History of the American Farm ® System

The term “tree farming” was first used in the 1940s to introduce the public to sustainable terminology they could easily understand. By linking the term “farming” with , could communicate the concept of sustainable production of products over time. Tree farming implies commitment to the land and was the philosophical opposite of the “cut-out and get-out” philosophy of the early 20th century.

The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) was established in “ is a response to concerns PENNSYLVANIA TREE FARM PROGRAM that America’s private crop. Forestry is were being cut at unsustainable rates tree farming” without . — Gifford Pinchot, The first Tree Farm Sustainingforests, First chief of the was dedicated in 1941 USDA Forest Service. in Washington State. watersheds, and healthy

ATFS is now in 48 states. Its mission is to promote the habitats through the power growing of renewable forest resources on private lands while protecting environmental benefits and increasing of private stewardship public understanding of all the benefits provided by productive forests. Outreach and education are central to the Tree Farm mission. For information about participating in the Pennsylvania Tree Farm program contact The program in Pennsylvania operates through a state the PENNSYLVANIA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION Tree Farm committee and is sponsored by the 300 North Second Street, Suite 1002 Pennsylvania Forestry Association. The committee Harrisburg, PA 17101 operates under the guidance of the American Tree Farm Phone: 800-835-8065 Email: [email protected] System sponsored by the American Forest Foundation in Washington D.C. W W W . P A T R E E F A R M . O R G

Qualifications for theTree Farm Program

• Minimum of 10 forested acres

• Privately held, non-industrial property

• Commitment to long-term sustainable Getting Started • Meets minimum standards of sustainability including: Sound forest management begins with determining your objectives. Work with a professional to determine - Written and implemented forest management plan what you have on your land and develop a plan that meets your needs. AMERICAN TREE FARM SYSTEM - Timber harvests done in a sustainable fashion There are currently over 100 certified tree farm inspecting - Should use certified and insured contractors and trained foresters in Pennsylvania. To receive a list of these treefarmsystem.org loggers individuals, contact The Pennsylvania Forestry Association office or visit us online.

Benefits of What is a Belonging Tree Farm? • Internationally recognized forest certification • Consultation with a certified Tree Farm A Tree Farm is more than pine or forestry professional on a periodic basis, at no cost Christmas trees. Tree Farms are varied in nature and contain many different habitats for wildlife and stages • Complimentary Pennsylvania Forestry of forest growth, from seedlings to mature timber. Association membership • Subscription to Pennsylvania Forests magazine Tree Farms are working examples of applied forestry. They are privately-owned managed forests producing • Subscription to the Forest Leaves monthly newsletter continuous crops of trees while providing wildlife habitat, • Information and updates on forest related clean water, and outdoor recreation. legislative issues

Landowner representation at the state and national The American Tree Farm System is a nationwide com- • PENNSYLVANIA TREE FARM level munity of individuals and families joined by their desire PROGRAM to practice good forest stewardship. The Pennsylvania • Invitation to the Pennsylvania Tree Farmer of Tree Farm program targets the more than 500,000 the Year field day private forest landowners in the State. The program http://patreefarm.cas.psu.edu paforestry.org/treefarm/tf -about • Participation in the State, Regional and encourages them to do an effective job of growing trees National Tree Farmer of the Year Contest as a crop. • Right to display Tree Farm sign and certificate