October 2014 Newsletter

SFI IN BRIEF

A monthly newsletter to keep you informed.

The Future of Forests Looks Bright at 2014 SFI Annual Conference

Almost 300 delegates came to the SFI conference in Montreal Sep. 16-18. This record turnout meant we heard from across the SFI community - from landowners to brand owners.

We started by looking at how managed forests contribute to the critical needs of society and the environment. Our board of directors gave us the chance to engage directly with them on what SFI means for future forests. We heard from brand owners and what it means to collaborate with NGOs, companies and community groups. And we got an insider's view of Aboriginal and Tribal business relations. Finally, we got a sneak peek at the new 2015-2019 SFI Standard.

We also recognized special people and organizations in the SFI community:

Ducks Unlimited Canada - SFI President's Award for Excellence
Michigan SFI Implementation Committee - SFI Implementation Committee Annual Achievement Award
Montana Forest Restoration Committee - SFI 2014 Conservation Leadership Award
Joe Lawson - Dr. Sharon Haines Memorial Award for Innovation and Leadership

Thank you once again to all for making the conference a success!

100+ Countries Represented at Gathering of Global Forestry Professionals

Thousands of forestry professionals, representing more than 100 countries, are meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah Oct. 5-11. The week will feature joint meetings of the Society of American Foresters (SAF), the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) and the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO). The IUFRO World Congress, which only takes place once every five years, has not been hosted in the U.S. since 1971.

SFI's Paul Trianosky and Andrew de Vries will be there. Andrew will speak on Tribal and Aboriginal Relations on Oct. 10. Paul and Andrew are hosting a community and conservation panel on Oct. 11. Drop by the SFI booth (1102) during the conference for a chance to win an SFI certified cedar paddle specially made for this event.

It Starts at Home in Michigan

The Michigan SFI Implementation Committee (SIC) did more than just win the SFI Implementation Committee Achievement Award. Howard Lindberg, Chair of the Michigan SIC, gave a rousing acceptance speech that inspired the entire SFI family to do more to spread the SFI message about strengthening connections between healthy forests, sustainable communities and responsible purchasing.

Howard and the Michigan SIC practice what they preach. Michigan's forests are expanding, even in unlikely places like Detroit. The Michigan committee worked with The Greening of Detroit and other partners to improve Detroit's urban forests and revitalize the city by planting trees. They will be participating in a second tree planting on Saturday, October 11th.

The Michigan SFI Implementation Committee has also placed an SFI ad in the Michigan Hunting and Trapping Digest. On top of that, the committee just installed the first of two SFI billboards in Michigan just south of Grayling. It's great to see the passion the Michigan SFI Implementation Committee has for SFI - congratulations again on the award.

AmazonSmile Donations Have SFI Grinning Ear to Ear

What is AmazonSmile?

AmazonSmile lets you enjoy the same wide selection of products, low prices, and convenient shopping features as on Amazon.com. But when you shop on AmazonSmile the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the eligible charitable organization of your choice - select SFI as your charity of choice.