The purpose of the Idaho Tree Farm Program is to promote better forest management among nonindustrial forest owners.

The vehicle for achieving this aim is the American Tree Farm System, sponsored nationally by the American Forest Foundation (AFF), regionally by the Idaho SFI Implementation Committee, and statewide by the Idaho Tree Farm Committee (State Committee).

The Idaho Tree Farm program is a non-profit organization affiliated with the American Tree Farm System and American Forest Foundation.  Our program is committed 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.

The program is truly a local enterprise, run by volunteers from local communities around the state. The program brings foresters, consultants and the government, together with experienced Tree Farmers, to plan and administer the Tree Farm program. We work with representatives of industry and state forestry organizations to set overall policy and assure that the Tree Farm program meets the real needs of forest landowners.

State Committee Goals:

  • Establish and maintain standards and procedures for Idaho lands, certified under the American Tree Farm System.
  • Inspect and certify any Idaho Tree Farm that has not been inspected within the past five (5) years.
  • Reinspect 20% of all Idaho Tree Farms annually to establish a five-year re-inspection cycle for all members, and maintain the five-year cycle.
  • Promote intensified forest management on privately owned lands through tours, advertising, contests and incentives, and publicize newsworthy Tree Farm related activities as they occur.

 Benefits of Becoming a Certified Tree Farmer

  • Membership in a network of professional foresters and landowners who share a commitment to sustainable forestry.
  • Free professional advice from a forester.
  • Invitations to seminars, field days, and workshops to assist you in achieving your Tree Farm goals.
  • ATFS recognized sign of sustainable forestry and other ATFS promotional items.
  • Tools and training opportunities about the benefits of sustainable forestry.
  • Local, state and national information on legislation and other issues affecting forest landowners.
  • Annual national convention to meet, share experiences and enjoy the fellowship of Tree Farmers from across the country.
  • The opportunity to be recognized by fellow landowners and forestry professionals in local, state, regional and national Outstanding Tree Farmer competition.
  • An annual Idaho Tree Farm Tour to view the property of the Idaho Tree Farmer of the Year.
  • Periodic newsletters from the Idaho Tree Farm Committee
  • A complimentary subscription to Tree Farmer, The Guide to Sustaining America’s Family Forests magazine, a bi-monthly publication by Tree Farmers for Free Farmers.

Requirements for Tree Farm Certification

  • Woodlands must be ten acres or more.
  • Under management, with a written and implemented plan that accounts for water quality, wildlife habitat, soil conservation, biodiversity, and recreational opportunities as well as production of forest products.
  • Protected from fire, insects, disease and destructive grazing.
  • Reforested and harvesting.

Tree Farmers Must Make A Good Faith Efforts To:

  • Protect special sites and consider forest aesthetics.
  • Dispose of slash in an environmentally sound manner.
  • Use chemicals prudently.
  • Contract with licensed and insured loggers and forest management contractors.

Visit our Membership page for more information about becoming a member of the Idaho Tree Farm Program.