The American Tree Farm System is sponsored by the American Forest Foundation (AFF). Landowners are recognized for excellent forestry practices on private forest lands.

Members of the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) promote the growing of renewable forest resources on their forest land while protecting environmental benefits and are encouraged to strive to increase public understanding of all benefits of productive forestry.

Landowners who wish to become involved in the American Tree Farm System must have an active forest management plan which takes into consideration maintenance and or enhancement of wood and fiber production, wildlife habitat, water quality and recreational opportunities.

To become a certified Tree Farm, foresters from the division, consulting or industry foresters must inspect the property to ensure that the landowner is practicing sustainable forestry. A nomination form is submitted for consideration.

Following certification, landowners receive a Tree Farm sign to place on their property. This recognition is intended to raise the visibility of the practitioners in their communities and to inspire and motivate other surrounding nonmanaging forest landowners to practice sustainable forestry.

To maintain certification, landowners must continue to implement forest practices. Their property will be reinspected every five years.

Interested landowners should contact the division's district office serving their county and a forester will contact them.