{"id":47609,"date":"2026-06-10T12:38:32","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T16:38:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=47609"},"modified":"2026-06-10T12:43:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T16:43:10","slug":"maryland-landowners-encouraged-to-become-certified-tree-farmers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2026\/06\/10\/maryland-landowners-encouraged-to-become-certified-tree-farmers\/","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Landowners Encouraged to Become Certified Tree Farmers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Tree farmer Don Grove gives an overview during a tour of his farm sponsored by the University of Maryland Extension and supported by the Maryland DNR Forest Service. Photo by Sam Crane.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Maryland Forest Service is encouraging landowners to become certified tree farmers to access resources to help them manage their land sustainably. The Forest Service is an official co-sponsor of the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), which certifies small sustainable tree farms and works to connect tree farm owners through events and education programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Landowners who own between 10 and 10,000 acres of forestland are eligible to participate in the program. Many join to protect their land\u2019s long-term forest health, create a family legacy, access tax incentives, and market certified sustainable wood products.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe gamut of experiences, forest types, and management objectives is very diverse,\u201d said Aaron Cook, a Maryland Forest Service forester. \u201cWhat unites tree farmers is a shared commitment to caring for their woods and keeping them healthy for the future. I take great pride in the trust these landowners place in me as their forester.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The ATFS, a national program of the American Forest Foundation, promotes healthy forests, watersheds, and wildlife habitat through private stewardship. The program recognizes the sustainable forestry efforts of family and community forest owners.<\/span><\/p>\n

Founded in 1941, ATFS is the nation\u2019s oldest and largest sustainable family woodland certification system. The program also meets rigorous third-party certification standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maryland currently has 964 tree farmers, including 757 certified members, representing nearly 110,000 acres of forestland. The state\u2019s largest tree farm is the City of Frederick\u2019s municipal watershed, which spans 7,000 forested acres and helps protect the city\u2019s drinking water supply.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maryland Forest Service staff conduct inspections, enroll landowners, and ensure forest stewardship activities align with Tree Farm Standards of Sustainability, which<\/span>\u00a0include:<\/span><\/p>\n