COMMUNITY GRANTS FEATURED STORIES
SFI Collaborating with Women Changing the Face of Forestland Ownership
The Clemson Cooperative Extension is collaborating with other agencies, organizations, and female‑owned natural resource management companies to host workshops to provide information to South Carolina’s women forest landowners.
Forests fight community health crises in the Chicago area
Did you know that kids in the United States and Canada spend more time inside than any previous generation? While the long-term effects of North American children’s “nature-deficit disorder” is still being researched, we know that time outdoors leads to healthier physical and mental development.
High school students map the future of forests at Michigan State University
Sustainable forest management is an important tool to ensure a healthy planet and shared global prosperity. However, despite a great need for future leaders in sustainable forestry, there are difficult barriers for many youths interested in pursuing related degrees. The Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (MAP) at Michigan State University (MSU) seeks to change that.
How sustainable forestry can help the legacy of African American Landowners
As we recognize African American History Month, it is important to highlight a lesser known part of this history – the legacy of forest ownership among the black community, and the leaders who are working to preserve it.
Smart! Cornell engages kids with nest box building workshops
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a world leader in the study, appreciation, and conservation of birds. But the vast educational opportunities it offers aren’t reserved only for Ivy League students. They include programs for youth, families, and local communities to participate in hands-on learning that benefits birds and the environment.
Trees & Turkeys: a bountiful partnership
This Thanksgiving, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) express gratitude for another productive year working together toward common goals, including: well-managed forests, wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and recreational opportunities on public lands
GRANTS BY CATEGORY
SFI Community Grants
AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY
Working with Forest Landowners to Reverse Population Declines of
Forest Breeding Birds
American Bird Conservancy Managed Forests for Birds Workshop
Why This Project Matters
This project will deliver a workshop that explains how sustainable forestry can play a critical role in reversing the alarming decline in bird populations. An estimated three billion birds have been lost in the U.S. and Canada since 1970. This is the equivalent of more than a quarter of all birdlife. These findings were reported in the world’s leading scientific journal, Science, by researchers at seven institutions, including the American Bird Conservancy.
How This Project Will Help to Reverse Population Declines of Forest Breeding Birds
This workshop brings together SFI-certified forest management companies, forest harvesting professionals, and family forest landowners for discussions regarding forest management, bird habitat, and the critical role of managed forests in reversing population declines of forest breeding birds. This project will train and educate people who are engaged in actions affecting the future of our forests. It will also offer Continuing Forestry Education credits.
The workshop combines classroom-style presentations and forest-site discussions. This approach has proven to be valuable in several other states in training people in best practices at each stage of forest management to provide positive habitat conditions for birds. The birds range from species that readily respond to certain management practices such as harvest and replanting, thinning and burning, to bird species that require special considerations and advanced planning such as retention of snags, retention of large trees for nesting, or enhanced streamside management zones.
SFI’s Contribution
The SFI Community Grant Program is supporting this project. Bringing together partners from across the SFI network including forest industry, forest managers, wildlife biologists, state government representatives, and the Georgia SFI Implementation Committee will ensure that many perspectives and interests required for effective forest sustainability will be shared. Participants will include influential representatives of forest ownership and management. The diverse project partners will also ensure that they leverage resources and make the right connections for a productive workshop that can be replicated for additional impact.
How this Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
This project will elevate and enrich the link between people and forests by engaging both natural resource professionals who live and work in local communities as well as family forest owners. By bringing forest, wildlife, and harvesting professionals together with local landowners, the project will build a sense of community and appreciation of the different perspectives on forest management. With the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) involved in planning and execution, the project will directly engage the key wildlife conservation organization in Georgia.
The participation of Georgia DNR wildlife biologists and ornithologists as instructors will lend credibility and create opportunities for additional workshops in Georgia. The project leaders will also use their connections to Migratory Bird Habitat Joint Ventures to further network and engage bird conservation organizations and federal wildlife agencies with a mutual interest in well managed forests.
Partners
This partnership includes conservationists, researchers, SFI certified organizations, and family forest owners.
- Project lead: American Bird Conservancy
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Georgia SFI Implementation Committee
- The Westervelt Company (SFI-certified organization)
- Timberland Investment Resources, LLC (SFI-certified organization)
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Related Information
American Bird Conservancy: Bird Friendly Forests – Opportunities for Private Forest Owners in the Southeastern United States
American Bird Conservancy: Bringing Back the Forest Birds, Phase II
ABC Wins SFI President’s Award for Putting SFI’s Scale to Work for Birds
Bird Conservation Reaches Continental Scale through New Partnership with the Boreal Avian Modelling Project
Collaborating for Conservation of Managed Forested Landscapes
SFI supported a Canada warbler workshop for conservationists and resource managers convened by Nature Canada
About American Bird Conservancy
The American Bird Conservancy is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to conserve native birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC acts across the full spectrum of threats to birds to safeguard the rarest bird species, restore habitats, and reduce threats, unifying and strengthening the bird conservation movement. Learn more.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grant-american-bird-conservancy-workshop/
MINNESOTA SIC & MINNESOTA FOREST INDUSTRIES
Working with Youth to Provide Healthy Forest Bat Habitat in Minnesota Forests
Boy Scouts and Partners Build and Erect Over 100 Bat Roost Boxes
Why this Project Matters
The maternal bat roosting boxes produced by this project are designed to increase bat populations in Minnesota. The state is home to eight species of bats, one of which, the northern long-eared bat, is protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act. Two others, the little brown bat and the tri-colored bat, are being considered for protection. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also reports a substantial decline in the number of bats in Minnesota. The decline is largely because of white-nose syndrome, a disease that is harmful and usually fatal to hibernating bats. This project will educate Boy Scouts and the public about the role of sustainable forestry in bat health and conservation.
How the Project Helps Boost Bat Populations
Bats roost in caves, built structures, natural crevices in rocks, and in trees. Bat roost boxes are like bird nesting boxes. Providing bat boxes is a widely used intervention for conservation and for research. Bat boxes are easy for landowners to install and provide bats with alternative roost sites in areas where roost sites are limited.
The bat boxes will be made from SFI-certified wood donated by Norbord Inc. and sourced from SFI certified Minnesota state forests. Bat Conservation International is providing the design and educational materials describing white-nose syndrome and its impact on bat populations. These will be made available to the Scouts as they assemble kits and erect boxes. In addition, the Minnesota SFI Implementation Committee Coordinator is a certified wildlife biologist. He will make a presentation to the Scouts on the role that sustainable forest management can play in bat conservation.
How the Project Helps Forest Managers
As primary predators of night-flying insects, bats play an essential role in maintaining forest health. Bats can eat nearly their own body weight in insects each night. These include moths, beetles and other destructive pests. Although long neglected in forest-management planning, bats are essential to the health of forest ecosystems, fulfilling the same roles by night that birds do by day. Helping bats is a wise investment in America’s forests.
SFI’s Contribution
The SFI Community Grant Program is supporting this project. This project engages both local and international partners to address a national conservation challenge. The signage, messaging and external communications will all build a greater understanding of the role of forests and trees in our daily lives. The bat boxes will be built from sustainably sourced and SFI Chain-of-Custody certified tamarack. Each will have an educational sign on the impacts of invasive white-nose syndrome on bats, and how sustainable forest management can provide bat habitat through practices like leaving dead and dying trees for bats to roost in.
Partners
This partnership includes conservationists, researchers, and SFI certified organizations.
- Project leads: Minnesota SFI Implementation Committee and Minnesota Forest Industries
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Louisiana Pacific (SFI‑certified organization)
- Boy Scouts of America Voyageurs Area Council (SFI‑certified organization)
- Minnesota Power
- Norbord, Inc. (SFI‑certified organization)
- Bat Conservation International
Related Information
Bat Hibernacula Inventory and Protection in the Thompson, Okanagan, Boundary
Minnesota SFI Implementation Committee and Minnesota Forest Industries
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 governments agencies, academics, scientists, and conservationists. The Minnesota SFI Implementation Committee includes representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, forest companies, the University of Minnesota, family forest owners, the Minnesota Logger Education Program, Minnesota Timber Producers Association, the Ruffed Grouse Society and SFI-certified county land departments. Minnesota Forest Industries is an association representing 12 state forest sector companies.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grant-minnesota-sic-and-minnesota-forest-industries-forest-bat-habitat/
SFI MINNESOTA SIC AND MINNESOTA FOREST INDUSTRIES
Incorporating Tribal Values in Minnesota Project Learning Tree Curriculum
Gaining Greater Understanding and Building Better Relationships
Why this Project Matters
In Minnesota, there are seven Anishinaabe (Chippewa, Ojibwe) reservations and four Dakota (Sioux) communities. This project involves modifying six Project Learning Tree (PLT) lessons to reflect local Tribal values. PLT is an initiative of SFI. The lessons will be shared with Minnesota teachers to increase students’ awareness of the unique cultural perspectives of Native American communities with respect to forests and forest management. It will promote greater cross-cultural understanding and build better relationships between the Tribes, educators and local forestry professionals and owners in the process. The effort will make the six selected PLT lessons more understandable and relatable to Indigenous participants. It will also help PLT make all of its lessons more inclusive for learners of all backgrounds.
How the Project is Helping Teachers Understand Native American Values
This project promotes cross-cultural understanding between Tribal communities and environmental educators by exploring their unique perspectives on the value of sustainably managed forests. Modified PLT lessons will tell the story of responsible and sustainable use of forest resources for the betterment of society and the environment. By building relationships with tribal educators, this project will give them more opportunities to share their traditional ecological knowledge and views on forest values and forest management with forestry professionals.
SFI’s Contribution
The SFI Community Grant Program is supporting this project through PLT, which is an initiative of SFI. Once the lessons are complete, they will be and made available to educators throughout the state on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website. The lessons will also be highlighted during PLT workshops. A PLT workshop on these lessons will be held with Tribal educators and administrators in northern Minnesota. The Minnesota Indian Education Association will be encouraged to share these lessons with their members.
How this Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
SFI respects the rights of Indigenous Peoples and believes our shared quality of life improves when forests are sustainably managed for current and future generations. These shared values allow for a strong and multi-faceted link between SFI and Indigenous communities across the U.S. and Canada. Partnering with the Blandin Foundation of Grand Rapids, Minnesota is supporting this commitment. The Blandin Foundation will assist in identifying leading Tribal educators and establishing meaningful, productive relationships with them.
The project includes hiring a tribal educator to perform the PLT lesson plan revisions. Once complete, the Tribal educator will help inform peers of the new lessons. A planned second phase for further outreach and relationship-building in 2021 will give Tribal foresters a platform for sharing their views with non Tribal peers.
Partners
This partnership includes academics, teachers, government officials, and Tribal leaders and educators.
- Project leads: Minnesota SFI Implementation Committee and Minnesota Forest Industries
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- University of Minnesota
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Blandin Foundation
- Minnesota Forest Resource Partnership
- Norbord, Inc. (SFI‑certified organization)
Related Information
SFI Promotes Indigenous Rights, Respect and Engagement
Training Yakama Nation Tribal Educators in Project Learning Tree lessons
Boreal Forest Field Experiences for Rural and Indigenous Youth
Educating shishalh Members and Forestry Practitioners through the Identification, Mapping, and Protection of Cultural and Medicinal Plants
Center for Native Peoples and the Environment: Exploring Forest Sustainability with Indigenous Youth
Cree First Nation of Waswanipi: SFI Is Supporting the Transfer of Scientific and Traditional Knowledge to Cree Youth in Waswanipi
Minnesota SFI Implementation Committee and Minnesota Forest Industries
The SFI program responds to local needs and issues across North America through 34 SFI Implementation Committees at the state, provincial and regional level. This unique grassroots network involves private landowners, independent loggers, forestry professionals, local governments agencies, academics, scientists, and conservationists. The Minnesota SFI Implementation Committee includes representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, forest companies, the University of Minnesota, family forest owners, the Minnesota Logger Education Program, Minnesota Timber Producers Association, the Ruffed Grouse Society and SFI-certified county land departments. Minnesota Forest Industries is an association representing 12 state forest sector companies.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grant-minnesota-sic-and-minnesota-forest-industries-incorporating-tribal-values/
MAINE TREE FOUNDATION
Educating Maine’s Guidance Counselors about Forests and Green Career Pathways
Encouraging youth to consider forest-based career pathways so they will continue to
live and work in Maine
Why this Project Matters
The sustainability of Maine’s communities and forests depends on an understanding of forest benefits and career pathways among educators and young people. Maine continues to lose a steady stream of residents, as people, especially youth and younger adults, seek employment in other states. The Maine TREE (Timber Research and Environmental Education) Foundation offers programs to learn about sustainable forestry during K-12 schooling. These efforts also encourage youth to consider forest-based career pathways so that they will continue to live and work in Maine.
How the Project is Engaging Educators about Sustainable Forestry and Green Careers
Maine school career counselors will be trained to use Project Learning Tree (PLT) resources about forest-based career training. PLT’s Green Jobs: Exploring Forest Careers curriculum will introduce career pathways including training options at a variety of post-secondary levels in Maine. A field component will explore the high-tech nature of forestry and professional logging in Maine. PLT is an initiative of SFI.
SFI’s Contribution
The SFI Community Grant Program is supporting Maine Tree’s conference for guidance counselors, which will also rely on members of the SFI network — professional foresters, professional logging organizations, and industry representatives — as co-planners and speakers. This will help raise awareness among Maine’s educators across the state about the importance of sustainable forests and forestry and the availability of green jobs careers in Maine.
Partners
This partnership includes educators, forestry professionals, and SFI certified organizations.
- Project lead: Maine TREE Foundation
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Maine SFI Implementation Committee
Related Information
Maine SFI Implementation Committee: SFI Is Helping Maine’s Family Forest Owners Keep Forests as Forests
Maine SFI Implementation Committee Wins Award for Community Leadership, Education Outreach and Growth
Maine SFI Implementation Committee
Maine TREE Foundation
The foundation was formed in 1989 by a group of dedicated timberland owners, forest products producers, tree farmers and others interested in the Maine forest. The Maine TREE Foundation educates and advocates for the sustainable use of the forest and the ecological, economic, and social health of Maine’s forest community. Its mission is realized through implementing research and education programs for schools, government, media, and the general public. Partnerships within the forest community and support programs for forest owners, forestry workers, and recreational users assist in the effort. The Maine TREE Foundation has a vision of a public that values and supports Maine’s healthy forest ecosystems, forest professionals, scientific forest management, and sound public policies that sustain Maine’s forest-dependent people and communities. Learn more.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grant-maine-tree-foundation/
PACIFIC EDUCATION INSTITUTE
Training Yakama Nation Tribal Educators in Project Learning Tree Lessons
Using PLT to Engage Tribal Communities in Forest and Natural Resource Education
Why this Project Matters
The Yakama Nation values engaging their youth in outdoor, natural resource management opportunities. The field of forestry and natural resources creates opportunities for their youth to combine their culture with the preservation, protection, and enhancement of the environment. The Pacific Education Institute (PEI) will partner with Yakama Nation Tribal Forestry to provide natural resources staff and educators with Project Learning Tree (PLT) workshops and a forest tour. This will include hands-on experiences and access to educational resources. This project will also offer opportunities for youth to investigate green career pathways that could help them stay in their community. PLT is an initiative of SFI.
