The American Tree Farm System, sponsored by the American Forest Foundation, recognizes landowners for excellent forestry practices on private forest lands. The Tree Farm System operates as an informal partnership between resource management professionals from all disciplines and segments including forest industries, public agencies and private forestry consultants. The Kentucky Tree Farm System Committee was established to help organize these resources and provide expertise to family forest owners in Kentucky.
How To Get Involved
Members of the American Tree Farm System promote the growing of renewable forest resources on their forest land while protecting environmental benefits and are encouraged to strive to increase public understanding of all benefits of productive forestry.
Landowners who wish to become involved in the American Tree Farm System must have an active forest stewardship plan which takes into consideration maintenance and/or enhancement of wood and fiber production, wildlife habitat, water quality and recreational opportunities. Download our informational brochure. Landowners interested in the program should contact Clay Turner, Forestry Program Specialist, or the division's field office serving their county.
Becoming a Certified Tree Farm
To become a certified Tree Farm, foresters from the division, consulting or industry foresters must inspect the property to ensure that the landowner is practicing sustainable forestry. A nomination form is submitted for consideration.
Following certification, landowners receive a Tree Farm sign to place on their property. This recognition is intended to raise the visibility of the practitioners in their communities and to inspire and motivate other surrounding non-managing forest landowners to practice sustainable forestry.
To maintain certification, landowners must continue to implement forest practices. Their property will be re-inspected every five years.