Join us in the morning to become a qualified Tree Farm inspector with the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), then break for lunch before the Annual Family Foresters Roundtable in the afternoon.
If you plan on attending the Qualified Tree Farm Inspector Training, click here to register online with Eventbrite.
Location
To be determined. Will be held in Spokane, WA.
Date and Time
Thursday, January 21st, 2027.
8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Overview
Who Should Attend?
- Consulting Foresters – Expand your professional network and provide clients with free access to certified wood markets (SFI).
- Agency and Industry Professionals – Build stronger relationships with private landowners, provide essential Best Management Practice (BMP) education, and secure a steady source of certified timber for your organization.
- Sustainability Advocates – Directly support Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) commitments through active landowner outreach and education.
Why Join the Inspector Program?
- Professional Development – Earn SAF-approved Continuing Forestry Education (CFE) credits.
- National Recognition – Become eligible for the ‘Inspector of the Year’ award and the AFTS Hard Hat recognition program.
- Resources and Networking – Receive a complimentary subscription to Tree Farmer Magazine and an invitation to the National Tree Farmer Convention.
- Stay Informed – Access the Sightline newsletter for the latest industry updates and program news.
- Credentials – Receive an offical Tree Farm Inspector Certifiacte a
American Tree Farm System Certifier Eligibility Requirements
The following minimum education and/or experience requirements are nexesary for professionals and inspecting Tree Farms.
- All inspectors must complete the Certifier Training Program. Inspectors must complete the refresher training every five years, which will coincide with AFF Standard revisions.
All inspectors must meet at least one of the four recognized requirements:
- A Bachelor of Science, Forestry degree, or higher from a Society of American Foresters (SAF) accredited program.
- Two-year forestry technician degree from an SAF recognized program.
- Anyone already serving as a Tree Farm inspector before July 31, 1999, is grandfathered in as an inspector provided their names were included in a list of inspectors submitted by the State Tree Farm Chair to the American Forest Foundation by July 31, 1999, and they have completed the Certifier Training Program.
- Anyone professionally practicing forestry and meeting the following minimum educational requirements:
Forest Ecology and Biology: A minimum of one course in each of the three broad subject areas of Dendrology, Forest Ecology, and Soils is required.
Measurement of Forest Resources: A minimum of one course in each of the three broad subject areas of Forest Measurements, Sampling Design and Techniques, and Surveying and Mapping is required
Management of Forest Resources: A minimum of one course in each of the three broad subject areas of Forest Management, Silviculture and Forest Protection is required.
Forest Resources Policy and Administration: A minimum of one course in two of the three broad subject areas of Forest Policy, Forest Economics, and Business Management is required.
Accomodations
Persons with a disability requiring special accommodations while participating in this program may contact WSU Extension at (509) 904-4045. If accommodation is not requested in advance, we cannot guarantee the availability of accommodation on site. WSU Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, and sexual orientation. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office.