The first American Tree Farm dates back to the 1940's when private forest landowners began to manage their forestlands for the sustainable production of forest products. 

 

Today, the American Tree Farm System is a point of pride for many forest landowners who proudly display post Tree Farm signs on their property. 

 

Tree Farmers are committed to the health of their privately owned forests while creating recreational activities, wildlife habitat, clean water and timber. 

 

While Tree Farmers are bonded by this common goal, their respective management goals are diverse and are often reflected in the individual management plan.        

 

The first Tree Farm was designated in Montesano, Washington just before the beginning of World War II, in 1941. 

 

The goal was to establish select Tree Farms that could serve as demonstration sites to other forest landowners, highlighting the benefits of scientific forestry. 

 

Within a few years, ATFS spread to virtually all forested states in the United States, embracing thousands of family forest owners.