SFI BLOG
Out of the Ashes: Oregon’s Living Aquatic Biodiversity Lab in the Forest
The Labor Day 2020 fires in western Oregon were unprecedented not only in the area burned—more than one million acres—but also in their ferocity. Hot, dry east winds swept across the state, causing small fires to rapidly explode into megafires of 100,000 acres or more within hours. In addition to five megafires, 12 other fires either started or expanded rapidly on September 7 and 8, 2020. These fires destroyed more than 6,000 homes, businesses, and structures. They also killed or damaged trees that could have produced an estimated 15 billion board feet of lumber.
A Living Connection to our Past, Present and Future
The forest has always felt like home. Forests feature heavily in many of my earliest and fondest childhood memories.
SFI 2018: The Year in Review
The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect, give thanks, and look forward to the New Year.
SFI Excited to Hear from Postcard Underground
SFI was delighted to recently receive a collection of postcards recognizing our work and positive impact on the environment and sustainable forests from the Postcard Underground.
Well-Managed Forests Are the Answer
At SFI, we believe well‑managed forests are the answer to many of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges.
Cultural Survival Areas: Lessons from the 42nd Annual National Indian Timber Symposium
I had the opportunity to attend the 42nd Annual National Indian Timber Symposium earlier this month.
SFI Successes in 2017 and Big Plans for 2018
At the end of each year, SFI takes time to give thanks, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the next year.
SFI at Greenbuild: Promoting the Importance of Well-Managed Forests in Green Building
One of the best ways to make buildings better for our environment is to use as much wood as possible in construction.
Reflections from the 41st Intertribal Timber Symposium: Sustainability as a Tradition
As I travel from tradeshows to conferences, and even chat with family and friends, and attempt to explain the SFI core mission, I’ve noticed a recurring theme.
Listening to the Forest
Let’s stop talking, so we can hear how quiet it is….
Wetlands and Carbon – Filling the Knowledge Gap
According to the Geological Survey of Canada, the peat in Canada’s wetlands stores almost 60 percent of all the carbon stored in soils across the country.
Building a Better Future for Birds, One Box at a Time
You might have heard that more than 51 million people in the United States and Canada participate in birdwatching as a hobby.
Forest Impacts Matter, But What Are They?
When I was a kid, we didn’t worry about recycling, or air pollution, or water pollution, or whether the wood in our dining table came from a sustainable source.
We Will Always Remember You Rob Olszewski
On April 19, 2016, so many of us were deeply saddened when we learned of the loss of our close friend and wonderful colleague, Rob Olszewski.
SFI Program Eligibility for LEED Points Is Good News for Cooperation on Climate Change
Science tells us that every economic, social, and environmental value we hold dear will be affected if we can’t stabilize the climate by mid-century.
Broader Eligibility for LEED Credits Creates a Bridge to a Greener Economy
My fellow State Foresters and I are committed to maintaining and expanding markets for the broad array of sustainable forest products.
