Standards of Sustainability Guidance

Follow the links below for guidance on writing a forest management plan and filling out an inspection form for the American Tree Farm System Standards of Sustainability.

	Pages 1 and 2 of the Inspection Form The first page and a half of the Tree Farm Inspection Record is where the inspector records information about the landowner, the property and the inspection process. Follow the link below for guidance on filling out this section of the inspection report. Guidance for Pages 1 and 2
	Standard 1: Commitment to Practicing Sustainable Forestry Landowner demonstrates commitment to forest health and sustainability by developing a forest management plan, implementing sustainable practices and seeking opportunities to expand their knowledge and understanding of sustainable forest management. Guidance for Standard 1
	Standard 2: Compliance With Laws Forest management activities comply with all relevant federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances. Guidance for Standard 2
	Standard 3: Reforestation and Afforestation Landowner completes timely restocking of desired species of trees on a regeneration harvest site and nonstocked areas where tree growing is consistent with land use practices and the landowner’s objectives. Guidance for Standard 3
	Standard 4: Air, Water and Soil Protection Forest management practices maintain or enhance the ecosystems and ecosystem services provided by the forest, including air, water, soil and site quality. Guidance for Standard 4
	Standard 5: Fish, Wildlife, Biodiversity and Forest Health Forest management activities contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. Guidance for Standard 5
	Standard 6: Forest Aesthetics Forest management activities recognize the value of forest aesthetics. Guidance for Standard 6
	Standard 7: Protect Special Sites Special sties are managed in ways that recognize their unique historical, archeological cultural, geological, biological or ecological characteristics. Guidance for Standard 7
	Standard 8: Forest Product Harvests and Other Activities Forest product harvests and other management activities are conducted in accordance with the landowner’s objectives and consider other forest values. Guidance for Standard 8