How the Project is Linked to Current Education and Workforce Development efforts
The Yakama Nation is taking an active role in engaging, inspiring and mentoring its next generation of sustainable forestry leaders. Yakama forestry professionals are involved with after school programs that take youth into the forest to teach them about ecosystem health. Young leaders are encouraged to become land managers, grow through experiential learning under established professionals, and assume greater responsibilities in service to the Yakama Nation. These efforts will ensure the Yakama Nation leaves a legacy of healthy forests into the next millennia, while supporting the growth and prosperity of the entire nation.
SFI’s Contribution
The SFI Community Grant Program is supporting this project. By supporting Tribal staff with resources, suggested activities, and inspiration, their outreach delivery and messaging will be more intentional and impactful. Additionally, by offering a forest and natural resource professional development opportunity for formal educators, students will benefit from their increased knowledge, experiences, and content-specific resources. Workshops will include awareness of the conservation outcomes that demonstrate the contribution of SFI’s footprint to overall ecosystem health and sustainability.
How this Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
The Yakama Nation and PEI understand that continued stewardship and management of natural resources will rely on an educated, well-trained and motivated workforce. Investing time, energy and other resources into developing and encouraging tribal youth to pursue natural resources as a career option is recognized as extremely important. Engaging educating youth will also help to develop the next generation of community leaders.
Partners
This partnership includes Tribal leaders and educators, researchers, conservationists, SFI certified organizations, and forestry professionals.
- Project lead: Pacific Education Institute
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Yakama Nation Tribal Forestry (SFI‑certified organization)
- Washington SFI Implementation Committee
Related Information
SFI Promotes Indigenous Rights, Respect and Engagement
Forestry-based STEM Professional Development for Teachers in Washington State
Educating shishalh Members and Forestry Practitioners through the Identification, Mapping and Protection of Cultural and Medicinal Plants
Creating Boreal Forest Field Experiences for Rural and Indigenous Youth
Incorporating Tribal Values in Minnesota Project Learning Tree Curriculum
Center for Native Peoples and the Environment: Exploring Forest Sustainability with Indigenous Youth
Cree First Nation of Waswanipi: SFI Is Supporting the Transfer of Scientific and Traditional Knowledge to Cree Youth in Waswanipi
About Pacific Education Institute
The Pacific Education Institute (PEI) is committed to advancing science literacy and deepening student engagement by empowering educators to take students outdoors to learn integrated real-world science. PEI was founded in 2003 by a consortium of leaders from the Washington Forest Protection Association, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Association of Washington School Principals, the Washington Association of School Administrators, and the Washington State School Directors Association. Recognizing a lack of real-world, career-connected, locally relevant, outdoor-based education in the state, they established teaching frameworks to guide this kind of education grounded in Washington State’s educational goals, the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. Learn more.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grant-pacific-education-institute-engaging-communities/
SOUTH CAROLINA SFI IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
Partners with WOW to Prepare Women for Active Role in Managing Woodlands
South Carolina WOW (Women Owning Woodlands) Network
Why this Project Matters
In the United States, private families and individuals own 58% of the nation’s forested land, and for 22% of private family or individual woodland ownership, a woman is the primary decision maker. Evidence suggests that women will play a large role in the future of forests, making final end-of-life land use decisions that could lead to conservation or development. Forestry remains a male-dominated field in a professional, personal, and social sense, which means that women may lack experience and knowledge with woodland ownership and management.
Ownership objectives among women who purchase or inherit woodlands vary, ranging from privacy and aesthetic enjoyment to income from timber extraction. Led by the South Carolina SFI Implementation Committee, a Women Owning Woodlands (WOW) Network in South Carolina is recruiting, engaging, and teaching female participants about sustainable forest management. Preparing women to take a more active role in management of family forests will provide the skills needed to manage forests sustainably.
Why is SFI Involved?
The SFI Community Engagement Grant Program is supporting this project. Encouraging gender diversity in the forest sector is an SFI priority. SFI is a leader in encouraging women in the forest sector, and in mentoring young women and students. The 2018 SFI Annual Conference featured a number of panels and events for and led by women leaders at all career stages. Both our SFI Leadership Team and SFI Board of Directors has broad female representation and the 18-member SFI Board of Directors includes broad female representation.
This project also has a strong youth education component focused on young women and girls. Youth education is another SFI priority. SFI offers teacher training and engages students in environmental education throughProject Learning Tree (PLT) activities. PLT is an initiative of SFI that uses trees and forests as windows on the world to increase youth understanding of the environment and actions they can take to conserve it. PLT activities will be incorporated in the project.
How the Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
This project has three focus areas: leveraging the engagement of SFI Implementation Committeesto enrich the link between people and forests, engaging and educating young women and girls, and training and educating current and future forest practitioners.
This project will utilize the network and expertise of the South Carolina SFI Implementation Committee to advance objectives of the SFI Community Grant Program. The South Carolina committee will be a valuable, reliable resource for providing local logistical support for WOW network activities. The committee will also provide technical support to program facilitators and educational opportunities for project participants.
To encourage an interest in forestry among women from a younger age, scholarships will be offered to 10 female high school students to attend the South Carolina 4-H Forestry Clinic. This weekend-long event is an excellent opportunity for high school aged youth to learn more about forestry and forest practices. During the clinic, participants gain hands-on experience from Clemson Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Professionals. The clinic focuses on tree identification, tree measurement, compass and pacing, topographic map reading, forest health and other forestry skills.
Future forest practitioners will be exposed to successful WOW networks from across the country that have generously shared their stories and program formats on the Women Owning Woodlands website. Emphasis is being placed on designing a program that attracts and holds women’s interest. The project will include training sessions for WOW facilitators prior to scheduled events to broaden their facilitation skills and provide a format for successful WOW event design.
Partners
This partnership includes educators, researchers, natural resource professionals, and SFI Program Participants.
- Project lead: South Carolina SFI Implementation Committee
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Clemson Forestry and Natural Resources Extension
- Sabine and Waters Inc.
- Sanders Tree Farm
- South Carolina Forestry Foundation
Related Information
About the South Carolina SFI Implementation Committee
The South Carolina SFI Implementation Committee is supported by the Forestry Association of South Carolina. The SFI Program responds to local needs and issues across the U.S. and Canada through 34 SFI Implementation Committees at the state, provincial or regional level. SFI Program Participants in South Carolina use 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 and landowners understand that to be truly successful in conserving our natural resources for future generations, the forest industry must demonstrate progress every year.
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UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
Demonstrating Benefits of SFI-Certified Wood in a Mass Timber Arena
The University of Idaho’s new mass timber sports arena offers opportunity to showcase the benefits of sourcing and building with local SFI-certified wood
Why this Project Matters
Ensuring sustainable consumption of natural resources is more important than ever. Timber has significantly lower CO2 emissions than steel and concrete and is a renewable resource. Sourcing timber through forest certification standards like the Sustainable Forestry Initiative offers a proof point that the products come from well-managed forests. The Inland Northwest is uniquely positioned with vast timber resources and existing primary manufacturing to support emerging wood markets like mass timber. Increased adoption of wood in commercial construction would support local community employment and provide economic incentive to manage forests to reduce the impacts of wildfire, disease, and insect outbreaks in the region.
Relevancy to SFI
The University of Idaho Arena, scheduled for completion in 2021, will use wood products manufactured in Idaho by SFI-certified companies. Idaho Forest Group will harvest the timber from the University of Idaho Experimental Forest and process it for manufacturing by Boise Cascade into glulam beams. PotlatchDeltic will harvest timber from its SFI-certified lands to process architectural finished grade plywood to be used throughout the arena. These companies are donating time, materials and equipment towards the construction of the arena. The arena will showcase their products and provide a living laboratory for architects, builders, and the general public to learn about the environmental and economic benefits of using sustainably sourced fiber in commercial construction.
SFI’s Contribution
The SFI Community Grant Program is supporting this project. The proposed scope of work will demonstrate the benefits derived through the supply chain by using SFI-certified companies and the SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard. The goals are to leverage SFI partnerships to increase public awareness and market adoption of engineered wood products and enhance student training and research. This addresses several SFI focal areas, including highlighting established conservation values associated with SFI certification to engage key market influencers, brand owners, conservation stakeholders, and related interests. SFI certified wood is also eligible for credits through Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating systems.
How this Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
The project will include professional training and workshops designed specifically for architects, engineers, contractors, and building code officials to increase awareness of design standards and opportunities for commercial construction in the region. Training and workshops will be conducted in conjunction with SFI and partners. The Idaho SFI Implementation Committee will assist by promoting training, providing input on university instruction efforts, and collaborating on landscape design features that showcase the forest products industry through interpretive displays, native tree plantings, and commissioned art for the arena.
Partners
This partnership includes conservationists, researchers, SFI certified organizations, and family forest owners.
- Project lead: University of Idaho
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Idaho SFI Implementation Committee
- WoodWorks – Wood Products Council
- Idaho Forest Group (SFI‑certified organization)
Related Information
The revolutionary promise of mass timber
Mississippi State University Architecture Students Gain Valuable Mass Timber Knowledge
Structurlam is First Canadian Cross-Laminated Timber Manufacturer to Earn SFI Chain-Of-Custody Certification
Build Green with SFI-Certified Wood
University of Idaho
Since 1889, the University of Idaho has provided motivated students with a transformative higher education experience that prepares them to solve real-world problems and achieve success in their lives and careers. Beginning with our beautiful residential campus in Moscow, the university’s reach extends throughout Idaho, serving over 11,000 students with educational centers in Boise, Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls; nine Research and Extension centers; and Extension offices in 42 counties. One of the nation’s land-grant research universities, U of I is a noted national leader in student-centered learning and interdisciplinary research that promotes public service. Its work serves businesses and communities, advancing the pursuit of diversity, citizenship and global outreach. Learn more.
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WASHINGTON SFI IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
Promoting Safe and Environmentally Responsible Tethered Logging
Improving harvesting practices on steep slopes in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West
Why this Project Matters
Harvesting timber on steep slopes poses safety and environmental challenges. Tethered harvesting, also known as cable-assist harvesting, uses cable-winch systems on machines like harvesters, feller bunchers, forwarders, loaders, and skidders to stabilize and assist equipment operations on steep slopes. The cable system allows the equipment to operate on slopes that would normally be considered unsafe for operators and equipment or damaging to soils. Research is needed to investigate the operational feasibility, worker safety considerations, environmental impact, and economic efficiency of tethered logging, which will improve harvesting practices in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West.
How the Project Contributes to Sustainability Objectives
One of the key objectives of this study is to measure impacts of tethered logging on soil health. Good soil health is critical to prompt reforestation which in turn provides habitat for wildlife, slows the incursion of invasive plant species, and reduces the rate of surface water flowing to streams below. This study will help forest managers and regulators better understand the potential effects of tethered logging systems on ecosystem services including soil productivity, clean water, and riparian and terrestrial biodiversity. Sharing this knowledge will enable land managers and regulators to make informed, evidence-based decisions that will improve the sustainability of forest management operations.
SFI’s Contribution
The SFI Community Grant Program is supporting this project. The study will generate empirical data about the impacts of tethered logging systems on soil disturbance, sediment delivery to streams, operational costs, and worker safety. This data will be made widely available. This will help grow professional development for land managers, regulators, contractors, operators, and loggers by delivering information to help them make informed, site-specific decisions to ensure tethered logging represents a responsible, sustainable option that meets SFI standards.
How this Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
A critical step in this project will be communicating the results of this study, along with findings from similar research locations across the region, to timber companies, land managers, representatives from the forestry industry, small landowners, regulators, educators, environmentalist organizations, and natural resource professionals including foresters, biologists, geologists, and silviculturists. The Washington State SFI Implementation Committee, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and Oregon State University will share findings through conferences, online newsletters, and training materials, which will be shared with SFI Implementation Committees in California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Alberta, and British Columbia.
Partners
This partnership includes researchers, SFI certified organizations, and government officials.
- Project lead: Washington State SFI Implementation Committee
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Oregon State University College of Forestry
- Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Related Information
Washington DNR And Partners Receive Conservation Award For A Forest Management Project To Avoid Catastrophic Fire
Washington Kids Gain Valuable Wildfire Knowledge
Washington State SFI Implementation Committee
SFI responds to local needs and issues across the United States and Canada through 34 SFI Implementation Committees at the state, provincial, and regional level. This unique grassroots network involves private landowners, independent loggers, forestry professionals, Indigenous people, local government agencies, academics, scientists, and conservationists. SFI Implementation Committees promote the SFI Forest Management Standard as a means to broaden the practice of responsible forestry and achieve progress on the ground. They offer a forum to provide information or answer questions about local forestry operations, and most have a process to respond to questions or concerns about forestry practices on SFI-certified lands. Learn more.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grant-washington-sfi-implementation-committee/
SFI Community Grants
ASSOCIATION FORESTIÉRE SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN
Helping Youth Rediscover Quebec’s Forestry Culture
Forests and Forest Products, a Culture to be Rediscovered
Why this project matters
The Forests and Forest Products, A Culture to be Rediscovered Program, from the Association forestière Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, has a track record of delivering tangible and measurable results when it comes to connecting youth to forests through education. Making these connections is good for youth because it can inspire a lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and open up rewarding career paths. Forests benefit too as youth enhance their understanding of the central role forests play when it comes to environmental, recreational and economic values.
The association tours elementary schools from September until June offering a half-day program that takes place in classrooms and in woodlots near schools for fourth-, fifth- and sixth‑grade students. The program reaches about 12,000 students every year. School-based forest education aims to educate youth about the social, economic, ecological and cultural importance of the forest environment and sustainable forest management. The association also wants to promote forestry and wood as an element of sustainable development and to interest young people in careers in forestry.
Why is SFI involved?
Connecting youth to forests is a key focus at SFI. Fostering an appreciation and understanding of the natural world is critical to healthy mental and physical development in youth. But today’s American and Canadian kids spend more time indoors than previous generations. That’s why a key component of SFI’s community engagement is educating youth and getting them outdoors, to ensure they can be effective future leaders and have a strong understanding of the value of responsibly managed forests.
Forests and Forest Products, A Culture to be Rediscovered gets kids outdoors and potentially opens up STEM-based career options. Workshops organized with college- and university‑level STEM and architecture technology students are designed to generate interest in forestry and forest products and related technical careers and professions.
The Quebec SFI Implementation Committee (SIC) will work to help ensure connections to forest products certified to SFI and Project Learning Tree materials. Project Learning Tree, an SFI program, is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12. Forests and Forest Products, A Culture to be Rediscovered offers an opportunity to expand PLT Canada, an initiative of SFI, in Quebec.
How the Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
This is a great program to engage a variety of youth, from primary grades to technical schools that also include architectural students. The primary partner is the Quebec’s Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks but multiple schools, regional municipalities and Employment Quebec are also included. The support of the Quebec SIC will also build connections between SFI Program Participants, youth, educators, and government officials at the municipal and provincial levels.
Partners
This partnership includes SFI Program Participants, youth, educators, and government officials.
