Why ATFS? -

*  "ATFS works to sustain America’s family-owned forests and the clean water and air, wildlife, wood products and recreational opportunities these forests provide. ATFS does this by empowering woodland owners to be effective stewards of the land and by setting sustainable forest management standards that are used by thousands of family-owned forests certified by ATFS."

*  For nearly 75 years, "ATFS has enhanced the quality of America’s woodlands by giving private forest owners the tools they need to keep their forests healthy and productive.’’

 *  "ATFS provides a credible, sustainable source of certified raw material, so landowners, suppliers and brand owners alike can have the confidence that ATFS certified wood is grown in America by families and individuals who work hard to ensure the wood is produced with the highest environmental standards," noted Tom Martin, AFF’s President and CEO.

Recognition [&] Certification -

*  Tree Farm started out as a recognition only program.

*  Offered landowners contact with and management advice from a professional forester.

*  Re-inspections every five years.

*  Opportunity to become the State / National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year.

*  Aligned with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and became certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) in 2008.

*  States Voice-States Choice options offered in 2014.

 New set of Standards rolled out this year.