Sustainably Forestry Initiative
SFI’s mission is to advance sustainability through forest-focused collaborations. SFI is an independent, non-profit organization that demonstrates commitment to forests through work in standards, conservation, education, and community. SFI works with the forest sector, brand owners, conservation groups, resource professionals, landowners, educators, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, governments, and universities to achieve a vision of a world that value and benefits from sustainably managed forests.
Learn more at forests.org
Our Mission at Oregon SIC
It is the mission of the Oregon SFI Implementation Committee (SIC) to promote sustainable forestry on all forestlands in the state and to promote an understanding of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc. (SFI Inc.)
SFI Standards
SFI standards have become the fastest growing, highly trusted solution that can support a growing need for products from the forest, as the drive to reduce carbon pollution and waste intensifies. We are working to shape markets today and ensure that sustainably managed forests will continue to play a crucial role in keeping the planet healthy. Choosing SFI-certified sustainable forest products is a great way to protect species, combat climate change, reduce plastic pollution, and protect water supplies.
The value of forest certification: Supporting forest certification programs is one of the best things you can do for forests. SFI’s commitment to forests is exemplified by our standards, including our on-pack label, and by our work in conservation, community, and education. SFI is the only certification program that takes such a comprehensive approach to the dynamic values of our forests.
SFI is low risk: SFI’s standards are specific to the U.S. and Canada where forests are considered low risk for deforestation and activities like illegal logging. This means that our work, and the companies that support it, can focus on elevating the many benefits that come from forests.
SFI is committed to forest research: The SFI standards require an investment in forest research making forests certified to SFI, North America’s largest living laboratory for conservation related research. We are the only standard that has this research requirement.
SFI is developing leaders in best forest management practices: SFI trains thousands of people each year to understand and practice better forestry practices and learn about the value of forests and the environment. SFI’s 34 SFI Implementation Committees and Project Learning Tree network are instrumental in these efforts.
Learn more at forests.org/standards.
The Role of SFI Implementation Committees
SFI responds to local needs across the U.S. and Canada through 34 SFI Implementation Committees at the state, provincial, and regional levels. These committees work with local, forestry, and professional associations, universities, government agencies, landowner groups, conservation groups, and many others to promote SFI standards as a means to broaden the practice of responsible forestry and achieve on-the-ground progress.
This grassroots network support logger training, youth education, conservation research and community engagement activities. SFI Implementation Committees are a critical part of our work promoting the SFI Standards, collaborating on the training of harvesting professionals and connecting people and communities to the forest. The committees also support youth engagement and education initiatives to encourage future leaders.
All SFI Program Participants owning or operating primary forest product facilities, owning or managing forestland, or procuring fiber within the state or province are expected to participate in their local SFI Implementation Committee. This approach to training and implementation of responsible forestry practices is unique to the SFI Program — no other forest certification program in the world has this level of grassroots support to promote responsible forestry, best management practices for water quality and training.
Learn more at forests.org/sic/
SFI Implementation Committee Core Priorities:
SFI Implementation Committees are an integral part of the SFI program and play a vital role in promoting training and landowner outreach, maintaining integrity of the SFI program and supporting and promoting responsible forestry and the SFI program at the state, provincial and regional level.
LOGGER TRAINING AND EDUCATION: SICs establish criteria and identify delivery mechanisms for logger and forester training to reach the thousands of independent contractors that are the key to the quality of forest harvesting operations.
RESPONDING TO INCONSISTENT PRACTICES INQUIRIES: SICs – through monitoring of inconsistent practices – offer a forum to provide information or answer questions about local forestry operations, and they also provide a process to respond to questions or concerns about forestry practices on lands certified to the SFI Standard and beyond.
LANDOWNER OUTREACH: SICs provide sustainable forestry information and support to family forest landowners in collaboration with local conservation groups, government agencies, university extensions, forestry and professional associations, landowner groups and many others. These landowner outreach efforts seek to improve forest management on both certified and uncertified lands.
INCREASING SFI PROGRAM RECOGNITION: SFI’s unique grassroots network seeks to increase SFI program recognition, awareness and support with local government agencies, legislative officials and key stakeholder groups, like architects and green building advocates.