Becoming
a Tree Farmer
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The American Tree Farm Program was started in 1941
by the forest industry to encourage private woodland
owners to actively manage their forests to provide
wood for future generations in an environmentally
sustainable manner that improves wildlife habitat,
protects water quality and enhances scenic values.
Today, more than 500 Massachusetts woodlands are
managed in accordance with Tree Farm standards.
While growing wood is important, certified Tree
Farms do more than just grow trees: they also
provide important wildlife habitat, protect our
streams and watersheds, and serve as sites for
outdoor recreation such as hiking, skiing, fishing
and hunting.
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Tree
Farm
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Benefits of Having Your Woodland Certified as a Tree
Farm
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Take part in workshops, Field Days, & Woods Walks and
learn from other woodland owners new ideas and new
ways to care for your land.
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Know that your woodland meets national standards for
sustainable forestry and has the right to display the
Tree Farm sign.
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Work together with other woodland owners on issues of
mutual concern.
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A one-year free subscription to Tree Farmer magazine.
How to Become a Tree Farmer
To qualify as a Tree Farm in Massachusetts, you must:
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have at least 10 acres of woodland that is sustainably
managed to produce forest products.
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Have a written plan for the future management of your
woodland.
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have your land certified by a forester as meeting Tree
Farm standards on a Tree Farm Certification Form. (If
you don’t have a forester, we can provide you with a
list of certified Tree Farm inspectors.)
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Have your land re-inspected every 10 years to retain its
Tree Farm status.
When your land has been certified as meeting Tree Farm
standards, MFA will assign you a state Tree Farm number
and file the certification with the national Tree Farm
program. We then will arrange with your forester to get
you the familiar green & white Tree Farm sign to display
on your property.
Tree Farmers are encouraged to join the Massachusetts
Forestry Association. Every issue of MFA’s magazine,
The Woodland Steward, includes a column of coming events
and information for Tree Farmers in the Bay State. MFA
membership (annual cost $35) also includes discounts on
forestry publications, auto insurance and other
materials.
Request a Tree Farm Form
To request a Tree Farm membership form, click here.
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