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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