NH Tree Farm Program
About Tree Farming
The American Tree Farm System is a nationwide program that
encourages private forest owners to actively manage their forests in a
sustainable manner for multiple values.
A Tree Farm is a privately
owned forest managed to produce timber with added benefits of improved wildlife
habitat, water quality, recreation, and scenic values. There are also municipal
watersheds, school forests and other public ownerships certified as Tree Farms.
Nationwide, nearly 54,000 Tree Farmers manage 30 million acres of woodlands for
pride, profit and pleasure and help meet the nation's growing need for wood and
paper products.
The Tree Farm System was launched in
1941 by the nation's wood-using industries. The system is managed by the
American Forest Foundation.
Operating funds for the program come from forest landowners, forest industry
and others interested in encouraging good forestry on private
lands.
What is a Tree Farmer?
A Tree Farmer is a forest
landowner who is recognized by the American Forest Foundation for practicing
forest management for timber, recreation, wildlife habitat and watershed
values.
To qualify, a landowner must:
- Dedicate at least 10 acres to growing and harvesting forest products;
- Have a written plan for the future management of their forest;
- Follow management recommendations prescribed by a licensed forester;
- Demonstrate a commitment to stewardship of their forest for multiple values.
Why be a Tree Farmer?
Over half the forestland available for management in New Hampshire is privately owned. As demands for forest products increase, it is important that private forests be managed wisely. This benefits both the landowner and the public.
Newly certified Tree Farmers receive information about state and national
Tree Farm program events through the biannual Granite State Tree Farmer
newsletter and a complimentary initial copy and annual issue of the National
Tree Farmer Magazine with an invitation to subscribe. They also receive
a complimentary one year membership in the Society for the Protection of
New Hampshire Forests. Through these publications, members are kept informed
of the latest legislative and conservation issues, tax information, educational
workshops and field trips.
Getting
Started
Sound forest management begins with knowing what you have on
your land - tree species and timber types, wildlife habitat features, and water
resources. Once you have identified these characteristics, you are ready to
determine your objectives and develop a management plan. A professional
forester can help you with all of these steps.
A free inspection of
your woodlands can be arranged by the New Hampshire Tree Farm Executive
Committee or your local
University of
New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Forest Resource Educator.
Pioneer Tree Farm
If you are just discovering the benefits
of forest management and have yet to meet all the qualifications for full
certification, you may be eligible for Pioneer Tree Farm status. We will
visit your woodland and provide information to help you develop a management
plan. We will offer you some time to implement your plans and, upon
reinspection, determine whether your forest qualifies for full certification.
To Become a Tree Farmer
Prospective Tree Farms are inspected
by a professional forester at no charge to the landowner. A landowner must meet
the certification standards established by the NH Tree Farm Performance Rating
System. New Hampshire Tree Farms have traditionally met some of the highest
standards for certification in all of the 50 states. You'll be proud to be a
Tree Farmer, as you and your forest will demonstrate responsible management of
our most valuable, renewable resource.
For more information
contact:
NH Tree Farm Committee
54 Portsmouth Street
Concord,
NH 03301
(603) 224-9945
The New Hampshire Tree Farm Program is
sponsored by:
- Granite State Division of the Society of American Foresters
- New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association
- Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests
- University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension
One of the criteria for to qualify as a Tree Farmer is a management plan - without one you can't be a Tree Farmer. There are some basic elements that need to be in plan in order to qualify. This sample plan satisfies the American Tree Farm System management plan requirements. It may require assistance from a licensed forester. Although Tree Farm inspecting foresters volunteer their time to certify and re-inspect Tree Farms, the creation of a plan may require more in-depth service and thus a fee.
Forms and Policies
NH Tree Farm Rating Sheet is used by the inspecting forester to evaluate a property to see that it meets the high program standards. The Instructions for Inspecting Foresters is an aid to filling out that form. They also fill out a national rating inspection record (known as the "004 form"). This record is submitted to the American Forest Foundation in Washington, DC.
When changes to ownership or acreage occurs between inspections, the NH Tree Farm Change Form is used to update the records.
Properties over 2,000 acres need to be inspected by a team according to the team inspection policy.
Certification/ Recertification/ Decertification/ Dispute Policies is a comprehensive description of these policies.
Displaying the Tree Farm Sign
Signs make the invisible, visible. That's what Tree Farm signs are for: to notify the passing public that the green countryside they are passing is a managed forest. Tree Farms will be invisible unless you do a good job of displaying the sign of good forestry on a post by the roadside for all to see.
Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year
Each year the NH Tree Farm Committee recognizes the best of the best by choosing an Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. This designee hosts the annual fall field day and also is eligible for the regional and national contest. The following summarizes the New Hampshire, Regional and National Contest Rules:
- All certified Tree Farmers may apply for the county award.
- Only private non-industrial forest landowners are eligible for the state, regional or national awards.
- Candidates for the state Tree Farmer of the Year Award must be either current county winners or must have won the county award within the past five years.
- County and state winners must wait five or more years to compete at either level again.
- Each county may submit two nominees for the state competition - the current and one previous county winner.
- Only current state winners are eligible for the regional and national award.
- Ownerships of any acreage are eligible for county and state awards.
- Ownerships of greater than 10,000 acres are not eligible for the regional and national awards.
- State award winners must submit a standard Tree Farmer of the Year form to the American Forest Foundation by the first Monday in May for consideration in the regional and national award.
- Three candidates are selected from each region as regional finalists.
- Four regional winners are chosen from these candidates to participate in the national competition.
The New Hampshire Tree Farm Program Promoting
good forestry
for more than 50 years
