Washington D.C. —The Society of American Foresters (SAF) Board of Directors recently approved staff-recommended updates to several program and policy titles to position the organization for the future while continuing to support engagement and participation across the forestry and natural resources sector.
Leaders among our staff, Forest Science and Technology Board, Communities of Interest, and Board of Directors came together to discuss challenges facing SAF’s programs and accredited institutions. These transitions allow SAF to continue delivering member services, accrediting academic programs, and advancing forestry science while maintaining alignment with evolving administrative direction and legal environment.
SAF program and policy title updates include:
-
- SAF Diversity and Inclusion Policy à SAF’s Anti-Discrimination Policy
-
- Diversity Leadership Award à Cultural and Community Engagement Award
-
- Diversity Scholars Program à Future Forest Scholars
-
- Diversity and Inclusion Community of Interest à Cultural and Community Engagement Community of Interest
-
- Bioenergy, Climate Change, and Carbon Community of Interest à Bioenergy, Climate, and Carbon Community of Interest
“SAF finds itself in a similar situation to many of our partners and colleagues, especially in academia,” says SAF CEO Terry Baker. “While these changes are difficult, they are necessary in the face of executive orders and state accreditation laws that threaten our ability to be an accreditor of academic programs, our critical role of setting the standard for forest management practices. Despite these changes, SAF stays committed to its intentional efforts to raise awareness and connection to forestry and natural resources careers as broadly as possible. In times of uncertainty, our connections provide us with stability and opportunity. In this moment, I ask you to join me in continuing to progress not only in who we are as a profession and organization, but who we aspire to be.”
SAF will continue to accept and publish scientific work that reflects the full scope of forestry research and professional practice. By making these adjustments in program language, SAF is reinforcing its ability to represent and serve forestry professionals across the country, while keeping the focus on engagement, science, and community.
About the Society of American Foresters
The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is the national scientific and educational organization representing over 9,000 forestry and related natural resources professionals across the United States. Founded in 1900 by Gifford Pinchot, SAF promotes science-based, sustainable management and stewardship of the nation’s public and private forests. A 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, SAF members include professionals in public and private settings, researchers, CEOs, administrators, educators, and students.