Sustainable Forestry Initiative
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)® is a land stewardship ethic which embraces conservation practices designed to ensure that future generations of Americans will have the same abundant forests that we enjoy today.
SFI was developed nationally in 1994 through the American Forest and Paper Association. Today, this organization is fully independent and governed by a very diverse Board of Directors, with representatives from environmental organizations, forest industry, private landowners, logging professionals and others.
Texas Forestry Association, through its SFI State Implementation Committee, is leading the implementation of SFI in Texas. Other active participants are forest resource companies, Texas Logging Council, Texas Forest Landowners Council, Texas Forest Service and other members of the forestry community.
What Does SFI Mean To You
Texas SFI is promoting forest stewardship on several fronts:
Landowner Outreach
Most of the forest land in East Texas (64%) is owned by private individuals. During forest operations, Texas SFI members and cooperators (forest products companies, agencies, consultants and loggers) will encourage private, landowners to participate in SFI by following Best Management Practices to protect their soil and water resources; reforesting following a final harvest and by promoting wildlife on their property. Educational workshops are sponsored throughout the state to educate landowners on the importance of practicing sustainable forestry. To date, over 40 workshops have been held, reaching more than 4,000 forest landowners. Learn more about Growing Your Assets (pdf).
Public Awareness
Texas SFI has sponsored several television and radio commercials, as well as highway billboards and newspaper inserts pertaining to Best Management Practices and other SFI principles. Informative displays are exhibited at numerous public events every year, including the State Fair of Texas and the Texas Wildlife Expo. The Texas SFI Chairman is available to speak at events when his schedule permits. Also, since 1998 Texas SFI has sponsored a photography contest to promote SFI.
Logger Training Workshops
In 1996, Texas Forestry Association through its SFI State Implementation Committee developed the Texas Professional Logger Program to provide continuing education for loggers. The program was created to increase environmental awareness and sustainable forestry practices, and help respond to OSHA safety requirements. Individual workshops are scheduled throughout the year.
Inconsistent Practices
Texas SFI has adopted a set of guidelines to respond to complaints about harvest practices that may be inconsistent with SFI principles. The guidelines were adopted to ensure that mill inventories and procurement practices do not compromise adherence to SFI. The toll free number to report inconsistent practices is (866) TXTREES.