- Project lead: Association forestière Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Quebec SFI Implementation Committee
- Quebec Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks
- Employment Quebec
- Five regional municipalities
- Four CEGEPs
- Four school districts (Rives du Saguenay, Lac St. Jean, Pays de Bluets, de la Jonquiere)
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) PromoScience Program
Related information
- Project Learning Tree, an SFI program, is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12.
- The Marten Monitoring and Youth Knowledge Transfer Program, led by the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi in Quebec, is evaluating the impact of wildlife management guidelines on marten populations and transferring knowledge to Cree youth.
- Funding from SFI helps the Earth Rangers School Assembly Program offer a curriculum-linked assembly presentation, for grades 1 to 6, that uses science-based information to educate students about the importance of conserving biodiversity across Canada.
About the Association forestière Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean
Founded in 1942, the Association forestière Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean (French only) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, informing and educating the regional population about the importance of forests, the environment and sustainable development. The association uses interactive educational workshops in schools and forests, and its annual conference, for training and knowledge transfer. The Forest Products, A Culture to be Rediscovered Program works to help the residents of the Lac Saint-Jean area understand the challenges facing forests as well as their economic, social, environmental and cultural importance from a sustainable development perspective.
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EARTH RANGERS
Brings Project Learning Tree School Site Investigations to Canada
Earth Rangers School Clubs Program and Clubs Missions
Why This Project Matters
Eco Clubs are popular in schools across Canada. However, they sometimes lack a clear mandate or direction and they often tend to focus on sustainable behaviours within the school rather than conservation beyond the school grounds. Teachers are also usually left with the full burden of creating and planning all club activities, which can be overwhelming and lead to a less active club. This project will leverage Earth Rangers’ extensive reach into schools through a new school clubs program that teachers and students can engage with year-round.
Why is SFI Involved?
The SFI Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program is supporting this project. Project materials will focus on sustainable forestry and the role Indigenous Peoples play in conservation, both of which are key areas of work for SFI.
The project will also spread the word about Project Learning Tree (PLT) Canadato teachers across Canada. PLT Canada is an initiative of SFI that uses trees and forests as windows on the world to increase youth understanding of the environment and actions they can take to conserve it. There is also a natural fit with PLT GreenSchoolsand Earth Rangers through GreenSchools Investigations — a set of five investigations to engage K-12 students in greening their school around energy, water, waste and recycling, school site, and environmental quality. This project will repurpose the school site investigation, with the intent of establishing a turnkey way of integrating Earth Rangers programming and promoting the existence of PLT to teachers in Canada.
How the project builds SFI community engagement
Earth Rangers will reach out to SFI Implementation Committees in order to leverage the members’ local connections to schools, increasing the reach of the clubs program in those communities. To encourage increased education and engagement in the natural world among students in schools, Earth Rangers will provide teachers with an easy-to-use and customizable platform. It will encourage learning and action on a variety of environmental and conservation issues, including those related to sustainable forest management and Indigenous values.
Partners
This partnership includes educators, researchers, conservationists, and industry.
- Project lead: Earth Rangers
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Forest Products Association of Canada
- The Schad Foundation
Related Information
About Earth Rangers
Earth Rangers is the kids’ conservation organization dedicated to educating children about biodiversity and conservation and empowering them to protect animals and their habitats. The Earth Rangers’ School Assembly Program is offered completely free of charge to elementary schools across Canada. It introduces students to four of the Earth Rangers Animal Ambassadors, including animals like Kateri the Peregrine Falcon, Gizmo the Eurasian Eagle Owl, and Quillow the Prehensile-tailed Porcupine. The 45‑minute assembly takes place in the school’s gym and features:
- An immersive HD multimedia experience
- Live Animal Ambassadors demonstrating their amazing natural behaviours
- A fun and interactive game that gets students and teachers involved
- Educational, curriculum-linked information appropriate for grades 1-6
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INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Online Forest Management Training Tool Helps Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species in British Columbia
Why this project matters
Invasive species are plants, animals or other organisms not native to an area whose introduction and spread harms native species and the economy. Most invasive species are unintentionally introduced by humans into places outside their native habitat. A lack of natural predators and diseases mean invasives can often reproduce, spread and survive better than native species. With few limits on their populations they can easily take over sensitive ecosystems — permanently upsetting the balance of plant, insect, bird and animal life.
This project, led by the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia, takes a creative approach to online invasives training that will engage forest professionals in preventing the spread of invasives in BC and beyond. The outcome will be healthier forests resulting from educated forest practitioners, who have the knowledge and tools to prevent the spread of invasives.
Why is SFI involved?
Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity on the planet. While this project falls into the community grant category, there are many overlaps with the conservation stream because of the effect of invasive species on biodiversity. The online workshops delivered through this project will build awareness of invasive exotic plants and animals, prevent new introductions, and potentially avoid new occurrences in almost 4 million hectares of forest in BC alone. The resources developed and produced through this project will describe and encourage forest practices that reduce the abundance of invasive exotic plants and animals.
This online invasive species training program has the potential to significantly impact forests in Canada, and across North America, by preventing the spread of invasive species, protecting forest biodiversity and helping SFI partners to meet the performance measures in the SFI Standards. This project will contribute to the standardization of invasive species training across jurisdictional boundaries. The program will broaden the expertise of SFI Program Participants on invasive species prevention and management. SFI Program Participants and the Western Canada SFI Implementation Committee will pilot test the online training, providing feedback to improve the quality and relevance of the online training program.
How the project builds SFI community engagement
This project will train and educate current and future practitioners who are engaged in action affecting the future of our forests through an exciting and relevant online training platform. Once implemented, project leaders hope to connect with SFI Implementation Committees across Canada and the United States for broader deployment. This project aims to engage forest practitioners in the prevention and management of invasive species through collaboration with current training programs.
Additionally, SFI will leverage this project through all active social media channels. SFI will also consider holding a workshop at the SFI Annual Conference for pilot testing the program with a broader audience from across the SFI Implementation Committees network to encourage maximum uptake by forestry professionals.
Partners
This partnership includes community volunteers, conservationists, researchers and SFI Program Participants.
- Project lead: Invasive Species Council of British Columbia
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Western Canada SFI Implementation Committee
- Interfor Corporation (SFI Program Participant)
- BC Timber Sales (SFI Program Participant)
- TimberWest Corporation (SFI Program Participant)
Related information
- The Nature Trust of British Columbia: Conservation of Biological Diversity in British Columbia’s Interior Forests through Invasive Plant Management
- Fighting Invasive Plants to Conserve Biological Diversity in BC’s Interior Forests (media release).
- SFI Conservation Grant Helps The Nature Trust of BC Protect Unique Ecosystems (media release).
About the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia
The Invasive Species Council of British Columbia is a registered charity and non-profit society that is making a difference in the lives of all British Columbians. The council is a dynamic action-oriented organization, helping to coordinate and unite a wide variety of concerned stakeholders in the struggle against invasive species in BC and spearheading behavioral change in gardeners, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, Indigenous people and resource industry and horticultural professionals.
Invasive Species and Forestry: Tools and Resources for Preventing the Spread in B.C.
An Online Training Course for Forestry Practitioners
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LESSER SLAVE FOREST EDUCATION SOCIETY
Boreal Forest Field Experiences for Rural and Indigenous Youth
Lesser Slave Forest Education Society Field experiences with Indigenous Elders, forestry professionals, and educators to expand student knowledge of sustainable forest management
Why this Project Matters
This project will deliver high-quality, hands-on forestry education field experiences to over 2,000 students, parents and teachers in the Lesser Slave Lake region in Northern Alberta. Students will also learn about forestry career options, which have the potential to encourage youth to remain in their communities. Programs include curriculum-based tours, hikes and camps. Educators, professionals and Indigenous Elders will provide teachings that expand participants’ knowledge of sustainable forest management in the boreal forest.
The project will foster environmental literacy by demonstrating how forest companies sustainably manage the forest landscape. It will encourage students to examine multiple perspectives including local Indigenous knowledge. This project will demonstrate how to bring together traditional ecological knowledge and forestry skills to ensure that all values are included in sustainable forest management.
How the Project Promotes Environmental Education and Respect for Traditional Knowledge
This project provides students with hands-on learning opportunities in the forest. During National Forest Week tours, educators will work with students to take measurements in the forest, using diameter tapes, clinometers, measuring tapes, tree identification guides, volume tables and increment borers to calculate the age and volume of wood in specifically marked trees. These activities provide real world uses for math and help develop numeracy and scientific literacy. Teachings from Indigenous Elders will also provide students with invaluable information about traditional land use and help them to better understand how Indigenous knowledge and values can be respected within sustainable forest management.
SFI’s Contribution
SFI Community Grants are supporting this project. The educational tours and teachings will be free for students to ensure equal access for all. SFI-certified forest management companies and forestry professionals will teach students about sustainable forest management and link these lessons to forestry careers.
How this Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
This project will use forest-based education to engage with and teach future forest leaders from local communities.. In 2018, the Lesser Slave Forest Education Society began to develop relationships with local Indigenous groups, specifically with Swan River First Nations and Sawridge First Nations. The education society’s goal is to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and teachings into its National Forest Week tours, ecology hikes and summer day camp programming in 2020. The High Prairie school division has offered to support these efforts by sharing their extensive contacts with all local First Nations. They have also offered to provide honorariums to Elders for any educational programming that High Prairie School Division students take part in to ensure that Indigenous perspectives, values and traditional knowledge are taught alongside other important educational concepts.
Partners
This partnership includes conservationists, educators, Indigenous Elders, and SFI certified organizations.
- Project lead: Lesser Slave Forest Education Society
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- West Fraser (SFI-certified organization)
- Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory
- Vanderwell Contractors (1971) Ltd. (SFI-certified organization)
- Tolko Industries (SFI-certified organization)
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
Related Information
SFI Promotes Indigenous Rights, Respect and Engagement
Training Yakima Nation Tribal Educators in Project Learning Tree Lessons
Incorporating Tribal Values in Minnesota Project Learning Tree Lessons
Educating shishalh Members and Forestry Practitioners through the Identification, Mapping, and Protection of Cultural and Medicinal Plants
Center for Native Peoples and the Environment: Exploring Forest Sustainability with Indigenous Youth
Cree First Nation of Waswanipi: SFI Is Supporting the Transfer of Scientific and Traditional Knowledge to Cree Youth in Waswanipi
Lesser Slave Forest Education Society
The Society is committed to supporting and funding forest-focused environmental education and is led by a dedicated group of volunteer representatives from industry, schools and government who share a common goal of environmental stewardship. The Lesser Slave Forest Education Society coordinates forestry related educational and career initiatives while aiming at youth involvement. It creates a greater public awareness of the importance and of the many dimensions of our forests in the Lesser Slave Lake Region. Providing bias-balanced information to the public and youth on forestry related matters is another key activity. Learn more.
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NATURE CONSERVANCY CANADA
Conserving Forested Waterways in Atlantic Canada
The Active River Area
Why this project matters
Well‑managed forests conserve sources of clean water. Over half the drinking water in the U.S. and nearly two‑thirds in Canada comes from forests. The Active River Area framework is a tool to measure the contribution of forests to freshwater ecosystem function and health. The first of its kind in Atlantic Canada, the framework classifies all habitats associated with freshwater ecosystems while recognizing the range of hydrological conditions typical of natural aquatic systems. To be completed for New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, it will bring an integrated hydrogeological-ecological approach to freshwater modelling, management, and climate change mitigation.
Why is SFI involved?
The Active River Area project will provide a framework to measure the impacts that forestlands certified to SFI have on water quality, climate change resilience and biodiversity. By delineating and mapping the various components of a complete freshwater ecosystem, forest harvesting plans can be assessed against their potential impact. The Active River Area framework can inform management plans by directing lower-impact harvesting toward areas within the Active River Area to minimize the ecological and hydrological impacts in sensitive areas. Floodplain mapping will allow SFI Program Participants to demonstrate the contribution of managed forests to floodwater retention and control. The framework can inform where ecological restoration will improve floodplain connectivity to better mitigate the impacts of flooding on downstream communities, particularly in relation to climate change.
How the project builds SFI community engagement
This project is a collaborative effort that involves a core team representing SFI Program Participants, government, ENGOs, and academia. The project will also involve technical input through a contract with the original Active River Area developers at The Nature Conservancy. The project scope includes all of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and the scalability of the project will allow partners to demonstrate the value of SFI certification at local, provincial and regional scales.
Nature Conservancy Canada will reach out to provincial and municipal governments and host webinars and in-person information sessions to promote the use of the Active River Area framework, citing support from SFI. Nature Conservancy Canada will seek out opportunities to present the results of the analysis at science workshops and events held throughout the Maritimes. There is also a proposal to present the project at a conference hosted by the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities held each fall in Halifax. Upon completion of the project, Nature Conservancy Canada is prepared to present at the SFI Annual Conference to promote the scalability of the analysis with potential use in other jurisdictions across Canada and the United States.
Partners
This partnership includes conservationists, government officials, academics and forestry professionals.
- Project lead: Nature Conservancy of Canada (Atlantic Region)
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Maritime SFI Implementation Committee
- New Brunswick Department of Energy and Resource Development
- World Wildlife Fund Canada
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada
- Dalhousie University
- Nature New Brunswick
- Government of Nova Scotia
Related information
- Water quality is one of three focal areas for the SFI Conservation Impact Project.
- SFI presented at Nature Conservancy of Canada’s “Why Forests Matter” speaker series held in Calgary, Montreal and Toronto and discussed the many benefits forests bring, the importance of responsible forest management and how SFI stands for future forests.
- Nature Conservancy of Canada, Earth Rangers and SFI Want to Make Life Less Scary for Amphibians at Halloween and All Year Round (media release).
- U.S. Endowment for Forests and Communities: Engaging the Water Community in Determining Financial Value and Instruments for Watershed Service Projects (media release).
About Nature Conservancy Canada
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is Canada’s leading land conservation organization, working to protect valuable natural areas and the plants and animals they sustain. Since 1962, the Nature Conservancy of Canada and its partners have helped to protect more than 2 million acres/800,000 hectares coast to coast. Through strong partnerships, the Nature Conservancy of Canada works to safeguard natural areas so that our children and grandchildren will have the chance to enjoy them.
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shíshálh Nation (SECHELT INDIAN BAND)
Cultural and Medicinal Plants Project (Phase 3)
Providing traditional educational opportunities for shíshálh Nation members as cultural and medicinal plants are identified, conserved, and mapped
Why this Project Matters
Cultural and medicinal plants will be identified, conserved and mapped in partnership with SFI forestry partners and the shíshálh Nation. This project will increase the knowledge base of foresters and shíshálh Nation educators relating to the importance of cultural and medicinal plants. Revitalizing cultural practices like harvesting traditional medicinal plants is a priority for the shíshálh Nation. The shíshálh people have a distinct language and a unique world view. The swiya (traditional territory) of the shíshálh people is on the south coast of British Columbia.
How the Project is Supporting Traditional Indigenous Practices and Values
The project will increase economic opportunities for those shíshálh members who make part or most of their livelihood from producing traditional medicines and foods by increasing their chances of locating, harvesting, and maintaining a sustainable supply of cultural and medicinal plants. In 2019, priority cultural and medicinal plant identification cards were developed by the shíshálh Nation Cultural Plants Team. This project will support the sharing of these cards with other forestry companies operating within the shíshálh swiya.
