The Standards
The Standards of Sustainability are the road map woodland owners must follow as they work to obtain or maintain certification in the American Tree Farm System. The 2015-2020 STANDARDS AND GUIDANCE provides detailed information about the requirements for certification. You can learn more about the Standards of Sustainability in this webinar An Overview of the 2015-2020 Standards and What it Means for You.
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Standard 1: Commitment to Practicing Sustainable ForestryLandowner demonstrates commitment to forest health and sustainability by developing a forest management plan and implementing sustainable practices. |
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Standard 2: Compliance With LawsForest-management activities comply with all relevant federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances. |
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Standard 3: Reforestation and AfforestionLandowner completes timely restocking of desired species of trees on harvested sites and nonstocked areas where tree growing is consistent with land-use practices and landowner’s objectives.
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Standard 4: Air, Water and Soil ProtectionForest-management practices maintain or enhance the environment and ecosystems, including air, water, soil and site quality. |
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Standard 5: Fish, Wildlife, Biodiversity and Forest HealthForest-management activities contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. Standard 5 addresses Forests of Recognized Importance.
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Standard 6: Forest AestheticsForest-management activities recognize the value of forest aesthetics. |
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Standard 7: Protect Special SitesSpecial sites are managed in ways that recognize their unique historical, archaeological, cultural, geological, biological or ecological characteristics. |
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Standard 8: Forest Product Harvests and Other ActivitiesForest product harvests and other management activities are conducted in accordance with the landowner’s objectives and consider other forest values.
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