Subthemes
Subthemes help bring in additional elements of the convention to the program, provide direction to selected speakers, and bring cohesion to the technical program
1. Adapt, Innovate, Advance
Forestry is constantly changing, ecologically, socially, and technologically. Adapt, Innovate, Advance focuses on how the profession evolves to meet today’s realities.
This subtheme explores how foresters are:
- Adapting management approaches to harness new technologies
- Innovating and applying new silviculture from diverse perspectives, such as Indigenous, industrial, or regenerative techniques
Through adaptation and innovation, forestry professionals continue to advance their work to better serve society, ecosystems, and future generations.
2. Stewardship Across Generations
For more than 125 years, forestry in the United States has been shaped by changing landscapes, evolving science, and shifting public expectations. Stewardship Across Generations highlights the people, history, and lessons that guide the profession forward.
This subtheme examines:
- How past experiences and knowledge inform adaptive management
- Workforce development and preparation for the next generation of professionals
- Demographic, economic, and social trends shaping forestry now and into the future
- SAF’s role as a leader in guiding change and supporting the profession across generations
At its core, this subtheme centers on the people of forestry and their lasting impact.
3. The People’s Forest
People live, work, and build communities within the forest. The People’s Forest explores the growing and complex relationship between society and forested landscapes.
As the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) expand and communities shift, this subtheme focuses on:
- The role of urban and community forests in public health and air quality
- Equitable access to forested spaces and forestry careers
- Managing fuel loads and wildfire risk near infrastructure and communities
- Effective outreach, education, and engagement with the public
From urban centers to rural landscapes, forestry professionals serve communities across the full forest continuum.
4. Linking Ecosystems and Economics
Ecological integrity and forest economics can help support healthy forests. Linking Ecosystems and Economics explores how these two priorities work together in modern forest management.
This subtheme highlights how professionals are:
- Examining role of wood products, certification systems, and changing markets that shape what is grown, harvested, and sold
- Navigating tree utilization, carbon storage programs, and utilizing biochar, mass timber, and other emerging technologies and markets
- Implementing riparian restoration to enhance ecosystem stabilization
Through comprehensive forest management, forestry supports multiple benefits.