The Tree Farm system has nothing to do with hunting easements.

The main purpose of the Tree Farm certification program is to promote sustainable forestry. The first 5 years, if I remember correctly, the landowner is under a 'candidate' period. After that, as long as all planned activities have been taking place on time, it may be certified as a Tree Farm. The farm is inspected at any time within 5 years and, once inspected, within 5 years after that time...and continues on that same pattern. If you ever lose your status as a Tree Farm,no property you owncan ever qualify for the certification...again...if I remember correctly.

The main benefit of the program is a warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you know you are doing the right thing in practicing sustainable forestry. All well and good, but there are really no financial benefits to doing such. There may be some companies willing to give a little more money for the wood productsor require that properties be certified as sustainable before they will purchase the wood, but not around here that I know about.

Look into several programs before deciding upon one for sure. The NRCS has several. The best one for you depends on what you want to do with your property (forestry, wildlife, etc.)and what the characteristics of your land are (upland, bottomland,critical habitat for endangered species).I would suggest going to a forestry consultant, especially if you have a larger acreage, Dbl beard. They will help you immensely.

Good luck and if you ever have any questions, feel free to PM me or shoot me an e-mail at [email protected]I'd be happy to help you in any way that I can.