The American Tree Farm System is a network of landowners who are committed to implementing sustainable forestry practices in their forestlands. With more than 92,000 members management 20.5 million acres of forestland, they are both the largest and oldest family woodland system in the U.S. and have garnered international recognition for their commitment to promoting sustainability in forest management practices.

Many landowners are interested in gaining membership to the American Tree Farm System, as it demonstrates one’s dedication to exceptional stewardship of the land through implementing environmentally sound forest management practices with forest health and the preservation of our nation’s rich forestland biodiversity being foremost in importance.

Henderson Forestry Consultants can develop a forest management plan that satisfies all of the below standards of sustainability that the American Tree Farm System requires landowners to meet prior to obtaining certification for their forestlands.

ATFS Certification Requirements

1. The landowner demonstrates commitment to forest health and sustainability by developing a forest management plan, implementing sustainable practices, and seeking opportunities to expand their knowledge and understanding of sustainable forest management
2. Forest management activities comply with all relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances
3. Landowner completes timely restocking of desired species of trees on a regeneration harvest site and non-stocked areas where tree growing is consistent with land use practices and the landowner’s objectives
4. Forest management practices maintain or enhance the ecosystem and eco system services provided by the forest including air, water, soil, and site quality
5. Forest management activities contribute to the conservation of biodiversity (Forests of Recognized Importance [FORI])
6. Forest management activities recognize the value of forest aesthetics
7. Special sites are managed in ways that recognize their unique historical, archaeological, cultural, geological, biological, or ecological characteristics.
8. Forest product harvest and other management activities are conducted in accordance with the landowner’s objectives and consider other forest values

David Henderson, Founder of HFC, was President of the North Carolina Tree Farm Program from 2013-2015. He remains an avid supporter of this program’s efforts and dedication to timberland owners who are committed to sustainably managing their forest for timber production, water quality, wildlife, and recreation. HFC would be happy to prepare your Tree Farm Management Plan and help guide you through the certification process.

To speak with one of our Forestry Consultants, or schedule a free, no-obligation visit to your property, please call our office at: (336) 626-0849 or send us an email at: office@hfcforestry.com

To find out more, visit: treefarmsystem.org or go directly to your state’s ATFS Chapter:

• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Virginia

Much like the American Tree Farm System (link to this section of website), the North Carolina Forest Stewardship Program is a voluntary program that provides recognition to forest landowners that are committed to ethically and environmentally sound forestry practices. This program is tailored to landowners who regard their forestlands as areas of natural beauty, habitat for wildlife species, sites for forest recreation activities, and opportunities for sustainable timber production practices that protect water and soil quality.

Proper Forest Stewardship Plans:

• Preserve water quality of all hydrological features on site (streams, rivers, ponds, etc.)
• Improve wildlife habitat for aquatic, land-dwelling, and avian animals alike
• Enhance soil productivity while minimizing erosion
• Maintain both the health and productivity of forests
• Enhance the natural beauty that the land provides
• Support the potential for forest-related recreational activities within the property

Contact HFC for more information on preparing a Stewardship Plan for your property and guidance on how to get involved with this exceptional program.

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