Sustainable Forestry Initiative Program

SFI, Inc. is an independent 501c(3) non-profit charitable organization, and soley responsible for maintaining, overseeing and improving the internationally recognized Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) program (www.sfiprogram.org). SFI 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, air, and water.

What exactly does this mean for South Carolina’s forests?

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. 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. As part of their commitment to the program, members pledge to issue a progress report annually to summarize industry activity.

Understanding that no issue -- from protecting endangered species to watershed analysis -- can be dealt with in isolation, members are cooperating with conservation groups and others to develop and employ management strategies that foster forest growth. This is being done in a manner that is consistent with the promotion of biological diversity and with the protection and conservation of wildlife habitat.

Sustainable forestry contributes to water quality enhancement. Members are committed to protecting streams, lakes, and other water bodies on their lands. Using sustainable forestry practices also includes recognizing company 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 is forestry’s commitment that future generations will have abundant forests and diverse wildlife we now enjoy.

Visit www.sfiprogram.org for more information.

If you are aware of any forestry practices in South Carolina which may be inconsistent with the principles of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Program, contact Julie at (803) 798-4170, Extension 10 or julie@scforestry.org.

Click here to read about the Procedure for Allegations of Inconsistent Practices.

Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Training Standards for South Carolina

Requirements to be SFI Trained in South Carolina

Individuals must complete the SC Forestry Association’s three-day Timber Operations Professional (TOP) Program to earn recognition as SFI Trained. Click here to read more about the SFI Training Standards for South Carolina.  Comparable programs from other states may be substituted if approved.

For SFI questions, contact Sally Tucker at 803/798-4170, Ext, 12 or sally@scforestry.org

SFI Trained Individuals list

A Landowner's Guide To Forestry