Family Forest Blog
August 22, 2019
American Forest Foundation Announces Intent to Revise ATFS Standards of Sustainability
Today, the American Forest Foundation (AFF) announced it itends to initiate the revision process for its Standards of Sustainability (Standards) for Forest Certification for the American Tree Farm System(ATFS) program. ATFS, a program of AFF, is internationally endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), which connects the extensive network of small family-owned forests to markets around the world.
August 19, 2019
New Tool Helps Alabama Landowners Do More on Their Land
Brinley and Martha Hocutt of Alabama can trace the ownership of the land back to the Civil War. They wanted to make sure that they were doing everything possible to ensure the health of their woodlands. With the help of AFF's Landscape Management Plan tool, they have become members of the Tree Farm program and are doing more to reach their management goals.
July 24, 2019
Forest Owners in Alabama, Maryland, Missouri and Washington Named Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers
Today, the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) announced four Tree Farmer families from among more than 70,000 certified Tree Farmers as this year’s Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year. They are Stan and Suzanne Wood of Bremen, Alabama; Bill and Tina Buckel of Bittinger, Maryland; Mike Trial of Columbia, Missouri; and David and Dar New of Bellingham, Washington.
June 3, 2019
A Forester's Perspective on the Landscape Management Plan
The American Forest Foundation (AFF) introduced a new approach to forest management plans, the landscape management plan to streamline the onboarding and American Tree Farm System certification process for both foresters and landowners. Hear directly from Florida Forest Service forester Greg Marshall on this new tool and how it's helping foresters spend more time with landowners.
May 20, 2019
Past, Present, and Future in the American Tree Farm System
Recently the American Forest Foundation (AFF) welcomed Angela Wells as the new Western Regional Tree Farm Manager. Having grown up on a certified Tree Farm, Angela has developed a deep personal connection with the program. This connection with the program is exactly what made her the perfect addition to our team.
April 1, 2019
FourTee Acres: Connecting the Generations
Tyrone Williams squinted into the sun as he looked toward the newly planted tract of loblolly pines on his 62-acre property in Enfield, North Carolina. The air was fragrant with the trees’ scent. He thought about his ancestors and how they surely stood in this very same spot.
March 26, 2019
American Tree Farm System Honors Bill Chaney as 2019 National Outstanding Inspector of the Year
The American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) is pleased to recognize Bill Chaney of Arkansas as the 2019 National Outstanding Inspector of the Year. Chaney was selected from among more than 2,500 inspectors nationwide for his exceptional on-the-ground work with family forest owners and commitment to the American Tree Farm System.
March 26, 2019
Young Female Forester Awarded for Leadership to Forestry Community
The American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) is pleased to recognize Brittany VanderWall of Michigan with the 2019 National Leadership Award. The award recognizes the efforts of extraordinary volunteers for their leadership in motivating other volunteers, educating landowners and accomplishing his or her state committee’s forest conservation goals.
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.
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 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
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 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.