Sustainable Forestry Initiative Guidelines
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What Is The Sustainable Forestry Initiative?
SFI Inc. is an independent, nonprofit organization, solely responsible for maintaining, overseeing and improving the internationally recognized Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) program. Across the United States and Canada, more than 240 million acres are certified to the SFI management standard, the largest single forest standard in the world. The SFI program means practicing forestry so that we meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable forestry involves all aspects of forestry, including growing, nurturing and harvesting of trees. Sound forest stewardship is more than just trees. It is a commitment to the conservation of soil, air and water quality along with maintaining healthy and abundant wildlife and fish habitat.
The SFI program responds to local needs and issues across North America through 34 SFI Implementation Committees at the state, provincial or regional level. This unique grassroots network involves private landowners, independent loggers, forestry professionals, local government agencies, academics, scientists, and conservationists.
SFI Implementation Committees, like the committee in Louisiana, sponsored by the Louisiana Forestry Association, promote the SFI forest management standard as a means to broaden the practice of responsible forestry and achieve on-the-ground progress. Through SFI Implementation Committees, Program Participants work with local organizations and individuals, providing leadership and sharing best practices to improve forest management on both certified and uncertified lands. The committees work with local conservation groups, government agencies, forestry and professional associations, landowner groups and many others in landowner outreach and community involvement activities.
The Louisiana Forestry Association through its Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee is the lead agency for implementation of the Louisiana Forestry Initiative program in our state. Other active partners include:
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The Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry
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Louisiana Tech University
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Louisiana State University
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Louisiana Forest Products Development Center
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Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
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Louisiana Department of Natural Resources
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Louisiana Small Business Development Centers
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USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service
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USDA-Forest Service
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US Department of Labor-OSHA
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Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service
Got a Logging Question or Inquiry?
The Louisiana Forestry Association provides an avenue to inquire about logging practices. If you have a question or concern regarding site-specific forestry practices appearing inconsistent with SFI Standards, contact the LFA office by calling (318) 443-2558. Tell the receptionist you have a question or concern to file and your name will be kept confidential and a report will be given back to you after an inspection by an unbiased forester. We must have permission from the landowner to go on any property where the alleged violation occurred.
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Managing forests for today and for future generations
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Integrating forestry with the conservation of soil, air and water quality and wildlife habitat
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Protecting unique and historical forests
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Ensuring the health, productivity and biological diversity of Louisiana's forests
SFI PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The link above will take you to the PDFs of the Forests of Exceptional Conservation Value (FECV) at the website of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. The slide show is required for Loggers and Foresters trained under Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) standards. If you are a Master Logger or COFC Forester, you must review the document so that you know where to look for endangered and threatened species before making a harvest plan. Email Gracee Texada, Louisiana Logging Council administrator at gtexada@laforestry.com once the documents have been reviewed.