Facts:

• The American Tree Farm Program is a national program that recognizes forest landowners, who own 10 acres or more, for the stewardship and sustainable forest management practices they perform on their land.
• Funded by wood-using companies nationwide, the national Tree Farm Program is administered through the American Forest Foundation.  Tree Farm certification is available at no cost to the forest landowner.
• The Tree Farm Program is the oldest certifier of forest land in the world, having been in existence since 1941.
• West Virginia has approximately 700 certified Tree Farms which encompass nearly 1.7 million acres.
• In 1998, West Virginia celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Tree Farm Program in the state.
• 2002 marks the 60th Anniversary of the national Tree Farm Program.
• Certified Tree Farms are inspected by professional foresters every five years to determine if forest practices on the property warrant continued certification.  These foresters volunteer their time to the Tree Farm Project.
• The Tree Farm Program's purpose is to encourage forest landowners to manage and protect their lands while enjoying the added benefits of improved food and habitat for wildlife, watershed protection, and recreation.
• Although Christmas tree farms are often certified as Tree Farms, most Tree Farms in West Virginia are hardwood stands comprised of oak, maple, hickory, yellow-poplar and other hardwood trees.
• The West Virginia Forestry Association is the state sponsor of the Tree Farm Program