Pennsylvania Tree Farm: Why Should I Be a Tree Farmer?

By Susan Benedict, PA Tree Farm Committee Chair

I frequently get asked the question, “Why should I be a Tree Farmer?”

To my mind, there are several good reasons. This is my list:

• I get advocacy for my Tree Farm issues on a national level. The American Tree Farm system is part of the American Forest Foundation. Their advocacy of forestry issues is unparalleled at the national level. I know this because I used to be part of their National Public Affairs Committee and saw firsthand how effective their advocacy is and how it translates to actual legislative successes for forestry issues.
• I get a membership to the Pennsylvania Forestry Association (PFA). PFA is a dynamic active association which provides benefits like answers to my forestry questions, contacts to consulting foresters and other forestry professionals, and a top-notch magazine with articles pertaining to issues or questions I have about my land.
• I can get help to find a consulting forester or to contact a PA service forester to help me design a forest management plan that reflects my goals and objectives for my property. A plan is important to help guide work I want to do to improve my land.
• I get regular inspections of my tree farm, which helps me ensure that I am meeting my plan goals with best management practices.
• I belong to a community of like-minded individuals who are willing to help me if I have questions.
• Finally, when dealing with forestry and other natural resources professionals, being part of the Tree Farm System helps them to understand that I have a tree farm plan with goals and objectives that are important to me and guided by best management practices. If they make proposals to me for using my land, they know they must work within my plan. This is very helpful in any negotiations I may have with logging, wind, solar, carbon offset, or natural gas companies about land utilization.

For more information about the PA Tree Farm program, visit their webpage atwww.paforestry.org/treefarm.