{"slug":"us-american-tree-farm-system-certification","name":"American Tree Farm System certification","provider":{"name":"American Forest Foundation (American Tree Farm System)","type":"nonprofit"},"organization":null,"country":"US","region":null,"locality":null,"scope":"national","audience":["landowner"],"kind":"other","benefit":"Free third-party forest certification, a forester inspection and the Tree Farm sign for family woodlands of 10 to 10,000 acres","summary":"The American Tree Farm System is North America's largest forest certification program for small private and community woodlands, run by the American Forest Foundation and recognized by PEFC. State Tree Farm programs coordinate the inspection and enrollment; certified owners get recognition, resources and a market credential for sustainably grown wood.","eligibility":"Owners of more than 10 and fewer than 10,000 forested acres who have (or are willing to get) a current written forest stewardship or management plan meeting ATFS's eight Standards of Sustainability.","how_to_apply":"Get a management plan (ATFS will point you to help if you email operations@forestfoundation.org), then contact your state Tree Farm program through the 'Find my state program' link to schedule a visit from a qualified ATFS inspector.","url":"https://www.treefarmsystem.org/landowners/how-it-works","source_url":"https://www.treefarmsystem.org/landowners/how-it-works","season":null,"program_status":"active","lat":null,"lng":null,"data_note":"The ATFS page does not state a fee; enrollment has historically been free to landowners, but confirm with your state program.","updated_at":"2026-11-08T00:02:20.743Z","page_url":"https://treerm.org/residents/programs/us-american-tree-farm-system-certification","markdown_url":"https://treerm.org/residents/programs/us-american-tree-farm-system-certification.md","license":"CC-BY-4.0"}