The main focus of the project will be to produce educational materials and provide field training for the educational and cultural staff of the shíshálh Nation. These educators and community influencers will be central to encouraging shíshálh members, especially youth, to preserve and use cultural and medicinal plants. The project supports and promotes shíshálh Indigenous values and will also improve the understanding of these values by forest professionals and community groups in the area.
SFI’s Contribution
The SFI Community Grant Program is supporting this project. It will help grow meaningful relationships between the shíshálh Nation and other SFI-certified forest sector partners.
How this Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
SFI respects the rights and traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and believes our shared quality of life improves when forests are sustainably managed for current and future generations. These shared values allow for a strong and multifaceted link between SFI and Indigenous communities across the U.S. and Canada. There will be opportunities for SFI certified organizations to participate in community events and field trips. There is also a potential opportunity to bring experts from the shíshálh Nation together with other Indigenous communities who are certified to the SFI forest management standard.
Partners
This partnership includes members of the shíshálh Nation, conservationists, researchers, and SFI certified organizations.
- Project lead: shíshálh Nation
- Sustainable forestry Initiative
- Capacity Forest Management (SFI‑certified organization)
- British Columbia Timber Sales (SFI‑certified organization)
- Tsain-ko Forestry Limited Partnership
- A&A Trading Ltd. (SFI‑certified organization)
- Interfor Corporation (SFI‑certified organization)
Related Information
SFI Promotes Indigenous Rights, Respect and Engagement
Gaining greater understanding and building better relationships with tribes in Minnesota: Incorporating Tribal Values in Minnesota Forest Management — Phase I
Center for Native Peoples and the Environment: Exploring Forest Sustainability with Indigenous Youth
Cree First Nation of Waswanipi: SFI Is Supporting the Transfer of Scientific and Traditional Knowledge to Cree Youth in Waswanipi
shíshálh Nation (Sechelt Indian Band)
The swiya of the shíshálh people lies between Queens Reach in Jervis Inlet and Howe Sound on the south coast of British Columbia. Historically there were four main settlements at kalpilin (Pender Harbour), ts’unay (Deserted Bay), xenichen (Jervis Inlet) and tewankw near Porpoise Bay.
shíshálh Nation is committed to innovation in program and service delivery designed to assist its members and community to achieve greater independence, wellness and self-sufficiency. Foundational to the Nation’sr shared work is the protection, promotion and practice of shíshálh culture, language and laws within their swiya. Learn more about the shíshálh Nation tems swiya museum, culture, language, and Elders.
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TABLE FORÊT LAURENTIDES
Growing Forest Education in Québec by Building a Forest Ambassador Network
A Network of Forest Ambassadors Root
Why this Project Matters
Table Forêt Laurentides promotes awareness of the forest sector, forest products, sustainable forest management, and green jobs. Its forestry education program is very popular, but it is operating at capacity and has been forced to forgo collaborating with potential partners on several occasions. This pilot project will create a Quebec-wide network of “Forest Ambassadors.” It will bring together leaders in forest education to share knowledge and methodologies to broaden the understanding of sustainable forestry. The network will leverage tools and resources to establish Project Learning Tree Canada (PLT Canada) in the province. It will also connect with the SFI network to provide demonstrations and educational opportunities for the Forest Ambassadors Network. PLT Canada is an initiative of SFI.
How the Project Will Build Understanding of Sustainable Forest Management
PLT Canada is advancing environmental literacy, stewardship, and career pathways using trees and forests as windows on the world. The Forest Ambassadors Network will help establish and expand PLT Canada’s reach in Quebec schools by leveraging resources and knowledge among a network of partners across the province. The ambassadors will also leverage the SFI network to build mutual understanding in the communities where they operate about the benefits of sustainably managed forests and forest products. The ambassadors will also play a critical role in engaging with youth and building their understanding of the career opportunities available within the forest and conservation sectors.
SFI’s Contribution
The SFI Community Grant Program is supporting this project along with the expertise and resources of PLT Canada. SFI also supports the project by collaborating with members of the SFI network. The Quebec SFI Implementation Committee, Resolute Forest Products, Kenauk Canada ULC, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and Louisiana Pacific are all supporting the project.
How this Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
This project will enable the SFI network in Quebec to better communicate its objective to promote the values and benefits of sustainably managed forests to a larger audience. It will leverage diverse partners across the province who are delivering education and outreach on sustainable forestry and create a province-wide network to unify messaging, goals and resource development. Promoting workforce development in the forestry sector will encourage youth to investigate green careers and potentially put themselves on a career path that allows them to live and work in rural communities, which currently face declining populations.
Partners
This partnership includes conservationists, researchers, SFI‑certified organizations, and provincial park staff.
- Project lead: Table Forêt Laurentides
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Kenauk Canada ULC (SFI‑certified organization)
- The Quebec SFI Implementation Committee
- Resolute Forest Products (SFI‑certified organization)
- Nature Conservancy of Canada
- Louisiana Pacific (SFI‑certified organization)
- Montagne du Diable Regional Park
- Domaine St-Bernard
- Kiamika Regional Park
Related Information
Investigating Biodiversity Impacts of Forest Management on Vernal Pools in the Kenauk Reserve, Nature Conservancy of Canada
Nature Conservancy of Canada, Earth Rangers and SFI Want to Make Life Less Scary for Amphibians at Halloween and All Year Round
Table Forêt Laurentides
The Table Forêt Laurentides promotes awareness of the forest sector, forest products, sustainable forest management, and green jobs. It focuses on developing a regional forest culture where people are proud of their forests and see them as a source of environmental, recreational, and economic benefits. Based in Mont-Laurier, Québec, the organization is in the heart of province’s Laurentide region. Learn more (French only).
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WORKPLACE SAFETY NORTH
Central Canada SFI Implementation Committee Partners with Workplace Safety North to Develop Trucking Safety Program
Safe Driving on Forest Roads
Why this project matters
This program, led by Workplace Safety North (WSN), will help the forest products sector enhance the safety of Canada’s trucking industry. Trucking is one of the few industries that shares its workplace with the public so its operations must meet and continually work to improve safety standards. This program will design a set of best practices for driving as a framework for teaching in classrooms and online learning environments.
Safe operation of a motor vehicle on forest access roads is achieved through adhering to best practices which will comprise the core of the Safe Driving on Forest Roads program. The program will review the hazards of driving company, personal or recreational vehicles on logging roads. It covers the unique physical nature of these roads, how to travel safely on them, and how to prepare a vehicle and driver for traveling on them. The course material describes defensive driving techniques for driving on logging roads in all seasons as well as general safety principles on these roads.
Why is SFI involved?
The SFI Community Engagement Grant Program is supporting this project. Skills and safety training are a key focus of SFI. These best practices for safe driving will promoted through the training and will help forest operations provide important education on the risks of operating vehicles on forest roads and provided strategies to mitigate the risks. The main objectives of the training program are to reduce the risk of injury or death resulting from the operation of motor vehicles on forest roads, as well as to prevent damage to the environment and to reduce the likelihood of spills of hazardous materials from vehicle roll overs, or vehicles entering waterways.
Since 1995, SFI Program Participants have contributed $72 million to support local programs through SFI Implementation Committees. This includes logger and forester training to reach the thousands of independent contractors that are the key to the quality of forest harvesting operations. By the end of 2017, more than 192,000 loggers and foresters had completed SFI‑approved training programs.
How the project builds SFI community engagement
WSN enlisted the support of a group of Industry and Community partners to develop the safe driving program. A communication strategy will maximize the reach and the impact of the project. There will be a number of targeted communications as part of this strategy using various forms of media as well as promotion at public events. WSN will promote the program at its an annual conference in Sudbury April, with over 300 delegates, along with a September Conference in Timmins with over 200 delegates. In addition, WSN hosts a lunch and learn style workshop titled Feed Your Brain. These events run on a regular basis throughout the year at various locations across Ontario.
Partners
This partnership includes safety experts and SFI Program Participants.
- Project lead: Workplace Safety North
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Central Canada SFI Implementation Committee
- Resolute Forest Products (SFI Program Participant)
- Northern Ontario Log Trucking Association
- KBM Resource Group
Related information
About Workplace Safety North
An independent not-for-profit, Workplace Safety North provides province-wide government-approved workplace health and safety training and services for the mining and forest products industries, as well as for businesses across northern Ontario. With health and safety specialists located across the province, WSN and its legacy organizations have been helping make Ontario workplaces safer for more than 100 years. A leading provider of health and safety training and consulting, businesses call on WSN for expert advice and information.
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ALABAMA FORESTRY FOUNDATION
Wonder of Woodlands
Project Overview
The Alabama Forestry Foundation will develop learning materials and indoor/outdoor training sessions to educate stakeholders about some of the unique communities within Alabama’s landscape.
A $10,000 grant from SFI Inc. will help this project broaden the knowledge and expertise of foresters and loggers, and help tell the story of why it is critical to conserve Alabama’s diverse communities of animal and plant species. It will also help link how responsible forest management contributes to conserving this special ecosystem. Information on how to recognize, appreciate, and conserve these areas during active forest management will also be included.
Project Partners
In addition to the Alabama Forestry Foundation, partners include the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama SFI Implementation Committee, Alabama Tree Farm, Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.
About the Alabama Forestry Foundation
The Alabama Forestry Foundation was founded in 1978 to advance knowledge of managing and using Alabama’s forests; promoting the stewardship and sustainable management of Alabama’s forest resources; and protecting the property rights of Alabama’s forest owners.
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AMERICAN FOREST FOUNDATION
From Nature’s Perspective
Project Overview
Fostering an appreciation and understanding of the natural world is critical to healthy development in kids; yet in North America studies consistently find that kids are spending more time indoors and losing this essential environmental connection. To address this issue the American Forest Foundation’s Project Learning Tree (PLT) program received $5,000 to partner with Michigan Project Learning Tree and the Grand Traverse Conservation District to sponsor a conference for PLT Coordinators and educators in order to provide meaningful arts and environmental education to Michigan students while creating a model that can be implemented nationwide by other PLT state program networks.
The grant offers an ideal opportunity for AFF, PLT, the Conservation District and local schools to partner in providing a lasting impact. The Conference attendees gained professional development experience allowing them to widely implement Project Learning Tree. Additionally, students from local schools were given the opportunity to share their Project Learning Tree journals and artwork with the larger conference audience.
Supporting the SFI Standard
The project supported SFI 2010-2014 Standard Objective 17: Community Involvement in the Practice of Sustainable Forestry, including Performance Measure 17.2 requiring program participants support and promote public outreach, education and involvement related to sustainable forest management.
PROJECT RESOURCES
Project Overview PDF
About Project Learning Tree
Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12. PLT is a program of the American Forest Foundation.
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ARKANSAS SFI IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
Partners with Arkansas Forestry Association Education Foundation for PLT Workshops
Teacher Conservation Tour Workshop Series
Why this Project Matters
This extensive educator workshop, led by the Arkansas Forestry Association Education Foundation, focuses on the environmental, ecological, and economic benefits of Arkansas’s forestlands and timber industries. These benefits are often not fully appreciated by people outside the forest sector. Engaging teachers, who in turn will educate students, is an effective way to build understanding of and support for Arkansas’s sustainably managed forestlands.
Why is SFI Involved?
The SFI Community Engagement Grant Program is supporting this project.This project’s strong youth education component supports a core SFI priority. SFI offers teacher training and engages students in environmental education through Project Learning Tree (PLT) activities. PLT is an initiative of SFI that uses trees and forests as windows on the world to increase youth understanding of the environment and actions they can take to conserve it. PLT activities will be incorporated in the project.
These workshops provide extensive background information and knowledge to help educators incorporate PLT lessons into their course material and better teach on topics of forestry and natural resources management. Educators who have attended these workshops in the past have used the information with their students in career preparedness classes and job skill enhancement.
How the Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
The workshops offer opportunities for the Arkansas SFI Implementation Committee to collaborate with Arkansas PLT and the Arkansas Forestry Association Education Foundation to offer quality hands‑on education promoting sustainable forestry practices and wise use of wood resources. The Teacher Conservation Tour is one of the premier professional development workshops in Arkansas.
This extensive educator workshop focuses on the environmental, ecological, and economic benefits of Arkansas’s forestlands and timber industries. The sessions and onsite tours provide educators with a lot of time in the woods, learning about the interaction between forests, the environment, and the economy. Participants tour forest product manufacturing facilities, view forest ecosystems, and harvesting and replanting operations all while learning valuable information about our forest communities. Participants also meet and learn from natural resource professionals and members of the forest products industry who are in the field conducting this work on a regular basis.
Partners
This partnership includes educators, researchers, government, and SFI Program Participants.
Related Information
About the Arkansas Forestry Association Education Foundation
The Arkansas Forestry Association Education Foundation sponsors a landowner education and assistance program for landowners seeking forest management information. As part of this program, the foundation holds a number of landowner education workshops throughout the state and publishes a variety of educational guides to provide landowners the information they need to make sound forest management decisions. It also serves as an information and education source to Arkansas’s teachers and students. The foundation offers teacher training as part of the Project Learning Tree curriculum as well as summer teacher training workshops and other activities. The Arkansas Forestry Association is the only private, nonprofit organization that speaks for the entire forestry community in Arkansas.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grant-arkansas-sic/
ASSOCIATION FORESTIÉRE SAGUENAY-LAC-ST-JEAN
Helping Youth Rediscover Quebec’s Forestry Culture
Forests and Forest Products, a Culture to be Rediscovered
Why this project matters
The Forests and Forest Products, A Culture to be Rediscovered Program, from the Association forestière Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, has a track record of delivering tangible and measurable results when it comes to connecting youth to forests through education. Making these connections is good for youth because it can inspire a lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and open up rewarding career paths. Forests benefit too as youth enhance their understanding of the central role forests play when it comes to environmental, recreational and economic values.
The association tours elementary schools from September until June offering a half-day program that takes place in classrooms and in woodlots near schools for fourth-, fifth- and sixth‑grade students. The program reaches about 12,000 students every year. School-based forest education aims to educate youth about the social, economic, ecological and cultural importance of the forest environment and sustainable forest management. The association also wants to promote forestry and wood as an element of sustainable development and to interest young people in careers in forestry.
Why is SFI involved?
Connecting youth to forests is a key focus at SFI. Fostering an appreciation and understanding of the natural world is critical to healthy mental and physical development in youth. But today’s American and Canadian kids spend more time indoors than previous generations. That’s why a key component of SFI’s community engagement is educating youth and getting them outdoors, to ensure they can be effective future leaders and have a strong understanding of the value of responsibly managed forests.
Forests and Forest Products, A Culture to be Rediscovered gets kids outdoors and potentially opens up STEM-based career options. Workshops organized with college- and university‑level STEM and architecture technology students are designed to generate interest in forestry and forest products and related technical careers and professions.
The Quebec SFI Implementation Committee (SIC) will work to help ensure connections to forest products certified to SFI and Project Learning Tree materials. Project Learning Tree, an SFI program, is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12. Forests and Forest Products, A Culture to be Rediscovered offers an opportunity to expand PLT Canada, an initiative of SFI, in Quebec.
