Missouri Tree Farm Program
Behind the sign of good forestry
About Tree Farming
"Wood is a crop. Forestry is Tree Farming."
— Gifford Pinchot, First chief of the USDA Forest Service.
The American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) is a program
that promotes sustainable management of forests through education and
outreach to private forest landowners. Founded in 1941, ATFS is
the oldest and largest forest certification, conservation, and advocacy
program in the United States. ATFS has 87,000 members who own 26 million
acres of private forestland. America’s Tree Farmers are committed
to excellence in forest stewardship.
A Certified Tree Farm is a privately owned forest that
is managed for wood, water, wildlife, and recreation. Additional benefits
include improved habitat, watershed protection, outdoor recreation, and
aesthetic value.
Tree Farmers manage their forestland for pride, profit,
and pleasure. They help meet our nation's growing need for wood and paper
products while doing their part to sustain our environment.
The Tree Farm program operates through State Tree Farm
Committees in 46 states in partnership with over 4,400 volunteer professional
foresters - from industry, government, and consulting firms.
State Tree Farm Committees provide outreach, education,
and recognition services to landowners. They make arrangements for
foresters to inspect and certify Tree Farms and then reinspect the land
periodically. These on-the-ground inspections determine whether
the property meets the American Forest Foundation’s standards and
guidelines, Standards of Sustainability for Forest Certification.
To become a certified Tree Farmer you must be a private
woodland owner with 10 or more acres willing to develop and carry out
a long-range management plan according to the AFF Standards of Sustainability
for Forest Certification.
Certified Missouri Tree Farmers receive a Tree Farm
certificate of participation and the well recognized diamond shaped green
and white Tree Farm sign that is the sign of sustainable forestry. They
also receive at least one annual complimentary issue to the award winning
publication, Tree Farmer Magazine, and Missouri Tree Farm newsletter,
Green Horizons. ATFS is recognized as a source of certified
wood in forest product markets, positioning America’s Tree Farmers
as preferred suppliers.
Certified Tree Farms are eligible to compete in local,
state, regional and national Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year awards.
Additionally, Tree Farmers are invited to the National Tree Farmer Convention,
conferences, field days, educational tours, and seminars that teach them
how to become even better forest stewards.
To get started or for more information call the Missouri
Tree Farm Program (573-634-3252) or apply
online. The Tree Farm administrative office will have a professional
forester contact you to arrange a visit with you at your property to determine
your objectives for the property, assist with a management plan to reflect
your goals, and then submit your plan and information for certification.
Resource Links
Staff Contact
Communications Coordinator
Tree Farm Administrator
Executive Assistant
Tammy Homfeldt
505 East State Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101-3084
573-634-3252
573-636-2591 Fax
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