Peer Support

These partners offer opportunities to meet and learn from other landowners.

American Forest FoundationLogo of American Forest Foundation

The American Forest Foundation (AFF) works closely with local partner organizations to provide technical and financial assistance to family forest owners. Through these partnerships, AFF helps landowners reach their goals while contributing to larger conservation objectives, like protecting drinking water or restoring wildlife habitat. AFF also works with policy makers to expand financial and technical support for landowners whose active management contributes to wider conservation impacts. The foundation’s website MyLandPlan.org offers resources for setting and implementing land stewardship goals, and a place for landowners to connect with foresters and other woodland owners. Through its program, the American Tree Farm System, AFF also certifies landowners who meet its standards for sustainable forest management.

American Tree Farm System/Wisconsin Tree Farm Committee

Logo of American Tree Farm SystemA program of the American Forest Foundation, the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) and its Wisconsin arm, the Wisconsin Tree Farm Committee (WTFC), recognize and certify tree farmers and other woodland owners who meet their standards for sustainable forest management. In addition to the credibility and distinction that comes with certification under this internationally recognized program, certified owners gain access to ATFS’s extensive tools and resources, including its national network of professional foresters. The WTFC also holds a yearly tree farm field day that includes seminars for landowners, and an annual Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year competition.

Pheasants Forever

Pheasants ForeverLogo of Pheasants Forever strives to conserve pheasant, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness and education, and land management policies and programs. Biologists available through its Farm Bill Biologist Program work with landowners one-on-one, teaching them the benefits of various conservation programs and assisting them after programs have been implemented. In a system unique to Pheasants Forever, local county chapters are given authority to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation dollars are spent. The organization also sells food plot seed and acquires land for permanent habitat protection.

Ruffed Grouse Society

Ruffed Grouse Society logoMembers of the Ruffed Grouse Society support scientific, conservation, and management efforts to ensure the future of wildlife species adapted to young forest communities. The society offers technical assistance and outreach programming to help landowners achieve their forest management goals, and publishes newsletters, videos, and other educational materials on its website. It also employs a team of regional wildlife biologists who can answers questions about local wildlife management issues and point landowners to relevant publications and other resources.

Wisconsin Walnut Council

Wisconsin Walnut Council logoThe Wisconsin Walnut Council works to increase the quantity, quality, sustainability, and utilization of black walnut (among the United States’ most valuable timber species) and other fine hardwoods. The council assists landowners by facilitating the transfer of forest research to field applications, helping build and maintain better markets for wood products and nut crops, and hosting educational events, including an annual meeting and field trips to see the latest techniques for managing walnut and other hardwoods. Field trips, seminars, and other events also encourage continuing interactions among woodland owners, scientists, and industry.

Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association

Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association logoThe Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association offers year-round learning opportunities for novice and experienced woodland owners who want to become better land stewards. As a nonprofit, educational association, WWOA publishes a quarterly magazine, Wisconsin Woodlands, and a biannual newsletter, News from Wisconsin’s Woods. The organization also sponsors local, regional ,and statewide field days, workshops, and conferences, and a three-day annual meeting in September for its members. Local chapters, located throughout Wisconsin, are a great way to learn about local issues and meet neighboring woodland owners. WWOA members are dedicated to “Creating Tomorrow’s Woodlands Today!”