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. In 2020, ATFS revised the Standards of Sustainability. The 2021 STANDARDS OF SUSTAINABILITY provides detailed information about the requirements for certification. You can learn more about the Standards of Sustainability in this webinar An Overview of the 2021 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 |
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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 a regeneration harvest site and nonstocked areas where tree growing is consistent with land use practices and the landowner’s objectives.
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Standard 4: Air, Water and Soil ProtectionForest management practices maintain or enhance the ecosystems and ecosystem services provided by the forest, 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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