Arkansas Tree Farm Program

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Arkansas Tree Farm Programan overview

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What is a Tree Farmer?Tree Farmers are forest land owners who have been recognized as good stewards of their property. They have had to meet certain requirements of good forest management. They have had to demonstrate a dedication to the wise use of natural resources through activities on their land.

Certified Tree Farmers qualify to display the familiar green and white, diamond-shaped Tree Farm sign signifying that they are a part of the nationwide Tree Farm system. The sign is presented by the Arkansas Tree Farm Committee to forest owners who have been certified by one of their volunteer inspecting foresters.

The Arkansas program is a component of the American Tree Farm System and is administered by the Arkansas Forestry Association.



History:The term “tree farming” was first used in about 1940 to introduce the public to sustainable forestry terminology they could easily understand. The first Tree Farm was established in 1941 by Weyerhaeuser in Montesano, WA as a demonstration area to highlight good forestry practices.It was created, in part, to prove that private owners can properly manage forestlands and that government regulations or oversight of practices was not necessary. Soon after state committees were started in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Oregon, and Washington, where the focus became recognition of good stewardship on family forestlands.


June 6, 1942 - Ceremony launched state Tree Farm program held in Fordyce, Arkansas. 22 landowners awarded signs and certificates. Miss Billie Wilson, Queen of the Arkansas Tree Farm System, sits on throne.




In the late 1980s, concerns resurfaced about the ability to sustainably manage forests. By the late 1990s, the public demand for certified wood had reached a tipping point; people wanted to know that the wood products they used were not sourced in a way the harmed the environment. Tree Farm had reached a critical juncture; would it continue as a recognition program, or would it transition into a certification system?

By 1998, it was determined that, in order to remain relevant, the Tree Farm System needed to become a certification organization , and the 2000 Standards of Sustainability were soon developed. For the first time, written and active plans addressing water quality standards, sustainable forest management were required.


The Standards, which are revised every five years, serve as the basis for the ATFS program. Landowners who follow these Standards are recognized around the world as ambassadors for sustainable woodland stewardship.

Participation in the ATFS program and management to the ATFS Standards is voluntary. Ultimately, it is your responsibility as a woodland owner to ensure that your management plan and on-the-ground activities enhance the long-term sustainability of your woodlands.


ATFS is the most economically viable certification option for small family forest owners. The reason we can offer this service is because of the commitment of you: our nationwide three thousand plus corps of inspecting foresters. Tree Farm is built on your professionalism; you provide the on-the-ground validation which is essential to Tree Farm’s integrity, and the confidence that this is an exemplary program.

Tree Farm recognizes landowners that practice sustainable forestry on their lands and rewards them with the Big Green Sign so that others will also know what they have achieved. We recognize excellence among these “best of the best” through the Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year awards on the state, regional and national level.

Why certification?



Arkansas is more than one-half forest land. Most of this forest land is held in private, tax-paying ownership. Also, most of this land is capable of producing renewable forest crops as well as providing other valuable benefits to society and the forest owner.

Tree Farmers receive deserved recognition of their contribution to the wise use of forest land, and serve as an example to others who own forest land and to those who influence forest land-use policy. Tree Farmers demonstrate their environmental concern for America's renewable resource—TREES.

Why be a Tree Farmer?


How do I participate?A prospective Tree Farm is carefully inspected by a forester for the following items:•At least 10 acres are required for certification•Privately owned, tax-paying forest lands qualify for Tree Farm certification (certain Scout, 4-H, and municipal lands may qualify).•A forest management plan. The objectives of the forest owner are important in judging performance.•Protection must be provided from insects, disease, fire, and destructive grazing.•Harvesting of forest crops is important to utilize the renewable forest resource and to improve the growth of timber.•Dedication to growing repeated forest crops.•Other improvements to the land such as tree planting, timber stand improvement, pruning, stream improvement, and wildlife habitat improvement.


1. As a certified Tree Farmer, you agree to abide by the Standards of Sustainability set forth by the American Forest Foundation.

2. You agree to participate in a 3rd party certification audit.

it also means…


The ATFS South Region includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

These states are assessed on a 4-year rotation.



Today:

# of certified Tree Farms 2,767# of Tree Farm owners 846# of acres certified 459,628



For more information:Jennifer Johnson, administratorArkansas Tree Farm Program [email protected]

http://arkforests.org/treefarm

http://treefarmsystem.org


Education

Arkansas Tree Farm Program