Public Comment: SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability
November 2, 2021
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) is pleased to announce the first public comment period of a new SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard. SFI has collaborated with more than twenty-five urban forestry leaders, including representatives from: American Forests, Arbor Day Foundation, the International Society of Arboriculture, the Society of Municipal Arborists, and Tree Canada to create this first draft.
“Urban and community forests are vital for our planet’s future,” says Paul Johnson, SFI’s Director of Urban and Community Forestry. “Working with an amazing and dedicated group of volunteers, we’ve created a roadmap for more sustainable urban forests and therefore more sustainable communities.”
Community trees and forests provide many social and environmental benefits including improved health and well-being, social cohesion and accessibility, outdoor learning environments, climate change solutions, reduced air pollution, and improved urban design. Caring for and maintaining those forests and trees maximizes the positives and minimizes the risks.
The new standard has been built on 5 Principles:
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Urban forests and trees are vital for community well-being, health, resiliency, and sustainability.
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Urban forests and trees require proper planning, care, and management to optimize benefits and minimize risks.
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Urban forests and trees depend upon understanding, awareness, appreciation, and engagement from people to thrive in communities.
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Urban forests and trees and their associated benefits should be accessible and available to all.
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Urban forests and trees are nature-based solutions to pressing issues and essential green infrastructure.
“Diversity of trees is key for our urban forests and diversity is key to developing a standard,” says Johnson. “Our development task group represents many segments of urban and community forestry, and this comment process will help us further diversify our standard and increase its positive impact.” Please review the proposed first draft and give us your feedback by December 1st.
Reach out to
Paul Johnson, Director of Urban and Community Forestry, if you have any questions.