New SAF Membership Structure below effective October 1, 2023.
Click here to learn more.
What SAF Membership Means To...
Forest Professionals
Foresters and natural resources management professionals are the principal drivers behind keeping forests as forests for the long term. They chose a career in this field because they want to contribute to the conservation of healthy working lands that will meet society’s needs today and in the future. These professionals are SAF members.
SAF offers a membership level to support you in every stage of your career in forestry or natural resources management. Dues paying members at the Premium, Full, Retired, and Transitional levels are all considered SAF "professional" members. These individuals represent the full spectrum of the forestry profession. Some are small business owners; others work on behalf of nonprofits, industry, federal/state/local governments, and universities; all enjoy a host of SAF benefits.
Premium Members (previously "Platinum" and "Gold" members) are graduates of an SAF-accredited program/curriculum OR scientists or practitioners who hold an associate’s or higher degree* in forestry, forest technology, or natural resources (dues $180).
Full Members (previously "Silver" and "Full" members) are graduates of an SAF-accredited program/curriculum OR scientists or practitioners who hold an associate’s or higher degree* in forestry, forest technology, or natural resources (dues $125).
Retired Members are former Full or Premium members who are 65 years of age or older and no longer working full time within forestry or natural resources (dues $85; those interested in becoming a retired member should reach out to [email protected]).
Transitional Members are within five years of graduating with an associate’s or higher degree* in forestry, forest technology, or natural resources. Transitional membership dues follow a five-step, annualized sliding scale based on the number of years the member is post-graduation (dues $35 to $75).
SAF Golden Members are individuals who have been dues-paying members of SAF for 50 or more years.
*All associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees with applications in the field of forestry (including urban forestry, forest technology, or natural resources management) meet SAF educational requirements. SAF does not make distinctions in membership dues levels, categories, or sub-types based on degree type.
Forestry Students
The Society of American Foresters advances the sustainable management of forest resources by equipping its members with the knowledge and skills necessary to meeting the highest standards of professional excellence. Prepare for a successful career in our noble profession:
become an SAF Student Member.
Student Members are full-time students pursuing an associate’s or higher degree* in forestry, forest technology, or natural resources (dues $25).
*All associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees with applications in the field of forestry (including urban forestry, forest technology, or natural resources management) meet SAF educational requirements. SAF does not make distinctions in membership dues levels, categories, or sub-types based on degree type.
Forest Champions
SAF's policies, programs, and partnerships drive sustainable forest management and empower the professionals making it happen. You can support America's forests and the professionals dedicated to their sustainability in meaningful ways. Join SAF as an Affiliate Member today and
reap the benefits.
Affiliate Members care deeply about our environment and are interested in the field of forestry or natural resources management, but do not hold the educational qualifications required by other SAF membership types (dues $75).
SAF Membership Sub-Types
There's more! SAF members—depending on their membership level—may also fall under one or more membership sub-types:
SAF Young Professionals—often referred to as "YPs"—are Premium, Full, or Transitional Members under the age of 40. There are no extra costs associated with being an SAF YP, but there are added benefits! Click here to learn more.
SAF International Members are individuals who reside outside of the US and work within the field of forestry or natural resources management. They may join SAF at one of three membership dues levels—Full, Transitional, or Student—and pay variable dues according to the United Nations country classifications. Click here to learn more.