How the Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
This is a great program to engage a variety of youth, from primary grades to technical schools that also include architectural students. The primary partner is the Quebec’s Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks but multiple schools, regional municipalities and Employment Quebec are also included. The support of the Quebec SIC will also build connections between SFI Program Participants, youth, educators, and government officials at the municipal and provincial levels.
Partners
This partnership includes SFI Program Participants, youth, educators, and government officials.
- Project lead: Association forestière Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Quebec SFI Implementation Committee
- Quebec Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks
- Employment Quebec
- Five regional municipalities
- Four CEGEPs
- Four school districts (Rives du Saguenay, Lac St. Jean, Pays de Bluets, de la Jonquiere)
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) PromoScience Program
Related information
- Project Learning Tree, an SFI program, is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12.
- The Marten Monitoring and Youth Knowledge Transfer Program, led by the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi in Quebec, is evaluating the impact of wildlife management guidelines on marten populations and transferring knowledge to Cree youth.
- Funding from SFI helps the Earth Rangers School Assembly Program offer a curriculum-linked assembly presentation, for grades 1 to 6, that uses science-based information to educate students about the importance of conserving biodiversity across Canada.
About the Association forestière Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean
Founded in 1942, the Association forestière Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean (French only) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, informing and educating the regional population about the importance of forests, the environment and sustainable development. The association uses interactive educational workshops in schools and forests, and its annual conference, for training and knowledge transfer. The Forest Products, A Culture to be Rediscovered Program works to help the residents of the Lac Saint-Jean area understand the challenges facing forests as well as their economic, social, environmental and cultural importance from a sustainable development perspective.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grantsaguenay/
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Lion’s Park Boy Scout Hut Build
Project Description
Through the SFI Community Partnerships grant program, Auburn University’s Rural Studio completed a student design-build project. The Lion’s Park Boy Scout Hut provides the Boy Scouts of Greensboro, AL a much needed headquarters.
Supporting the SFI Standard
The project will support SFI 2010-2014 Standard Objective 7: Efficient Use of Forest Resources and Objective 17: Community Involvement in the Practice of Sustainable Forestry, including Performance Measure 17.2 requiring that program participants support and promote public outreach, education and involvement related to sustainable forestry management.
Project Partners
In addition to the Auburn University’s Rural Studio, partners include Boy Scouts of Greensboro, Al; Probate Judge of Hale County and the Greensboro, AL Lions Club.
About Auburn University’s Rural Studio
Rural Studio is an off-campus design-build program of the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture at Auburn University. It gives architecture students a more hands-on educational experience. The students work within the community to define solutions, fundraise, design and, ultimately, build remarkable projects.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grantauburn/
BLACK FAMILY LAND TRUST
SFI Is Helping Keep Forestlands in the Hands of African American Families
Black Family Land Trust — A Tree, Is A Tree, Is A Tree 101
Why this project matters
Although African Americans had amassed 15 million acres/6 million hectares of land in the U.S. South between 1865 and 1919, today 97% of those lands have been lost, according to the Land Trust Alliance. The Black Family Land Trust is using forestry as a key tool to keep land in the hands of African American families.
Forestry offers many older farmers, landowners not living on their land, and multiple generations of heirs who want to keep their land together, an opportunity to protect their land assets while generating income from their land. Managed forestry can help landowners prosper in retirement and through multiple generations. It can also be a powerful tool to help resolve heirs’ property issues and ownership questions, and offers a means to help preserve the important social and cultural heritage of African American land ownership.
A Tree, Is A Tree, Is A Tree 101, supported in part by funding from SFI Inc., is the Black Family Land Trust’s three-part training on forest management, intended to introduce Southside Virginia landowners to managed forestry as an asset-protection strategy.
- Session I is an overview of forestry as a conservation and family economic development tool that highlights successful landowners with forest management plans who share their success stories.
- Session II introduces the concepts and terms of forest management and forest management planning.
- Session III is a basic overview of the economies of trees and forestry, and how to turn family forests into performing assets for today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
Why is SFI involved?
SFI is committed to identifying ways to support engaging African American forest owners in the U.S. South, including land retention. SFI, as an organization that stands for future forests, believes we can collaborate to help keep forests as forests and ensure that they are responsibly managed to provide conservation values as well as financial benefits to the African Americans who own these forestlands.
The Black Family Land Trust’s program aligns tightly with SFI’s support of underserved communities through forestry. Southside Virginia has one of the highest concentrations of forested and farm land held by African Americans in the state. We know from the Black Family Land Trust’s own work that the Southside region is ground zero for focusing on the potential loss of significant acres of forested land held in fragmented family ownership.
How the project builds SFI community engagement
This grant supports SFI’s community engagement efforts in two primary ways. It supports heritage values and it supports underserved communities through forestry programs. Through partnership and support of others operating effectively on these issues, and by using the natural connections of SFI Implementation Committees and our network of Program Participants, SFI can become a vital piece of the solution to the important issue of African-American land retention and sustainable management.
SFI’s community engagement efforts include the work of SFI Implementation Committees, SFI Community Grants Partners and SFI Inc. initiatives. These efforts have helped elevate and enrich the connections between people and forests. Our support for community-building organizations like the Black Family Land Trust enhances the vital links that exist between healthy forests, responsible purchasing and sustainable communities.
Partners
This partnership includes community leaders, government and the not-for-profit sector:
- Project lead: Black Family Land Trust
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Virginia Department of Forestry
- U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities
Related information
- The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities received a 2014 SFI Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant to support African American forestland owners.
- The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities supports related work in multiple landscapes, including Southside Virginia.
- Black Family Land Trust
About Black Family Land Trust
The Black Family Land Trust, Inc. (BFLT), based in North Carolina, is one of the nation’s only conservation land trust dedicated to the preservation and protection of African-American and other historically underserved landowners assets. The BFLT utilizes the core principles of land conservation and land-based community economic development to achieve our goals. We measurably improve the quality of life for landowners, by providing families with the tools necessary to make informed, proactive decisions regarding their land and its use. The BFLT works primarily in the Southeastern United States, our programs are intergenerational in their design. We honor the legacy of those stewards of the land that came before us and have faith in those stewards of the land that will come after us.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grantblackfamilylandtrust/
BRUSHWOOD CENTER AT RYERSON WOODS
Chicago Area Youth Learn How to Care for Urban Forests
Forest of Health / Bosque de Salud
Why This Project Matters
The project is important because 50% of those involved will be Latino and come from communities with a 60% greater rate of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, poor mental health outcomes and reduced quality of life. Research shows that visiting a forest has real, quantifiable physical and mental health benefits. Some studies show that even five minutes around trees may improve health by boosting the immune system, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, improving mood, and increasing the ability to focus — even in children with ADHD.
The Forest of Health/Bosque de Salud program, led by Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods engages and educates youth to encourage understanding, appreciation, and hands-on interaction with the natural world. By reaching youth, their parents, and their community of care, this program is a creative approach to exposing urban youth to trees and woodlands and encouraging their future care.
Why is SFI Involved?
The SFI Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program is supporting this project. SFI is focused on fostering an appreciation and understanding of the natural world in today’s youth because it’s critical to their healthy mental and physical development. But today’s American and Canadian kids spend more time indoors than previous generations.
That’s why a key component of SFI’s community engagement is educating youth, through projects like Forest of Health / Bosque de Salud, to ensure they can be effective future leaders and have a strong understanding of the value of responsibly managed forests. The project will also use Project Learning Tree (PLT)materials to empower community partners to help teach youth about the value of forests. PLT is an award-winning educational initiative of SFI.
How the Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
The program supports underserved communities who live near urban forests. Its primary goal is to equip each community with the knowledge, skills, and tools to appreciate and care for trees in their own neighborhoods. This will be achieved by empowering the community partners through PLT training, engaging parents in the learning program, and by conducting follow-up activities with each community.
Each of the communities Brushwood Center will work with will learn how to assess the health benefits of trees and how they, in return, can help trees. This program includes a field trip to the Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods. The Brushwood Center has a strong history of partnership with Latino and Hispanic communities and the center is committed to culturally competent programs that respect the authentic wisdom of each community.
Partners
This partnership includes educators, researchers, conservationists and industry.
- Project lead: Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Round Lake Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee
- Openlands
- Nuestro Center
- North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)
- Nature Start Alliance
- Foss Park District
- Roberti Community House
- Cool Learning Experience
Related Information
About the Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods
Located among pristine woodlands in the Ryerson historic home in Riverwoods, Il., Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woodspromotes the importance of nature for nurturing personal and community wellbeing, cultivating creativity, and inspiring learning. The center celebrates the legacy of those who came before us on this land and champions a region where people will care about and for nature.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grant-brushwood/
CANADIAN INSTITUTE OF FORESTRY
INSTITUT FORESTIER DU CANADA (CIF-IFC)
Forestry Professionals Across Canada Receive World‑Class Professional Development
National Knowledge Exchange Program
Why this Project Matters
This project provides an effective way to support ongoing training of forest professionals who in many cases work in remote areas with limited access to professional development. Forest practitioners who are involved in on-the-ground resource decision making or who do not have direct access to professional development opportunities, will greatly benefit from the Canadian Institute of Forestry’s (CIF) National Knowledge Exchange Program. The program also has a strong focus on engaging and educating youth, because many of the targeted forestry professionals are in the early stages of their careers.
Why is SFI Involved?
The SFI Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program is supporting this project.It will meet the SFI priority area of training and educating current and future forestry professionals who are engaged in actions affecting the future of our forests. Additionally, an effort will be made to host field tours and workshops in rural forest-dependent communities, where professional development and continuing education opportunities are limited.
Another critical focus of the project will be to increase the awareness of forest practitioners relating to protecting Indigenous values within actively managed forests. This will continue to enhance sustainable forestry practices across Canada, while also encouraging the involvement of Indigenous communities in forest management planning. This goal will be achieved through e-lectures in addition to being a theme or component of field courses.
How the Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
CIF will use its robust grassroots connections through its 19 regional sections located across Canada and internationally. CIF acts as a conduit for over 2,000 forestry professionals and forestry or natural resources focused organizations to collaborate, network and promote sustainable forestry practices across Canada and internationally. CIF Sections are well-positioned to understand and identify the needs of working forestry professionals within their areas. This knowledge will be crucial to determine specific themes or topics for field-based workshops. Additionally, CIF Sections will identify topics within their areas that have been underserved with regards to professional development opportunities.
CIF will consult with SFI, partner organizations and sustaining corporate members, including SFI Program Participants, to promote the outcomes and overall goals of the project. They will use this network to identify specific topics or themes to be addressed through virtual learning and field tours and identify potential subject matter experts within the focal areas. CIF’s network includes both federal and provincial government agencies, academic institutions, professional forestry associations, research and development organizations, Indigenous groups, and the forest industry.
Partners
This partnership includes educators, researchers, foresters and conservationists.
- Project lead: Canadian Institute of Forestry – Institut forestier du Canada (CIF-IFC)
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- CIF-IFC Cariboo Section, Northern British Columbia
- CIF-IFC Newfoundland and Labrador
- CIF-IFC Rocky Mountain Section
- CIF- IFC Vancouver Island Section
- Strategic Natural Resource Consultants
- FPInnovations
Related Information
About the Canadian Institute of Forestry — Institut forestier du Canada (CIF-IFC)
Established in 1908, the CIF-IFC is the oldest forest society in Canada. It’s a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about our forests and who make a real impact locally and abroad. The Institute serves as the voice of forest practitioners representing foresters, forest technologists and technicians, ecologists, biologists, educators and many others with a professional interest in forestry. The Institute provides national leadership in forestry, promoting competency among forestry professionals, and fostering public awareness of forestry issues. It includes 2,200 members from government, industry, and academia united as the voice of forest practitioners across 19 national sections, and one international section providing local and regional presence.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grant-cif-ifc/
CENTRAL ROCKIES SFI COMMITTEE
Supports At-Risk Youth with Valuable Environmental Education Opportunity
The Next Seven Generations: Supporting Indigenous Values and Improving Well-Being Through Forest Education
Why this project matters
This program promotes environmental literacy, well-being and traditional Lakota values to engage underserved youth from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. It is based on an Indigenous approach to land management that says decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future.
This program will foster a love of learning, leadership and coping skills, provide a place to grow, and support Lakota heritage, to inspire the future stewards of their lands. This part of Southwest Dakota includes counties with some of the lowest median household incomes in the U.S. This program adds to the quality of life in underserved communities because it gives youth a voice, fosters leadership skills, self-confidence, and self-actualization — inspiring them to know that they can make a difference in their lives, and their communities.
Led by South Dakota Project Learning Tree, and supported by the Central Rockies SFI Implementation Committee, the program will give over 150 children and youth, aged five to 17, a chance to attend seasonal camps, with learning activities correlating to that specific season. Activities include hands-on environmental science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, and outdoor recreation activities based on Traditional Lakota Values. Environmental science activities from Project Learning Tree are used to facilitate hands-on learning about our natural world. Tribal elders and Indigenous resource professionals volunteer their time to assist in these programs to give youth a solid background in their traditional Lakota values and way of life — an area under threat of being lost because of economic disadvantages.
Why is SFI involved?
The SFI Community Engagement Grant Program is supporting this project. Educating youth is a key priority at SFI. SFI offers teacher training and engages students in environmental education through Project Learning Tree (PLT) activities. PLT is an initiative of SFI that uses trees and forests as windows on the world to increase youth understanding of the environment and actions they can take to conserve it. PLT activities will be incorporated into the program by South Dakota Project Learning Tree.
SFI actively outreaches and builds partnerships with Indigenous communities. SFI also promotes Indigenous rights, respect and engagement through its standards and partnerships with Indigenous communities. The SFI Forest Management Standard is aligned with Indigenous values, including rights, knowledge, and environmental considerations. Indigenous communities began certifying to SFI in 2010. Today, 39 Indigenous groups across the U.S. and Canada work on over 10-million acres/4-million hectares of land certified to SFI.
How the project builds SFI community engagement
This program is supported by nine partners, including Tribal leaders, educators, conservationists, and an SFI Program Participant. Together, they will engage Tribal elders and resource professionals and expose youth to the Lakota way of life. Tribal elders will volunteer their time to lead and support camp activities. They will also attend community gatherings, set up throughout the year, to get youth interested in signing up for the camps.
Partners
This partnership includes Tribal leaders, educators, conservationists, and SFI Program Participants.
- Project lead: South Dakota Project Learning Tree
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Central Rockies SFI Implementation Committee
- Tatanka Mani Camp
- Hochoka Healing Center
- Journey On!
