Family Forest Blog
January 15, 2019
What will we see for forest owners thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill?
With the new 2018 Farm Bill, families will be able to do even more for conservation, thanks to positive changes made to the forestry policy and funding provisions.
December 20, 2018
Innovations to Engage More Landowners and Drive Certification Growth
AFF is focused on removing barriers—such as cost, awareness, landowner outreach challenges, forester capacity limitations, among others - that currently prevent more family forest owners from participating in active stewardship.
December 12, 2018
AFF Supports Farm Bill Conference Report that Recognizes Family Forest Owner Needs
The American Forest Foundation (AFF) a leading conservation organization that helps America’s family forest owners care for their land, today expressed strong support for the 2018 Farm Bill conference report, which includes new tools and support for stewardship of family forest lands.
December 5, 2018
American Forest Foundation and The Forest Trust Partner to Advance Sustainable Supply Chains
This partnership will enable brands to more seamlessly engage in on-the-ground work with private landowners to transform their supply chains and drive positive outcomes in the places they source wood. The work will also support markets that encourage family forest owners to take conservation action in their woods.
October 30, 2018
National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year 2018: Koral and Randy Clum
Koral and Randy Clum of Ohio have dedicated their professional and personal lives to managing forests for healthy trees, wildlife, and clean water and air. Over the past 25 years, they’ve shaped Hepatica Falls Tree Farm into a showcase of productive, sustainable forestland, all the while helping others manage their woodlands for generations to come.
October 30, 2018
Ohio Tree Farmers Named National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year
Tree Farmers celebrate the impact of quality forest management and share their experiences to educate others in the community. This year’s honorees are Randy and Koral Clum of east central Ohio.
October 25, 2018
Verifying Sustainability at Meaningful Scale: The Landscape Approach
As companies seek to meet their sustainability goals with recycled, certified, and verified content, a landscape level approach to sourcing can ensure best management practices, increase landowner engagement, and improve conservation impact. A new tool from AFF and the Forest Products Working Group aims to do just that.
October 11, 2018
AFF Applauds Appointment of Vicki Christiansen as US Forest Service Chief
The following statement can be attributed to Tom Martin, President and CEO of the American Forest Foundation (AFF), in response to the announcement that Vicki Christiansen will serve as the 19th Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service.
October 9, 2018
American Forest Foundation Receives Dutch Sustainability Recognition for Family Forest Owners
ATFS Certification first forest management standard approved for Dutch biomass sustainability verification.
September 20, 2018
Bringing new technologies to landowners, AFF acquires start-up company and web-based solution
The American Forest Foundation (AFF), in 2015 set a new vision to significantly increase the number of family forest owners caring for their land and making a positive impact on clean water, wildlife habitat, and sustainable wood supplies. In order to reach its goals, AFF has been implementing a variety of new strategies and tactics – partnerships, and modern-day outreach methods – to help connect with more landowners and help them overcome the initial barriers to forest stewardship. Taking this work to the next level, AFF has recently focused on technology, adding a new web-based tool, WoodsCamp, to help streamline the process of matching landowners with conservation programs and opportunities.
September 20, 2018
New Landscape Management Plan Increasing Tree Farm Enrollment
The Landscape Management Plan (LMP) is being piloted and tested in two key landscapes – across 22 counties in Northern Alabama and 16 counties of the panhandle of Florida. In each landscape, a LMP was created in partnership with state forestry agencies, and partners like conservation groups and universities. In these small, but distinct landscapes, the LMP has exploded enrollment to ATFS and helped to overcome key challenges for foresters assisting landowners.
August 29, 2018
AFF Applauds Appointment of James Hubbard to Undersecretary
Statement from AFF President and CEO Tom Martin Regarding the Senate confirmation of James Hubbard to U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary of Natural Resources and Environment (USDA).
August 16, 2018
AFF Supports the USFS's Shared Stewardship Approach to Reduce Wildfire Risk
Statement from AFF President and CEO Tom Martin Regarding the U.S. Forest Service Release of the Toward Shared Stewardship Across Landscapes report.
August 10, 2018
ATFS By the Numbers - Highlights Volunteer Passion and Commitment
The American Tree Farm System, a 78-year-old program that helps family forest owners to care for their land and keep it productive for clean water, wildlife habitat, sustainable wood supplies, recreation and more - releases its 2018 numbers. This includes number of Tree Farmers in the program and highlights from the ATFS state committee's volunteer work on the ground.
July 24, 2018
Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers Amazing Examples of Long-term Commitment to Stewardship
Recently, we announced this year’s four American Tree Farm System (ATFS) Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year: Jon and Carol Gould of Vernon, Florida; Russell Black of Wilton, Maine; Randy and Koral Clum of Dover, Ohio; and Dan Kingsbury of Olalla, Washington. As you read about their accomplishments, you will notice a common thread throughout each of their stories: a long-term commitment to stewardship of their forests.