was needed as a star attraction at a Washington, DC benefit for family woodland owners sponsored by the American Forest Foundation. 

Eastman Chemical Company in Texas Recognized

The Eastman Chemical Company in East Texas, a Certified Tree Farm under the American Tree Farm System, was  recently selected as a “Certified Forest Steward.”

Having our wood count toward renewable fuels

Last month, one of our family forest landowners from Virginia, Anitra Webster, testified on Capitol Hill about the Renewable Fuel Standard and how it could impact family forest owners across the country.

Tips for involving the next generation

“The best fertilizer for the land is the footsteps of the owners.”

Can harvesting trees for energy benefit forests?

Listen to what VA. Tech’s head of forestry has to say about the potential role of forests in managing our nation’s energy future. The American Forest Foundation partners with Earth & Sky Radio Series to produce broadcasts on the current issues facing the 10 million family forest owners in the U.S.

Potential to Amass More Carbon in Eastern North American Forests

ScienceDaily (2009-04-11) — With climate change looming, the hunt for places that can soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is on. Obvious “sinks” for the greenhouse gas include the oceans and the enormous trees of tropical rainforests.  But temperate forests also play a role, and new research now suggests they can store more carbon than previously thought. … Read full article at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090406192333.htm

Oregon Woodland Owners Consider Selling Carbon Credits

Check out this article from the Oregonian by Matthew Preusch about revenue opportunities for family forest owners by storing and selling carbon emission offset credits.

MANNING — With all the worries climate change conjures — swelling carbon footprints, dissolving Antarctic ice sheets — it helps to walk through Peter Hayes’ woods and hear how they could help slow the planet’s warming.

OSU grant to help family foresters keep timberland in family

America’s family forest owners are an aging group, with one third over 65 years old and one fourth over 75. After a lifetime of forest stewardship, they are asking who will continue the forest when they’re gone–or who will develop it.

State Conservationist for Forest Stewardship Awards Announced

State Conservationist for Forest Stewardship Awards for 2008 were awarded by the American Forest Foundation to four Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) employees and their staffs in Alabama, Missouri, Washington and the Eastern Region of NRCS.