One of the true highlights of our first year of land ownership was achieving American Tree Farm System (ATFS) Certification. “ATFS-certified family forests meet eight standards of sustainability and are managed for multiple purposes: water, wildlife, wood and recreation.” All Certified Family Forest owners have a management plan that addresses air, water, soil quality, wildlife, special sites, invasive species and integrated pest management as described in the ATFS Standards of Sustainability.

Certified forests are an important source of locally grown, sustainable wood and a principal source of fiber for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI, Inc.). Certification is the first step in the timber’s “chain of custody”, and as well as representing good forest stewardship, may command extra financial value at time of harvest.

While the certification is an honor, it also represents a formalization of our commitment to follow through and support current our comprehensive management plan. We are up for the challenge!

Sign up for a free ATFS eNewsletter here.