Programs - SFI

SFI – The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Program

SFI is forestry’s commitment that future generations will have the same abundant and healthy forests that we now enjoy. It is a system of principles, guidelines, and performance measures that integrate the perpetual growing and harvesting of trees with the protection of wildlife, plants, soil, and water. Using sustainable forestry practices also includes recognizing lands that have special ecological, geographic, or historic value and pledging that these places will be managed to protect their unique qualities for the benefit of all citizens.

SFI Program participants in our state are instituting sustainable forestry practices in every aspect of their business, from promptly reforesting lands to promoting the biodiversity of plant and wildlife species and enhancing water quality. These companies understand that to be truly successful in conserving our natural resources for future generations, the forest industry must demonstrate progress each and every year.

SFI, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit organization solely responsible for maintaining, overseeing and improving the internationally recognized Sustainable Forestry Initiative Program. Please visit www.forests.org for more information on the program and standards and view annual progress reports.

The South Carolina SFI Implementation Committee (SC SIC) takes action to:

• Communicate national and state training standards for qualified logging professionals.
• Help train thousands of loggers and other forestry professionals by supporting the Timber Operations Professional program, meeting standards for working with trained suppliers and contractors.
• Support education for teachers, and students through programs like Wood Magic Forest Fair, Teachers Tour, and Project Learning Tree.
• Promote sustainable forestry practices on thousands of acres of forest land and certification of lands and products that meet the standards of the SFI Program and American Tree Farm system and supports the SC Tree Farm Program.
• Support compliance with South Carolina’s Best Management Practices for Forestry and address practices inconsistent with the SFI standards.