Sustainable Forestry Initiative^SM (SFI)

As the world enters a new millennium, citizens of the earth are increasingly concerned with protecting the environment and sustaining natural resources, including our treasured forestlands. Our forests are a renewable resource; one that requires adequate protection and management to ensure healthy regeneration. Americans must take the proper steps to establish a balance between the demands of wood and paper consumers and a healthy, sustainable ecosystem.

That is why the forest products community has embarked on a new era of forest management practices to protect soil, water and air quality. Five years ago, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) introduced the Sustainable Forestry Initiative^SM (SFI) to provide a healthy future for our lands. The SFI is an innovative program that practices a land stewardship ethic to integrate the replanting, managing and harvesting of trees for useful products with the conservation of soil, air and water quality and wildlife and fish habitat. The forest products community is engaging in responsible practices that provide protection for continuous forest health improvement.

Taking pride in their craft and protecting the environment in which they live and work, the men and women of the Forest Products Industry National Labor Management Committee support the SFI and its practices as an investment in the future.

The SFI Uses Smart Science to Achieve Smart Business Results
Now more than ever, businesses are embracing efforts to establish a balance between the demands for wood and paper products and the social importance of economically strong communities and a healthy sustainable ecosystem. The SFI provides the right answer.

A Common Sense Solution to Land Management
There are a number of certification programs, but the SFI is the most progressive forestry program in the world, offering comprehensive solutions that promote cooperation between all stakeholders. The program encourages non-industrial landowners, wood producers, foresters, employees, loggers and state and local government officials to work together to ensure the future sustainability of the land.

Third Party Expert Review
The SFI is reviewed by a distinguished panel of third party experts representing conservation, environmental, professional, academic and public organizations. In addition, as SFI participants foster the practice of sustainable forestry on their land, they publicly report their progress and provide opportunities for public outreach.

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