- Oglala Sioux Tribe
- South Dakota Family Forests Association
- Canyon Calm Cultural Learning and Event Center
- Neiman Enterprises (SFI Program Participant)
Related information
About South Dakota Project Learning Tree
PLT is an award-winning non-profit, multi-disciplinary environmental education program for educators and students from preschool through grade 12. PLT is one of the most widely used environmental education programs in the United States and abroad and continues to set the standard for environmental education excellence. South Dakota Project Learning Tree promotes balanced natural resource education in all areas of the state. South Dakota PLT’s programs are implemented by a part-time state coordinator and a team of professionally trained PLT volunteer facilitators. It distributes premier environmental curriculum and training through workshops and training sessions, enriching the classroom learning opportunities throughout the state. South Dakota PLT partners with other environmental programs and agencies that have a similar vision.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grantcrsfi/
CENTRAL WESTCOAST FOREST SOCIETY
Indigenous Youth on Vancouver Island Gain Forestry Skills Experience
Ucluelet and Tofino Field School — Education, Restoration and Monitoring Program
Why this project matters
This project, led by the Central Westcoast Forest Society, is focused on educating and engaging children and youth within the Tofino-Ucluelet region on Vancouver Island through a field school. It is reaching the surrounding First Nation communities of Toquaht, Hitacu, Esowista, Ty-histanis, Ahousaht, and Hesquiaht. These small communities, with 50 to 1,700 members, are located on the far west coast of Vancouver Island. This project is helping to encourage stewardship and a sense of belonging in these underserved communities. Local school children are learning about forest and stream ecology while gaining hands-on field skills and experiences.
Why is SFI involved?
The SFI Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program is supporting this project. A key component of SFI’s community engagement is educating youth, to ensure they can be effective future leaders and have a strong understanding of the value of responsibly managed forests. SFI also promotes Indigenous rights, respect and engagement through its standards and partnerships with Indigenous communities. The SFI Forest Management Standard is aligned with Indigenous values, including respect for rights, knowledge, and environmental considerations. Today, 39 Indigenous groups across Canada and the U.S. work on over 4-million hectares/10-million acres of land certified to SFI.
How the project builds SFI community engagement
The field component of this program is helping to train and educate future forest practitioners on the importance of sustainable and ethical forestry practices. Children and youth take part in guided forest walks where they learn about forests as well as riparian forest structures and the important role riparian areas play in ecosystem health. This program is being hosted on Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation territory and will support and promote Indigenous heritage and land values by inviting a Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation member that can speak to the roles forests play in their historical and current way of life.
The Raincoast Education Society, a project partner, offers other field components to their Ucluelet and Tofino Field Schools, many of which include First Nation language and cultural educational opportunities. This project is part of a larger goal to bring a better understanding of the local ecosystems and First Nation values to the children of these communities. BC Timber Sales, an SFI Program Participant and project partner, is providing access to their tender lands.
Partners
This partnership includes educators, conservationists, and an SFI Program Participant.
- Project lead: Central Westcoast Forest Society
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Raincoast Education Society
- BC Timber Sales (SFI Program Participant)
Related information
- Addressing Indigenous Interests and Building Partnerships (fact sheet)
- SFI’s Kathy Abusow speaks on CBC Radio about the SFI Small-Scale Forest Management Module for Indigenous Peoples, Families, and Communities pilot (listen)
- SFI Small-Scale Forest Management Module for Indigenous Peoples, Families and Communities
About the Cental Westcoast Forest Society
The Central Westcoast Forest Societywas founded in 1995 by loggers, First Nations, biologists and forestry professionals who recognized the need to address the loss of habitat in order to preserve wild fish stocks. The Society works closely with the five Nuu-chah-nulth Nations in the region. These partnerships ensure members from each First Nation are provided opportunities to work within their own territory to help rebuild wild salmon habitat.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grant-cwfs/
CENTRE FOR FOREST INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH, UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG
SFI Is Helping Foster Innovation in Forestry
The Forest-Community Innovation Network
Why this project matters
Canada’s forest industry and the communities that depend on it must address economic transition, social pressures and environmental change to remain viable. In response, different forest groups are engaging in public debate, grassroots organizing, technological and product innovation, and policy reform processes. These efforts are focused on rethinking relationships among communities, governments, Indigenous peoples, industries and Canada’s forests. Although implementing creative and new collaborative approaches is proving to be a complex task, new arrangements involving Indigenous and community groups, companies and governments already offer a growing body of experience to draw upon.
Led by the Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research at the University of Winnipeg, the Forest-Community Innovation Network is an active collaborative knowledge forum to support ongoing networking and practical research work critical to engaging diverse forest groups in processes of innovation. The Innovation Network is dedicated to implementing a vision for an integrated knowledge network dedicated to community resilience, cross-cultural collaboration, adaptation to environmental change, and innovation.
Why is SFI involved?
One of SFI’s priorities is to bring diverse partners together to advance responsible forestry through training and education. SFI and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business have had a long-standing partnership focused on enhancing collaborative business relationships and progressive aboriginal relations.
The Forest-Community Innovation Network will help SFI further engage with existing partners, such as the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, and build new partnerships, and will assist SFI in leveraging its cross-Canada scale at the community level. In addition, the Forest-Community Innovation Network recognizes that conventional forestry training is evolving and the network of partners needed to address complex forest issues is expanding and becoming more diverse.
More importantly perhaps, is the co-learning now taking place as a result of the collaborative engagements involving Indigenous groups, communities, companies and government, for example. Ultimately, the Forest-Community Innovation Network will create further opportunities to collaboratively investigate and develop training and education modules specifically targeted to sustainable forest management issues. Training resource professionals is a key focus for SFI. In 2015, more than 10,000 resource and harvesting professionals participated in training run by SFI Implementation Committees.
How the project builds SFI community engagement
The Forest-Community Innovation Network will give SFI Program Participants an avenue to support and promote Indigenous values through close partnerships with Indigenous organizations and representatives. The partnership will benefit from the guidance of Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners who are committed to working together and who have experience in cross-cultural collaborative forestry settings. This initiative will also enable Indigenous partners and other communities to enhance community and forest sustainability.
The Forest-Community Innovation Network is also designed to serve underserved communities by linking forest users of many stripes to knowledge and resources for improving sustainable management of forests. Target users are typically Indigenous and non-Indigenous community groups that do not have ready access to forest management extension services and expertise. The network will include opportunities to promote awareness of the SFI Program and forest management certification.
Partners
This partnership includes representatives from Indigenous groups and academia. These partners include:
- Project lead: Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research, University of Winnipeg
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Related information
- In 2013, SFI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) to assist in growing our relationship, engagement and outreach with the indigenous community by encouraging SFI Program Participants to seek certification under their Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program and support a dual-logo process.
- Read the SFI fact sheet: Addressing Indigenous Interests and Building Partnerships.
- SFI supports training for certified harvesting professionals and the use of trained loggers.
- Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research, University of Winnipeg
About Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research, University of Winnipeg
The Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research (C-FIR) at The University of Winnipeg is dedicated to interdisciplinary research, education, and training in forest science, policy and management. Established in 1998, C-FIR focuses on understanding the ecological, economic, and socio-cultural conditions that shape forests and the natural resources provided by forest systems in Manitoba and around the world. C-FIR researchers carry out leading edge natural and social science research to advance understanding of past, present and future changes and impacts, as well as the links between forest ecosystems and society, in order to promote more sustainable use of forest environments.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grantcfiruofwinnipeg/
CENTER FOR NATIVE PEOPLES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Exploring Forest Sustainability with Indigenous Youth
Project Overview
Centre for Native Peoples and the Environment: State University of New York – College of Environmental Science and Forestry will develop and implement an educational program that focuses on the sustainability of ecologically and culturally significant tree species that we will incorporate into the Native Earth Environmental Youth Camp (NEEYC). NEEYC is a camp devoted to sustainable science and traditional ecological knowledge that they run in partnership with the Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force.
Project Partners
Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force
About Center for Native Peoples and the Environment
Our region is the home of two great intellectual traditions regarding stewardship of the earth: traditional ecological knowledge of indigenous people and scientific ecological knowledge. The mission of the SUNY-ESF Center for Native Peoples and the Environment is to create programs that draw on the wisdom of both indigenous and scientific knowledge in support of our shared goals of environmental sustainability.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grantcnp/
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Homecoming Build 2016
Project Overview
Every year, more than 500 Clemson University students come together to build a Habitat house for a local family on the campus’ Bowman Field, during the 10 days leading up to the homecoming football game. Clemson University’s Habitat chapter will receive a $10,000 grant to build the 24th Annual Homecoming House.
After the 10-day build, the walls and roof are up, the drywall and siding have been hung, and the windows, doors, and basic electricity and plumbing have been installed. The house is opened for public viewing on Saturday, and then moved to a local neighborhood. Wood products certified to the SFI Standard will be used in the build.
Project Partners
In addition to the Clemson University Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, partners include the South Carolina SFI Implementation Committee and the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Clemson.
About Clemson University Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity
The Clemson University Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity was established in 1994 following its participation in the building of a home on Bowman Field during the 1993 homecoming celebration. Since then, the chapter has organized several outstanding projects, including the 2001 “Blitz Build” during which five houses were completed. In 2003, Clemson Habitat spurred the building of the first ever Youth United home in partnership with D.W. Daniel High School in Central, South Carolina.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grantclemsonh4h/
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
Building STEM Engagement Focused on Homes for Nesting Birds
Project Overview
Cornell University will engage local youth in the construction of nest box trails for the benefit of native birds and the environment. Wood products certified to the SFI Standard will be used to build the nest boxes. The university will also develop a free online curriculum, to expand the project’s reach, and deliver 18 workshops with their partners to test curriculum and engage students.
Through this series of workshops focused on youth, family and community, the curriculum will include lessons in science (biology, ecology, habitat) and technology (mapping, data exploration) surrounding the NestWatch citizen-science project for afterschool and 4-H audiences. Cornell University will receive $8,733 in 2016, 2017 and 2018 to complete this project.
Project Partners
In addition to the Cornell University, partners include the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell Co-Op Extension Jefferson County and Columbia/Greene Counties, and New York State 4-H.
About the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a world leader in the study, appreciation, and conservation of birds. Its hallmarks are scientific excellence and technological innovation to advance the understanding of nature and to engage people of all ages in learning about birds and protecting the planet.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grantcornelluniversity/
CREE FIRST NATION OF WASWANIPI
SFI Is Supporting the Transfer of Scientific and Traditional Knowledge to Cree Youth in Waswanipi
Marten Monitoring and Youth Knowledge Transfer
Why this project matters
Indigenous youth are Canada’s fastest-growing demographic group. At the same time, many of these Indigenous youth feel unsure of the opportunities they will be able to enjoy as adults. The Marten Monitoring and Youth Knowledge Transfer project will help youth see how the Cree way of life still connects very strongly to the land. It will pass on the values that teach the Cree to take only what they need from the land and ensure the continued existence of forests, rivers and wildlife. The program will also introduce Cree youth to scientific concepts and encourage them to consider careers as wildlife and resource professionals.
The monitoring program, based in the Cree community of Waswanipi, 700 kilometres/435 miles north of Montreal, will evaluate the impact of wildlife management guidelines on marten populations. The monitoring program combines western science and traditional knowledge aimed to transfer knowledge to Cree youth in the community. The monitoring program will also support the implementation of Cree standards and wildlife management for Cree wildlife sites of interest on Waswanipi lands.
The project will bring Cree youth to the trap line to monitor wildlife in an educational way, using scientific and traditional knowledge. They will participate in all the steps of the monitoring, from the elaboration of measuring instruments to the analysis of data, and will learn from the proven tracking methods of their forefathers. Learning will take place with peers in a natural setting as much as possible. The monitoring program will also include formal training with wildlife-monitoring techniques, which could potentially lead to career opportunities in resource and wildlife management.
Why is SFI involved?
SFI values this project because it will help transfer knowledge to youth and combine traditional and scientific approaches. The project’s potential to lead to career opportunities in resource and wildlife management is another key reason for SFI’s support.
One of SFI’s priorities is to connect youth to forests through education. We look for ways to instill a lifelong appreciation for the value forests represent for biodiversity, the broader environment, sustainable communities, responsibly sourced forest products and for our shared quality of life. The educational focus of this project also supports SFI’s focus on encouraging the next generation of future forest leaders.
Our work with Girl Guides of Canada, Scouts Canada, Boy Scouts of America, and other youth organizations and school programs like Earth Rangers and Project Learning Tree helps build healthy kids. It also engages youth in conservation activities and outdoor education.
Our kids’ contact with nature keeps shrinking. Today’s emphasis on screen time and indoor play is also linked to psychological and physical effects like obesity, loneliness, depression and attention problems. Getting kids into forests and helping them learn about sustainability is good for forests and good for kids.
How the project builds SFI community engagement
This project stands out from standard scientific monitoring programs because it advocates the integration of traditional knowledge from trappers and elders of the community in the development of protocols and the establishment of the monitoring.
The project also gives Resolute Canada and other SFI Program Participants in the Quebec SFI Implementation Committee an opportunity to engage directly with the community of Waswanipi. It will ultimately lead to a new rigorous resource management tool developed by and for the community, which could include prescribed guidelines for companies who work in the territory and who are likely to have an impact on the natural environment or on the practice of Cree traditional activities.
Partners
This partnership includes representatives from non-profit groups and SFI Program Participants. These partners include:
- Project lead: Cree First Nation of Waswanipi
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- The Gull Family
- Willie J. Happyjack Memorial School
- Waska Resources
- Cree Trappers Association
- Resolute Canada (SFI Program Participant)
- Quebec SFI Implementation Committee (consisting of SFI Program Participants)
Related information
- Read the SFI fact sheet: Addressing Indigenous Interests and Building Partnerships.
- Heiltsuk First Nation: Heiltsuk Culturally Modified Tree Database and Management System
- Montreal Lake Cree Nation Certified to SFI Standard to Enhance Forestry Operations and Community Sustainability
- SFI helped support the Native Earth Environmental Youth Camp, which is devoted to sustainable science and traditional ecological knowledge and run by the State University of New York in partnership with the Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force.
- Cree First Nation of Waswanipi
About Cree First Nation of Waswanipi
The modern community of Waswanipi is located on Highway 113 along Waswanipi River and is accessible by road. Waswanipi means “Light on the Water”, it describes our past when we used the torch light fuelled by pine tar, to spear and catch sturgeon that had gathered to spawn at the mouth of Waswanipi River.
While the development of the region has had an impact on our lands and community, we are committed to the sustainable management of our resources. Our hard work and dedication with the model forest networks is an example to what can be achieved through proper consultation and research on development with our respective traditional territory. We have locally owned businesses to provide you with meals, groceries, supplies and equipment. We have hiking and cross-country ski trails, rustic camping spots, and a number of beautiful lakes and several challenging rivers for canoeing and kayaking.
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CREE FIRST NATION OF WASWANIPI
Partners for Sustainable Management of American Marten
Sustainable management of American marten trapping activities: training, development, monitoring, and enhancement of economic benefits
Why This Project Matters
Indigenous youth are Canada’s fastest-growing demographic group. At the same time, many of these Indigenous youth feel unsure of the opportunities they will be able to enjoy as adults. This project will help youth see how the Cree way of life still connects very strongly to the land. It will pass on the values that teach the Cree to take only what they need from the land and ensure the continued existence of forests, rivers, and wildlife. The program will also introduce Cree youth to scientific concepts and encourage them to consider careers as wildlife and resource professionals.
This project aims to find alternative solutions to help preserve American marten populations and to support traditional activities practiced by Cree tallymen, in the context of harmonization of traditional activities with forestry operations. A Cree tallyman is a Cree person recognized by a Cree community as being responsible for supervising harvesting activities on a Cree trapline.
Why is SFI Involved?
