Family Forest Blog
November 8, 2019
AFF Welcomes Vulcan Materials Company as Family Forest Carbon Program Partner
The American Forest Foundation (AFF) announced today that Vulcan Materials Company (VMC), the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates, has joined AFF and its partner, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), in supporting the newly-created Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) to enhance carbon sequestration in family-owned forest land across the U.S.
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.
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 4, 2019
AFF Thanks Congress for Passage of a Disaster Aid Package
AFF applauds Congress on the passage of the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act (H.R. 2157), a package to help forest owners, farmers and other Americans recover from last year’s hurricanes, wildfires and natural disasters.
May 28, 2019
AFF Applauds the Introduction of the Forest Recovery Act in the Senate
AFF applauds Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Marco Rubio of Florida for the introduction and support of the Forestry Recovery Act (S. 1687).
May 28, 2019
American Forest Foundation Brings WoodsCamp to California, Accelerating Wildfire Risk Reduction
To help more California landowners access the funding and technical assistance to reduce wildfire risk and make their forestland more resilient, the American Forest Foundation (AFF) today announced release of the WoodsCamp online tool in California. The online tool gives family forest owners critically important data, resources, and access to expert advice that can improve land health and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire.
May 20, 2019
AFF Statement on Washington’s Shared Stewardship Agreement with Forest Service
The American Forest Foundation (AFF) applauds the recent signing of a Shared Stewardship Memorandum of Understanding, which formalizes a partnership with Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington Fish and Wildlife and the United States Forest Service to support shared goals and existing plans to address forest health, which is a cornerstone of reducing wildfires and providing wildlife habitat and clean water.
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.
March 6, 2019
AFF Statement on California’s Community Wildfire Prevention & Mitigation Report
The American Forest Foundation (AFF) a leading conservation organization that helps America’s family forest owners care for their land, today applauded the leadership of California and CAL FIRE in their efforts to protect vulnerable communities and homes by making our forests more resilient.
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
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 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.