Mission The Tree Farm mission is to promote the growing of renewable forest resources on private lands while protecting environmental benefits and increasing public understanding of all benefits of productive forestry.

Objectives To increase the number of Certified Tree Farms in California through land owner outreach programs sponsored by the State Committee and its sponsor. To educate the general public of the ecological and economical benefits tree farms provide for our local communities.

Strategies• Continue to promote sustainable forestry through education and communication
• Develop a greater volunteer base
• Work in conjunction with other forestry-based land owner groups throughout California

Goals• More Tree Farmer participation
• Develop more funding sources and strengthening existing ones
• Improve communication systems using the internet and electronic mail
• Improve timely completion of “Required” Tree Farm inspections

Facts & Figures• Number of Tree Farms: approximately 750
• Tree Farm Acreage: 1.4 million acres
• Average Tree Farm Size: 160 acres
• Number of Tree Farm Inspectors: 90

The Tree Farm Program is a national program covering 46 states. It is a private,

not-for-profit organization dedicated to sustainable forestry on private land. The Tree Farm Program is operated thru the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) www.treefarmsystem.org/index.cfm , a program of the American Forest Foundation (AFF).

American Forest Foundation (AFF)

Mission

AFF is committed to creating a future when North American forests are sustained by a public which understands and values the social, economic, and environmental benefits they provide to our communities, our nation, and the world.

There are three Centers under AFF:

Center for Family Forests will maintain support, and mobilize a robust community of forest owners – along with a diverse, nationwide network of organizational partners – all committed and able to help sustain multi-generational stewardship. The following existing programs will continue to operate under the aegis of this specific Center: American Tree Farm System; Support for State Delivery Systems; Policy Education; Outreach/Education to unengaged owners; Certification; Ecosystem Market Development; “Brand Support”.

Center for Environmental Learning will undertake both formal and non-formal education programs for youth and families, as well as information and outreach activities aimed at other targeted audiences that can influence the climate for sustaining forests. These existing programs will continue to operate under this Center: Project Learning Tree; Green Works!; Special Audiences (e.g. journalists); Community Action; Capacity Building for Community Engagement.

Center for Conservation Solutions will provide tools and resources to cultivate and support a network of conservation and research partners who can advance AFF’s conservation goals. Policy Support; Development, Demonstration of Compatible Practices; Founding, Funding, Managing Partnerships; Scientific/Expert Support to AFF Programs; Liaison with other Conservation Organizations – are existing programs which will continue to operate under aegis of this Center.

American Tree Farm System operates on a budget and most of the money comes directly from AFF, who in turn receives their money from foundations, grants and donations. As of 2006, ATFS now asks each Tree Farm to financially support the program through voluntary assessments based on the size of their Tree Farm. This assessment ranges from $50 to $150 per year. These assessments will help fill the gap due to the continued loss of grant monies from industry donations and grants. Each state operates its own Tree Farm Committee and receives pass-through funding from ATFS that is used by the individual state committees to further their local program. The California Tree Farm Committee sponsors tours and workshops, in addition to sending out a quarterly newsletter to promote the Tree Farm Program in California.