SFI Inc. is an independent, nonprofit organization that is solely responsible for maintaining, overseeing and improving the internationally recognized Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) program.
Across Canada and the United States, more than 240 million acres (100 million hectares) are certified to the SFI forest management standard, the largest single forest standard in the world.
The SFI program's unique fiber sourcing requirements promote responsible forest management on all suppliers' lands. SFI chain-of-custody (COC) certification tracks the percentage of fiber from certified forests, certified sourcing and post-consumer recycled content. SFI on-product labels identify both certified sourcing and COC claims to help consumers make responsible purchasing decisions. SFI Inc. is governed by a three-chamber board of directors representing environmental, social and economic sectors equally.
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 A&M 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 (67%) 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 60 workshops have been held, reaching more than 8,000 forest landowners. Learn more about managing for sustainability (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 . The Texas SFI Chairman is available to speak at events when schedules permit.
Logger Training Workshops
In 1996, Texas Forestry Association through its SFI State Implementation Committee developed theTexas 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.