The SFI Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program is supporting this project. This project supports education and outreach around American marten populations, and it will propose solutions to harmonize traditional activities with sustainable forest management. SFI also values this project because it will help transfer knowledge to youth and combine traditional and scientific approaches. The project’s potential to lead to career opportunities in resource and wildlife management is another key reason for SFI’s support.
One of SFI’s priorities is to connect youth to forests through education. We look for ways to instill a lifelong appreciation for the value forests represent for biodiversity, the broader environment, sustainable communities, responsibly sourced forest products and for our shared quality of life. The educational focus of this project also supports SFI’s focus on encouraging the next generation of future forest leaders. This project builds on the success of a related 2017 project: Marten Monitoring and Youth Knowledge Transfer.
How the project builds SFI community engagement
Young people and Cree tallymen will work together at each stage of this project. This approach, combined with communication and promotional tools, will generate interest across the entire Waswanipi community and other Indigenous communities. Public information sessions with visual support materials such as field equipment, a leaflet in three languages and multimedia presentations are planned. In addition, a trapping logbook and newsletters will be produced and distributed to the community and to Cree Trappers’ Association offices. Free marten nesting boxes will also be distributed in the community.
This project also stands out from standard scientific monitoring programs because it advocates the integration of traditional knowledge from trappers and elders of the community in the development of protocols and the establishment of the monitoring. The project also gives SFI Program Participants in the Quebec SFI Implementation Committee an opportunity to engage directly and learn from the community of Waswanipi.
Partners
This partnership includes educators, researchers, conservationists, government, and industry.
- Project lead: Cree Trappers Association and Cree First Nation of Waswanipi
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- WashWa Nu
- Societé du Plan Nord
- Quebec SFI Implementation Committee
Related information
- Addressing Indigenous Interests and Building Partnerships (fact sheet)
- SFI’s Kathy Abusow speaks on CBC Radio about the SFI Small-Scale Forest Management Module for Indigenous Peoples, Families, and Communities pilot (listen)
- SFI Small-Scale Forest Management Module for Indigenous Peoples, Families and Communities
About the Cree Trappers Association and the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi
The Cree Trappers Associationis dedicated to preserving Cree culture by practicing traditional activities. Association members believe by maintaining Cree principles and values they can pass on Cree culture to the younger generation. Waswanipi means “Light on the Water,” it describes the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi’s past when they used torch light fuelled by pine tar, to spear and catch sturgeon that had gathered to spawn at the mouth of Waswanipi River. The modern community of Waswanipi, Quebec is about 600 km/375 miles directly north of Ottawa. While the development of the region has had an impact on Cree lands and communities, they are committed to the sustainable management of their resources. The Cree First Nation of Waswanipi’s support for the model forest networks is an example of what can be achieved through proper consultation and research on development within traditional Cree territory.
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EARTH RANGERS
Brings Project Learning Tree School Site Investigations to Canada
Earth Rangers School Clubs Program and Clubs Missions
Why This Project Matters
Eco Clubs are popular in schools across Canada. However, they sometimes lack a clear mandate or direction and they often tend to focus on sustainable behaviours within the school rather than conservation beyond the school grounds. Teachers are also usually left with the full burden of creating and planning all club activities, which can be overwhelming and lead to a less active club. This project will leverage Earth Rangers’ extensive reach into schools through a new school clubs program that teachers and students can engage with year-round.
Why is SFI Involved?
The SFI Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program is supporting this project. Project materials will focus on sustainable forestry and the role Indigenous Peoples play in conservation, both of which are key areas of work for SFI.
The project will also spread the word about Project Learning Tree (PLT) Canadato teachers across Canada. PLT Canada is an initiative of SFI that uses trees and forests as windows on the world to increase youth understanding of the environment and actions they can take to conserve it. There is also a natural fit with PLT GreenSchoolsand Earth Rangers through GreenSchools Investigations — a set of five investigations to engage K-12 students in greening their school around energy, water, waste and recycling, school site, and environmental quality. This project will repurpose the school site investigation, with the intent of establishing a turnkey way of integrating Earth Rangers programming and promoting the existence of PLT to teachers in Canada.
How the project builds SFI community engagement
Earth Rangers will reach out to SFI Implementation Committees in order to leverage the members’ local connections to schools, increasing the reach of the clubs program in those communities. To encourage increased education and engagement in the natural world among students in schools, Earth Rangers will provide teachers with an easy-to-use and customizable platform. It will encourage learning and action on a variety of environmental and conservation issues, including those related to sustainable forest management and Indigenous values.
Partners
This partnership includes educators, researchers, conservationists, and industry.
- Project lead: Earth Rangers
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Forest Products Association of Canada
- The Schad Foundation
Related Information
About Earth Rangers
Earth Rangers is the kids’ conservation organization dedicated to educating children about biodiversity and conservation and empowering them to protect animals and their habitats. The Earth Rangers’ School Assembly Program is offered completely free of charge to elementary schools across Canada. It introduces students to four of the Earth Rangers Animal Ambassadors, including animals like Kateri the Peregrine Falcon, Gizmo the Eurasian Eagle Owl, and Quillow the Prehensile-tailed Porcupine. The 45‑minute assembly takes place in the school’s gym and features:
- An immersive HD multimedia experience
- Live Animal Ambassadors demonstrating their amazing natural behaviours
- A fun and interactive game that gets students and teachers involved
- Educational, curriculum-linked information appropriate for grades 1-6
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EARTH RANGERS
School Assembly Program Development
Project Overview
The Earth Rangers School Assembly Program offers a dynamic, fun and interactive presentation for grades 1-6. The program consists of a high quality, curriculum-linked assembly presentation that uses positive, science-based information to educate students about the importance of protecting biodiversity while highlighting conservation initiatives across Canada. Earth Rangers will receive $10,000 in 2016 and 2017 to help fund this program.
The funding will help complete development of a section of Earth Rangers’ 2016-17 School Assembly Program dedicated to educating students about forest ecosystems and sustainable forestry in Canada. Through the power of live animal demonstrations and exciting audience interaction, the School Assembly Program inspires students and motivates them to become actively involved in protecting the environment.
About Earth Rangers
Earth Rangers is the kids’ conservation organization, dedicated to educating children about biodiversity and conservation and empowering them to protect animals and their habitats.
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EARTH RANGERS
Canadian Kids Get a Close Up Look at Forest Birds and Learn Why Forests Are a Way of Life
Earth Rangers School Assembly Program Delivery
Why this project matters
Earth Rangers’ School Assembly Program is an extremely successful program, reaching nearly 250,000 students in grades 1-6, in a single school year. The program delivers a dynamic, fun and interactive presentation, consisting of a high-quality, curriculum-linked assembly using positive, science-based information to educate children about the importance of protecting biodiversity while highlighting diverse conservation initiatives across Canada.
The Earth Rangers School Assembly is not a one-off experience, but an inspirational introduction to a program that encourages lasting engagement. The biggest differentiator between it and other environmental education programs is the follow-up component of becoming a member, completely free of charge. The Earth Rangers Membership Program provides students with an engaging online experience and tangible activities that make an impact on real-life conservation projects and environmental initiatives. To participate in the membership program, students visit EarthRangers.com and register to become an Earth Ranger. Teachers can also continue to engage their classes in environmental education by accessing our classroom activities and curriculum resources.
Why is SFI involved?
Through youth education, Earth Rangers is effectively reaching kids across Canada with important messages about forest protection. The SFI segment in our 2017-18 assembly teaches students about the vital work SFI-supported scientists are undertaking in the boreal forest.
The segment also gives students the proper context for why balanced forest management is necessary, explaining how forests are both important wildlife habitat but are also necessary for building things like homes and schools and for making products like paper and pencils. Presenters then provide interesting details about the SFI-supported Boreal Avian Modeling Project, giving insight into the varied and unexpected habitat types that different bird species prefer.
How the project builds SFI community engagement
SFI will ensure Canadian SFI Implementation Committees are aware of Earth Rangers’ work and build connections for future collaboration opportunities. As with any environmental education program, SFI will also work closely with Earth Rangers to determine opportunities for future Project Learning Tree collaboration in Canada. SFI will also work with Earth Rangers to develop online materials related to the grant project, SFI, well-managed forests, and biodiversity.
Partners
This partnership includes educators and forestry professionals.
- Project lead: Earth Rangers
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
Related information
- Earth Rangers Canada’s work, including their Bring Back the Wild program, was featured in The Hamilton Spectator.
- Project Learning Tree, an SFI program, is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12.
- SFI connects youth to forests through education (project highlights).
- Nature Conservancy of Canada, Earth Rangers and SFI Want to Make Life Less Scary for Amphibians at Halloween and All Year Round (media release).
- The Boreal Avian Modelling Project
About Earth Rangers
Earth Rangers is the kids’ conservation organization, dedicated to educating children about biodiversity and conservation and empowering them to protect animals and their habitats. The Earth Rangers’ School Assembly Program is offered completely free of charge to elementary schools across Canada. It introduces students to four of the Earth Rangers Animal Ambassadors, including animals like Kateri the Peregrine Falcon, Gizmo the Eurasian Eagle Owl, and Quillow the Prehensile-tailed Porcupine. The 45‑minute assembly takes place in the school’s gym and features:
An immersive HD multimedia experience
Live Animal Ambassadors demonstrating their amazing natural behaviours
A fun and interactive game that gets students and teachers involved
Educational, curriculum-linked information appropriate for grades 1-6
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grantearthrangers/
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS
Immersive Education Event Helps Teacher Teams Integrate Environmental Science Education
EdVentures for Educators
Why This Project Matters
Supporting teachers to help them develop understanding and expertise in environmental science education can pay enormous dividends. Teachers are in an excellent position to encourage students to become environmental stewards. However, integrating environmental science education into school curriculums can be a complex and time-consuming task.
To tackle this challenge, EdVentures for Educators is planning an immersive two-day professional development education event for October 2019, hosted by Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI). Thirty-five teachers will work in teams to integrate environmental science education into curriculums. The training will be three-pronged and include academic instruction, field experience, and leadership development.
Why is SFI Involved?
The SFI Conservation and Community Partnerships Grant Program is supporting the EdVentures for Educators project led by the Environmental Education Association of Illinois.The association along with the U.S. Forest Service and Southern Illinois University will train teachers to engage students in environmental education through Project Learning Tree (PLT) activities. PLT is an initiative of SFI that uses trees and forests as windows on the world to increase youth understanding of the environment and actions they can take to conserve it.
EdVentures for Educators will also include field experiences in Shawnee National Forest and an immersive education experience at Southern Illinois University’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center. Participants will complete the training with an implementation plan for environmental education activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. Educators will participate in ongoing learning and community activities to strengthen the quality and implementation of environmental education, outdoor learning, and community resource connections.
How the Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
EEAI is the state affiliate organization for the North American Association for Environmental Education, which provides an online network of thousands of educators who will be exposed to EdVentures for Educators. EEAI also serves as the state sponsor for the PLT program in Illinois. The project plan and outcomes will be shared with other educators and states that might be interested in replicating this project. The project will also include follow-up webinars, collaborative teaching calls, online discussion forums, surveys to determine program effectiveness, and best practices for implementing new curriculum. Teaching teams who work with diverse audiences of underserved student populations will be given priority.
Partners
This partnership includes educators, researchers, conservationists, and government.
- Project lead: Environmental Education Association of Illinois
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Champaign County Forest Preserve District
- U.S. Forest Service — Shawnee National Forest
- Southern Illinois University — Touch of Nature Environmental Center
- Madison County Regional Office of Education
Related Information
About the Environmental Education Association of Illinois
The Environmental Education Association of Illinois is a group of concerned citizens who are interested in educating people of all ages about the importance of understanding and protecting the environment.
Since its inception in 1972, the association has provided leadership at the local, state and national level within the environmental education community by providing and supporting professional development services to the formal and non-formal educator. As host to national, state-based and independent professional development events and curriculums such as Project Learning Tree, Growing Up WILD, and the Midwest Environmental Education Consortium, the association has set a professional standard that educators have learned to depend on.
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EVANS LAKE FOREST EDUCATION SOCIETY
2011 Forest Education Symposium
Project Overview
In 2011, the Evans Lake Forest Education Society received $4,000 to host its Forest Education Symposium for educators at its center north of Vancouver, British Columbia. The Symposium, which occurred on October 21, 2011, brought together educators who want to teach balanced lessons about the economic, social and environmental benefits of sustainable forest management; and knowledgeable professionals, including Evans Lake Forest Education Centre staff and SFI representatives.
The symposium gave teachers and administrators tools to enrich forest education programs at their schools. They received a program package of up-to-date educational resources including suggested activities and locations, a chart linking activities to Prescribed Learning Outcomes, and other related resources. Each package included an electronic version so teachers can easily tailor the information to meet specific class needs. In addition to workshops and demonstration activities, participants were given and introduction to SFI certification hosted by the Western Canada SFI Implementation Committee.
Supporting the SFI Standard
This activity supports the SFI 2010-2014 Standard Objective 17: Community Involvement in the Practice of Sustainable Forestry, including Performance Measure 17.2 requiring that program participants support and promote public outreach, education and involvement related to sustainable forestry management.
Project Partners
The Evans Lake Forest Education Society worked in partnership with the Western Canada SFI Implementation Committee.
News
SFI Funds Community-based Education and Green Building Projects
Press Release – June 20, 2011
Project Resources
Project Overview PDF
About Evans Lake Forest Education Society
The Evans Lake Forest Education Society is a non-profit, charitable organization with a mandate to offer forest education programs at Evans Lake Forest Education Centre in Squamish, British Columbia. Surrounded by forest, it offers a feeling of wilderness seclusion but features all basic amenities. Each year, the Evans Lake Forest Education Centre offers a full summer camp program with sessions for campers aged 8-12 years, 13-16 years as well as Leadership Training Camps and wilderness based Outdoor Adventure Kamps (OAK).
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FÉDÉRATION DES PRODUCTEURS FORESTIERS DU QUÉBEC (FPFQ)
Update of the “Sound Forestry Practices for Private Woodlots” Field Guide
Project Overview
The “Fédération des producteurs forestiers du Québec” (FPFQ) has released the fourth edition of the “Sound Forestry Practices for Private Woodlots Field Guide,” which is used by small woodlot owners and forest managers to promote responsible forest management. The updated guide was supported in part by a $10,000 SFI Community Partnerships Grant.
Download a copy of the guide (French only).
This newest edition includes enhanced content covering key themes such as identifying watercourse crossing features and wetlands, conservation of wildlife habitat, timber measurement and stacking for transport, sugarbush development and tree-felling safety regulations. The online version of the guide also features videos.
Within the province of Quebec, the guide is becoming an essential tool for implementing the requirements of the SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard, which requires manufacturers to reach out to landowners and to also ensure training of timber producers. The FPFQ Guide is commonly used by SFI Program Participants to help them address the standard’s requirements. On an annual basis, SFI Program Participants provide training to more than 300 woodlot owners and close to 550 forestry contractors and producers in Quebec.
Objective 2 of the 2015-2019 SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard seeks to broaden the practice of sustainable forestry through the use of best management practices to protect water quality. The FPFQ guide’s information on crossing streams and other water courses is an example of how it supports SFI’s approach to protecting water quality.
