Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
4/13/01
Contacts:
Paul Wray, Forestry Extension, (515) 294-1168, phw@iastate.edu
Elaine Edwards, Continuing Education and Communication
Services, (515) 294-5168, eedwards@iastate.edu
Iowa Tree Farmers Can Have Woodlands Certified
AMES, Iowa -- Iowa woodland owners can join the American Tree Farm System by having their woodland inspected by a certified forester every five years. The certification assures the public that the tree farm produces a wood crop using environmentally sound plans and practices.
"Certification has become an increasingly hot topic in recent years, driven largely by the rising demand for certified wood and paper products worldwide," said Paul Wray, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension forester.
The American Tree Farm System was founded 60 years ago to recognize and encourage good management of private forest properties, Wray said. "The mission has always been to get good forestry on more acres and keep it there," he said. "The tree farm program is the oldest and largest conservation, education, advocacy and certification program for private woodland owners in the United States."
The program currently is working toward becoming a certifying agency for managed and sustained forests, in addition to woodlands.
In Iowa, the American Tree Farm System is supported and sponsored by the Division of Forests and Prairies, ISU Forestry Extension and Iowa's forest industries. Iowa currently has more than 1,000 certified tree farms.
Inspection and certification is free and the only obligation of the landowner is to allow a professional forester to inspect the operation every five years to ensure compliance with American Tree Farm System standards. In return, the landowner receives advice from a professional forester and an annual subscription to Tree Farmer magazine. The owner also may display a membership sign.
For more information about becoming a member of the American Tree Farm System, contact your local Department of Natural Resources district forester or contact ISU Extension Forestry at (515) 294-1168 or phw@iastate.edu.
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