changes in tree farm

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Arkansas Tree Farm Programan overview

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Today:

# of certified Tree Farms 2,767# of Tree Farm owners 846# of acres certified 459,628



What does this mean to the Arkansas Tree Farm Program?Two years ago programs were notified by the American Tree Farm System of the State’s Voice State’s Choice initiative. This initiative allowed states to choose whether or not they wanted a certified or recognition program. With each choice there were financial obligations that have not been there before.

Last year we notified ATFS of our intent to choose the certification pathway. Part of the requirements for choosing this pathway, the AR Tree Farm Committee had to participate in a Strategic Planning Session. During this session, the committee structure was expanded, a communication plan was developed, and goals were set. A plan for financial sustainability must be developed and implemented by 2018.



What does this mean to you – the Tree Farmer?

1. Tree Farmer Communicationa) Quarterly newslettersb) Monthly e-newsletterc) Tree Farmer Conferenced) Landowner education sessionse) Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year tour

2. Inspector Engagementa) Inspector trainings & recruitment

3. Administration

4. Program Coordinationa) Committee meetingsb) Audit participation



1. As a certified Tree Farmer, you agree to abide by the Standards of Sustainability set forth by the American Forest Foundation.

2. You agree to participate in a 3rd party certification audit.

it also means…



The ATFS South Region includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

These states are assessed on a 4-year rotation.



Thirty-four Tree Farms were visited during the week of April 4 as part of the 2016 Tree Farm assessment. Two auditors from PriceWaterhouse Coopers were accompanied by Arkansas Tree Farm leadership to visit each of the properties. The auditors reviewed the management plans and on-the-ground practices on each property.

These visits, as well as those in Texas, will shape the audit results for the Southern Region Certificate this year.

The final report is to be issued on October 15, 2016.



• Nonconformity• The definition of nonconformity is “non-

fulfillment of a requirement”– this basically means that a nonconformity is when you do not fulfill what is required by the standard, by your own documentation, or by a third party.

• Major Nonconformity• Minor Nonconformity

• Opportunity for Improvement• Good Management Practice

Types of Findings:



Arkansas’ NC’s:from PWC preliminary report

• Major:• NONE!!!!

• Minor:• Tract map deficiency on several Tree Farms

the mapping program did not sufficiently depict significant forest-related resources

• Management plan deficiency on one Tree Farm management plan it did not include a section on invasive species



OFI’s:from PWC preliminary report

• Tract map deficiency

• Management plan deficiency (5)• no clear planning schedule• inconsistent marking in plan and map• invasive species

• Management Activities (3)• lack of contracts being used by Tree

Farmers• lack of SMZ's on harvesting site• reforestation stocking level not met after

harvest


changes in tree farm

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