Objective 7 of the Standard aims to promote sustainable forestry through public outreach, education, and involvement and to support the efforts of SFI Implementation Committees. The guide embodies this educational approach.
Project Partners
In addition to the Fédération des producteurs forestiers du Québec, partners include 13 forest-related marketing boards in Quebec, the Quebec SFI Implementation Committee, Canadian forest service and the Fondation de la Faune du Québec (FFQ).
Completed Projects Short Videos
Stream Crossing
Wetland Identification
How to Become a Forest Producer
White Tail Deer Habitat Management
About Fédération des producteurs forestiers du Québec
The FPFQ is the provincial advocacy organization responsible for promoting the best interests of 130,000 woodlot owners. Its actions are focused on the protection and development of private woodlots.
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FLORIDA SFI IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
Teaching Sustainable Forestry to University Students through Project Learning Tree (PLT)
Project Description
The Florida SFI Implementation Committee received $5,000 funding PLT educator workshops for university students utilizing the theme of “sustainable forestry” using selected PLT lessons from current manuals. The project will fund workshops for the 2013-2014 school year.
Supporting the SFI Standard
The project will support SFI 2010-2014 Standard Objective 17: Community Involvement in the Practice of Sustainable Forestry, including Performance Measure 17.2 requiring that program participants support and promote public outreach, education and involvement related to sustainable forestry management.
Project Partners
In addition to the Florida SFI Implementation Committee and Florida Project Learning Tree, partners include U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Packaging Corporation of America, St. Petersburg College, Florida Forest Service, Leon County Extension and University of Florida.
About Florida SIC
The SFI program responds to local needs and issues across North America through 35 SFI Implementation Committees at the state, provincial or regional level. This unique grassroots network involves private landowners, independent loggers, forestry professionals, local governments agencies, academics, scientists, and conservationists.
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THE FOREST FOUNDATION
Expansion of Map It, Manage It, Sustain It Forest Education Program
Project Overview
The Forest Foundation received $4,000 in 2011 to expand its Map It, Manage It, Sustain It Education Program, bringing together local landowners, forestry professionals, college faculty, and high schools in a collaborative learning environment.
SFI’s funding allowed The Foundation and its partners to expand the program to Plumas and Sierra Counties in California. The program enabled students to directly experience modern, technologically advanced forest management practices by combining tours of sawmills and forests certified to the SFI standard with hands-on field and classroom exercises.
The Map It, Manage It, Sustain It program cultivates tomorrow’s forest management professionals and informs the community on important topics related to modern methods of managing and sustaining California’s forests. The expansion allowed an additional 30 students and their teachers to explore ways in which forest managers plan for the long-term health and productivity of our forests, and to share their knowledge with their communities.
Supporting the SFI Standard
Map It, Manage It, Sustain It directly relates to SFI 2010-2014 Standard Objective 1: Forest Management Planning; Objective 2: Forest Productivity; Objective 16: Training and Education; and Objective 17: Community Involvement in the Practice of Sustainable Forestry. It also supports SFI requirements to protect water resources, conserve biological diversity, support forestry research and promote sustainable forest management on public lands.
Project Partners
In addition to The Forest Foundation, project partners included Sierra Pacific Industries and Soper-Wheeler Company. Partners making in-kind contributions include UC Berkeley Forestry Camp, University of California Cooperative Extension, and area high schools and colleges.
News
SFI Funds Community-based Education and Green Building Projects
Press Release – June 20, 2011
Project Resources
Project Overview PDF
About The Forest Foundation
The Forest Foundation is a non-profit organization created in 1994 to inform Californians, particularly K-12 students, about the role forests play in the environmental and economic health of our state. Its mission is to foster public understanding of forest ecosystems in California by providing balanced, science-based information on environmental, economic, and societal uses of forest resources for present and succeeding generations.
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FOREST ONTARIO
SFI Is Helping Students and Teachers Get Firsthand Experience in the Boreal Forest
The Forestry Connects Program
Why this project matters
Ontario’s population is 86% urban, according to Statistics Canada. This means Ontario’s vast forests are outside the daily experiences of most Ontarians. SFI’s support for Forestry Connects, will help connect about 100 high school students and teachers to the boreal forest and give them real-life experience in responsible forest management.
Established in 2010, the Forestry Connects program, led by Forests Ontario, gives Ontario high school students a first-hand look at what it’s like to work in forestry. More than 350 students and teachers have participated in the program to go into Ontario’s forests to meet with foresters, operators, Indigenous people, and biologists to learn about growing and responsibly managing Ontario’s forests.
From visits to local mills and harvesting operations to lessons on local wildlife and the identification of different trees, the program demonstrates the importance of forests to local communities, and the complexity and benefits of active forest management and planning. By the end of the program, students have a better understanding of the integral role forests play in cleaning our air and water, regulating Ontario’s climate, and creating products we rely on every day, as well as inspiring potential careers in sustainable forest management.
Why is SFI involved?
SFI values this project because it provides students with firsthand experience that exposes them to real life experience in responsible forestry and connects them with resource professionals who may inspire them to pursue careers in forestry.
One of SFI’s priorities is to connect youth to forests through education. We look for ways to instill a lifelong appreciation for the value forests represent for biodiversity, the wider environment, sustainable communities, responsibly sourced forest products and for our shared quality of life. The educational focus of this project also supports SFI’s focus on encouraging the next generation of future forest leaders.
Our work with Girl Guides of Canada, Scouts Canada, Boy Scouts of America, and other youth organizations and school programs like Earth Rangers and Project Learning Tree helps build healthy kids. It also engages youth in conservation activities and outdoor education.
Our kids’ contact with nature keeps shrinking. Today’s emphasis on screen time and indoor play is also linked to psychological and physical effects like obesity, loneliness, depression and attention problems. Getting kids into forests and helping them learn about sustainability is good for forests and good for kids.
How the project builds SFI community engagement
This grant supports SFI’s community engagement efforts in two primary ways — it connects youth to forests and it serves to train and educate future forestry professionals. The Central Canada SFI Implementation Committee, which includes SFI Program Participants Domtar, EACOM, Resolute Forest Products and Weyerhauser, all with lands certified to SFI, is working with Forestry Connects to engage with schools in multiple communities. This is opening doors to students in Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Ignace, Sioux Narrows, Winnipeg, Whitemouth and Falcon Lake.
Schools will participate in a one-to-two-day program taking them into the field to see active harvesting, learn hands on forestry skills like tree tagging and identification, and see finished wood products in order to understand the process from harvesting to product. Forests Ontario and their partners will develop a series of learning resources focused on forest management in Northern Ontario that will be freely accessible to teachers for use in the classroom. Resources will make knowledge of forest management accessible beyond Forestry Connects participants.
Partners
This partnership includes educators, conservationists, researchers, SFI Program Participants and municipal officials.
- Project lead: Forests Ontario
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Canadian Institute of Forestry
- Central Canada SFI Implementation Committee (consisting of SFI Program Participants)
- City of Kenora
- Domtar (SFI Program Participant)
- EACOM (SFI Program Participant)
- FPInnovations
- Resolute Forest Products (SFI Program Participant)
- Weyerhauser (SFI Program Participant)
- Manitoba Forestry Association
Related information
- Read an op-ed about how Earth Rangers, an SFI-grantee, empowers children on environmental issues giving them opportunities to take action and to make a difference.
- A marten monitoring project, supported by SFI, is connecting youth in the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi to the forest by bringing them on the trap line to monitor wildlife in an educational way, using scientific and traditional knowledge.
- SFI supports Project Learning Tree an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12.
- The Nature Conservancy is teaming up with SFI to help at-risk youth prepare for jobs as forest technicians, while restoring conservation values in native forests.
- Forests Ontario
About Forests Ontario
Forests Ontario is dedicated to making Ontario’s forests greener. Its ambitious tree planting initiatives, extensive education programs, and decades of community outreach have helped plant millions of trees in the province each year — and it’s through these efforts that they are bringing our vision for healthier forests to a new generation of stewards, partners, teachers, and donors.
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FORESTS ONTARIO
Ontario High Schoolers Experience the Forest
Forestry Connects – Timmins
Why this project matters
Ontario’s population is 86% urban, according to Statistics Canada. This means Ontario’s vast forests are outside the daily experiences of most Ontarians. SFI’s support for Forestry Connects, will help connect about 100 high school students and teachers to the boreal forest and give them real-life experience in responsible forest management.
Established in 2010, the Forestry Connects program, led by Forests Ontario, gives Ontario high school students a first-hand look at what it’s like to work in forestry. More than 350 students and teachers have participated in the program by going into Ontario’s forests to meet with foresters, operators, Indigenous people, and biologists to learn about growing and responsibly managing Ontario’s forests.
From visits to local mills and harvesting operations to lessons on local wildlife and the identification of different trees, the program demonstrates the importance of forests to local communities, and the complexity and benefits of active forest management and planning. By the end of the program, students have a better understanding of the integral role forests play in cleaning our air and water, regulating Ontario’s climate, and creating products we rely on every day, as well as inspiring potential careers in sustainable forest management.
Why is SFI involved?
SFI values this project because it provides students with firsthand experience that exposes them to real life experience in responsible forestry and connects them with resource professionals who may inspire them to pursue careers in forestry. Our kids’ contact with nature also keeps shrinking. Today’s emphasis on screen time and indoor play is also linked to psychological and physical effects like obesity, loneliness, depression and attention problems. Getting kids into forests and helping them learn about sustainability is good for forests and good for kids.
One of SFI’s priorities is to connect youth to forests through education. We look for ways to instill a lifelong appreciation for the value forests represent for biodiversity, the wider environment, sustainable communities, responsibly sourced forest products and for our shared quality of life. The educational focus of this project also supports SFI’s focus on encouraging the next generation of future forest leaders.
Our work with Scouts Canada, Boy Scouts of America, and other youth organizations and school programs like Earth Rangers and Project Learning Tree helps build healthy kids. It also engages youth in conservation activities and outdoor education.
How the project builds SFI community engagement
This grant supports SFI’s community engagement efforts in two primary ways — it connects youth to forests and it serves to train and educate future forestry professionals. The Central Canada SFI Implementation Committee, which includes SFI Program Participants Domtar, EACOM, Resolute Forest Products and Weyerhauser, all with lands certified to SFI, is working with Forestry Connects to engage with schools in multiple communities. This is opening doors to students in Northern Ontario.
Schools will participate in a one-to-two-day program taking them into the field to see active harvesting, learn hands-on forestry skills like tree tagging and identification, and see finished wood products in order to understand the process from harvesting to product. Forests Ontario and their partners will develop a series of learning resources focused on forest management in Northern Ontario that will be freely accessible to teachers for use in the classroom. Resources will make knowledge of forest management accessible beyond Forestry Connects participants.
Partners
This partnership includes educators, conservationists and SFI Program Participants.
- Project lead: Forests Ontario
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Central Canada SFI Implementation Committee
- Domtar (SFI Program Participant)
- EACOM (SFI Program Participant)
- Resolute Forest Products (SFI Program Participant)
- Weyerhauser (SFI Program Participant)
Related information
- SFI helps students and teachers get firsthand experience in the boreal forest through the Forestry Connects Program.
- Project Learning Tree, an SFI program, is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12.
- The Nature Conservancy is teaming up with SFI to help at-risk youth prepare for jobs as forest technicians, while restoring conservation values in native forests.
- SFI connects youth to forests through education (project highlights).
About Forests Ontario
Forests Ontario is dedicated to making Ontario’s forests greener. Its ambitious tree planting initiatives, extensive education programs, and decades of community outreach have helped plant millions of trees in the province each year — and it’s through these efforts that they are bringing our vision for healthier forests to a new generation of stewards, partners, teachers, and donors.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grantforestsontario/
FRASER BASIN COUNCIL SOCIETY
SFI Is Bringing Indigenous Peoples, Sport Fishing Enthusiasts and Forest Managers Together to Help Thompson Steelhead
The Thompson Steelhead Community Collaboration Initiative
Why this project matters
Steelhead are an iconic symbol of the Thompson River and region in British Columbia. Having long sustained Indigenous people, steelhead are also central to the region’s world-class recreational fishery. Unfortunately, this salmonid species is in decline, and today Thompson Steelhead are classed as a species of extreme conservation concern by the provincial government.
A new initiative is underway for a recovery and management plan that will bring together multiple partners from across a diverse group of communities. This project, led by the Fraser Basin Council, will engage SFI Program Participants about how Indigenous peoples value steelhead, identify modified forest management practices and seek future opportunities to collaborate.
Why is SFI involved?
This initiative is designed to raise awareness and foster collaboration between Indigenous peoples, the commercial sport fishery and forest managers in the Thompson River watershed. Indigenous peoples have long relied on forests for cultural, spiritual and material needs.
SFI builds partnerships with Indigenous communities and the SFI 2015-2021 Forest Management Standard requires certificate holders to recognize and respect Indigenous peoples’ rights. This steelhead initiative supports this requirement. The initiative also supports SFI’s focus on supporting sustainable rural communities. The steelhead commercial fishery is an important source of income for communities in the Thompson River watershed.
How the project builds SFI community engagement
This grant supports SFI’s community engagement efforts in three primary ways. Training and educating current and future professionals, notably resource managers, is a key SFI community focus. This initiative directly engages forest management planners in addressing values that support steelhead habitat. SFI Program Participants BC Timber Sales, Stuwix Resources and West Fraser Mills are supporting these engagement efforts.
SFI’s commitment to support and promote Indigenous heritage values is directly addressed by the initiative’s plans to convey the importance of steelhead to the cultural and dietary requirements of the Nlaka’pamux and Secwepemc peoples.
A third SFI community value – supporting underserved communities through forestry – is addressed by helping recover steelhead populations, which will ultimately result in a return of a sport fishery for B.C. communities such as Spence’s Bridge. It is estimated that up to two-thirds of the economic value of the sport fishery in small communities such as Spence’s Bridge has been lost with the decline of steelhead over the last few decades.
Partners
This partnership includes Indigenous peoples, provincial government departments, conservationists and SFI Program Participants.
- Project lead: Fraser Basin Council
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
- BC Timber Sales (SFI Program Participant)
- Cook’s Ferry Indian Band
- Secwepemc Fisheries Commission
- Stuwix Resources (SFI Program Participant)
- West Fraser Mills (SFI Program Participant)
Related information
- The SFI fact sheet: Addressing Indigenous Interests and Building Partnerships.
- Read an op-ed in the Prince George Citizen by David Walkem Chief of the Cooks Ferry Band and SFI Board Member, about the role of responsible forestry in sustaining Indigenous communities.
- Fraser Basin Council
About Fraser Basin Council Society
The Fraser Basin Council (FBC) is a charitable non-profit society that brings people together to advance sustainability in the Fraser Basin and across British Columbia. Established in 1997, FBC is a collaboration of four orders of government (federal, provincial, local and First Nations), along with those from the private sector and civil society.
Over the past 16 years, FBC has helped people learn about sustainability, resolve conflicts, and roll out partnership initiatives with a focus on climate change and air quality, watersheds and water resources, and local sustainability and resilience. We support leaders in government, business and community organizations in finding collaborative solutions to tough issues and promising opportunities.
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