Winter 2024 23 When you see a Tree Farm sign on a property in Virginia, you know the landowner is practicing good forest management. You know there is a dedicated and committed landowner. But who ensures the property is worthy of a Tree Farm sign? Across Virginia, we have approximately 125 Tree Farm Inspectors who ensure the properties in the Tree Farm program adhere to the American Tree Farm System’s (ATFS) Standards of Sustainability for Forest Certification for Private Forestlands. One of their primary responsibilities is to ensure the integrity of the program by making sure all standards are met. But how does the Tree Farm Inspector benefit from participating as a Tree Farm Inspector? Virginia Tree Farm Board member Ervin Bielmyer describes why he is a Tree Farm Inspector. “As Tree Farm Inspectors, we have the extreme privilege to meet with Tree Farmers and discuss their goals and objectives. This provides me an opportunity to educate and help landowners make decisions to meet their goals, objectives, and dreams for their property.” “I enjoy working with landowners and getting to know and understand their goals and dreams. As an inspector, I am there to ensure the standards and guidelines of the Tree Farm program are met. The inspection is no cost to the landowner.” As part of ATFS, landowners get the tools they need to have confidence they are doing right by their land. Through the Virginia Tree Farm program and ATFS, landowners have access to seminars, field days, workshops, and forest management information. Members meet with a professional forester at least once every five years. “As a forester, I am there to answer questions about the Tree Farm program and answer any forest management questions they may have.” Bielmyer says. “Some of my Tree Farmer’s might become clients or clients might become Tree Farmers. It is a great pleasure working for a landowner, developing a management plan specific to their property and management objectives.” “As a Tree Farmer implements the plan, it brings them into contact with the logging professionals in our industry. It is enjoyable to watch as the property begins to become the dream property the landowner desired, for wildlife, healthy forest, and recreational opportunities.” Success stories are made by listening, educating and being dreamers as Tree Farmers are engaged across Virginia. In Virginia, our goal is to meet with every Tree Farmer every five years. These periodic visits by an inspector ensure the objectives and plans for the property are current and in line with the overall objectives of the Tree Farmer. If you are interested in becoming a Tree Farm Inspector, give us a call. Listen – Educate – Dream By Ervin Bielmyer (PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE BY ERVIN BIELMEYER)
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