PA Tree Farm Update: Re-inspections and Tree Farmer Training

Tree Farm inspections are required every five years, at no cost to Tree Farmers, to maintain certification. These inspections, by Certified Inspectors, afford you, the Tree Farmers, the opportunity to review and discuss current management standards and your management plans -- both on-site and in the field -- with professional foresters.

Inspections are already underway at the 70 Tree Farms targeted for re-inspection in 2018. These targeted Tree Farms have received inspection packages. Each year, we are aiming to re-inspect approximately one-fifth of the Tree Farms in the program. If your Tree Farm was not targeted in 2018, please be patient as it will take some time to complete all of the overdue inspections. In the meantime, this will allow time to review and update your management plan. Your local DCNR Service Forester, while no longer doing inspections, can offer guidance in refining your plan and managing your woods.

The Pennsylvania Tree Farm Committee continues to work on tools to assist the Tree Farmer. Tree Farmer training on the use and safety of three main tools is available: chain saw use, safety, and directional felling; pesticide use and safety; and farm tractor use and safety. The first Tractor Safety Training, held June 9 at the Burnham Tree Farm, had 11 participants. Mike Pate, Penn State Associate Professor of Agricultural Safety and Health, led the attendees through rich discussions and hands-on demonstrations. The program was sponsored by PA Tree Farm in conjunction with Penn State Extension, PA Forestry Association, and the Southwest PA Woodland Owners Association.

For chain saw use and safety, Tree Farm is offering to subsidize Tree Farmers' participation in the SFI Game of Logging, Level 1. The next opportunities for the training will occur as part of the fall block of SFI training in mid- September through mid-October. The training schedule will be published in August on the SFI website.

Tree Farmer, Inspector, and Volunteer commitment will ensure the success of the Program in 2018 and beyond.

For additional information, contact the Pennsylvania Tree Farm Program (Pennsylvania Forestry Association Office) at 1-800-835-8065 or email, or go visit the website.