California Tree Farmers
What is a tree farmer?
Tree Farms are areas of privately owned forestland managed by the owner to maintain and protect forest health and vigor, wildlife habitat, recreation and water quality. Forests are managed to produce timber along with a wide range of other benefits. Tree Farms range in size from small individual forest properties to large industrial forests.
Founded in 1941, the Tree Farm Program is committed to quality forestland management. Forestlands, just like any other type of property, produce more when given proper attention by the owner.
History of Tree Farming
The American Tree Farm System of private timberland management had its inception on the west coast in 1941, when the term "Tree Farm" was used by a lumber industry firm as a better way of telling its forest management story to the public.
From that impressive but humble beginning, the program has become nationwide in scope, with thousands of private landowners joingin in what has been aptly described as the greatest voluntary movement of forest conservation in the country's history.
The idea spread across the nation from Washington State to Alabama. On April 4, 1942, Alabama became the first to launch an organized statewide Tree Farm program.
In rapid succession and within seven months, Arkansas, Oregon and California became Tree Farm states, and the industry-sponsored voluntary tree-growing movement was on its way.
Soon there were active Tree Fam programs in every part of the country growing wood fro a growing nation. By the early 70's there were over 30,000 Tree Farmers encompassing 95 million acres.
The American Tree Farm System gives public recognition to those private timberland owners who are doing outstanding jobs in the management of their forestlands, thereby encouraging others to do likewise. The basic aim of the American Tree Farm System is to place more woodland under management practices that will bring continuing benefits to the owner and produce more and better forest products and services for the American people.
Become a Tree Farmer
You are invited to join 70,000 other private forest landowners in America as a Tree Farmer. In California there are over 3.5 million acres of forestland committed to the Tree Farm Program. Being a Tree Farmer demonstrates your understanding of good forest management and illustrates your dedication to the continuance of healthy vigorous forests and the benefits they provide to future generations.
This program is sponsored by the Forest Landowners of California and the American Forest Foundation. California Tree Farm Committee, 5441 Shelley Way, Carmichael, CA 95608. Visit the California Tree Fram web site at www.caltreefarm.com.