Certification

Forest certification gives consumers assurance that products they purchase originate from sustainably managed forests that protect economic, social and environmental benefits. The American Tree Farm System has certification options to meet the forest certification needs of landowners, state agencies and organizations, and other natural resource organizations.

	WHAT IS CERTIFICATION? Forest certification is a voluntary process that identifies and recognizes forest land that meets a standard of sustainability. During the certification process a trained natural resource professional reviews the landowner’s management plan and evaluates land management practices against the standard. Periodic inspections are performed in order to maintain certification.
	THE STANDARDS The Standards of Sustainability are the road map woodland owners must follow as they work to obtain or maintain certification in the American Tree Farm System. Read further for detailed information about the requirements for certification.
	BECOMING A CERTIFIED TREE FARMER ATFS is the United States’ oldest family forest certification program. In 1941, ATFS began promoting responsible forest management on our nation’s private forests. ATFS certification gives family woodland owners confidence and validation that they are doing right by their land.
	INSPECTORS Tree Farm Inspectors are the backbone of the N.C. Tree Farm Program. These foresters and natural resource professionals volunteer their time to educate forest landowners on the requirements for certification and to see them through the certification process.