TUESDAY, JUNE 4

ALL TIMES EDT

9:00 AM – 11:30 AM EDT  |  SFI Implementation Committee General Session

Open to SIC members and partners.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT  |  TRADITIONAL WELCOME AND OPENING SESSION: CREATING FORESTS FOR THE FUTURE

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM EDT  |  SFI IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE AWARD

3:15 PM – 3:45 PM EDT  |  BREAK

3:45 PM – 4:30 PM EDT  |  SOLUTIONS TO AVOIDING DEFORESTATION AND FOREST DEGRADATION

Numerous public and private initiatives are focused on the topic of avoiding deforestation and forest degradation, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Learn about SFI and PEFC standard developments that provide opportunities to align with the EUDR and solutions to geolocation requirements.

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM EDT  |  ROLE OF FOREST CERTIFICATION IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS

Certified forests and products are powerful tools for addressing global sustainability priorities and building transparency and trust in the marketplace. Speakers will highlight tools and solutions that demonstrate progress on key sustainability issues in forest supply chains.

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT  |  OPENING RECEPTION

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

ALL TIMES EDT

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM EDT  |  FUN RUN

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM EDT  |  BUFFET BREAKFAST

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM EDT  |  HOW MASS TIMBER BUILDINGS IMPROVE OUR CLIMATE AND OUR COMMUNITIES

Demand is growing for mass timber, and SFI-certified wood is increasingly sought to demonstrate the environmental and social benefits. This session highlights success stories like Georgia’s first locally grown and sourced 619 Ponce mass timber building, and advancements in specifying SFI-certified mass timber for projects within new market segments. Hear from representatives involved in the building and the efforts to educate Fortune 100 businesses and political leaders about the benefits of mass timber for our climate and our communities.

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM EDT  |  PRESIDENT’S AWARD

10:15 AM – 10:45 PM EDT  |  BREAK

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM EDT  |  CONSERVATION OF SPECIES AT RISK IN SFI-CERTIFIED FORESTS

Over the last several decades, implementation of forest management and procurement practices catalyzed by SFI standards have led to the improvement of wildlife habitat that is increasingly recognized for its conservation value.

Through innovative policy solutions and novel technological approaches to species monitoring, the Wildlife Conservation Initiative is demonstrating those conservation values in action in managed forests across the nation. Hear from scientists, industry leaders, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service about on-the-ground regulatory, tech, and partnership breakthroughs in managing forests for the co-benefits of species at risk

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT  |  BUFFET LUNCH

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM EDT  |  Fire Resiliency Strategies and Opportunities

Learn about fire resiliency best practices, incorporation of innovative science, and ecosystem considerations. Speakers will present research and modeling on fire behavior and highlight strategies to promote fire-adapted landscapes. This session will feature approaches for creating diverse partnerships that advance fire requirements in the SFI standards.

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM EDT  |  CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE WITH COMMUNITIES

Communities – from rural to urban – rely on forests for social, environmental, and economic benefits. These links between people and forests are even more relevant in an increasingly connected and changing world. Gain insights on practical strategies and initiatives that create positive change with communities, especially urban and Indigenous communities.

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM EDT  |  BREAK

MOVE TO CONCURRENT SESSIONS

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM EDT  |  CONCURRENT SESSIONS

A. TRIBAL ENGAGEMENT IN THE US: BENEFITS AND BEST PRACTICES

SFI is committed to promoting forest-focused collaborations rooted in recognition and respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and traditional knowledge. Learn about forest sector best practices in Tribal Relations and how inclusive, collaborative approaches to policy, program, and relationship development can lead to real progress on the ground and a positive difference in people’s lives.

B. URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY: BENEFITS AND BEST PRACTICES

Urban forests and trees are vital for community well-being, health, resiliency, and sustainability. Gain insights into the new SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard, the diversity of interest in using the standard, and benefits for communities.

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT  |  LOCAL URBAN TOURS

SPACES ARE LIMITED, REGISTRATION REQUIRED

A. TREES ATLANTA WALKING TOUR

Enjoy the fresh air on a leisurely stroll with city views as the backdrop of Atlanta’s popular linear arboretum. The tour guide will share fascinating Atlanta history and guide you through the current season of horticulture interest on the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum. The tour will start at the conference hotel at 4 pm, last approximately 1.5 hours and cover approximately 3 miles, ending at the evening dinner event location (Ponce City Market), so bring your walking shoes!

B. 619 PONCE TOUR

Come with us for a tour led by Jamestown LP and Georgia Pacific of 619 Ponce, a four-story mass timber loft office building at Ponce City Market. 619 Ponce is the first mass timber building in Georgia constructed with timber sourced and produced locally and will be featured in Wednesday morning’s plenary session. Attendees will learn about the building’s design, construction, and sustainability features.

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT  |  SFI ROOFTOP DINNER & PARTY

Relax and unwind with a view of Atlanta’s downtown. Catch up with colleagues and meet new ones over great food and drinks. The location is a 40-minute walk from the conference hotel or a short shuttle ride.

THURSDAY, JUNE 6

ALL TIMES EDT

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM EDT  |  BUFFET BREAKFAST

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM EDT  |  Climate Resiliency Strategies and Opportunities

Gain insights into advancements in climate smart forestry management practices and investment strategies. Scientists and practitioners will highlight approaches for addressing climate adaptation and mitigation requirements in the SFI Forest Management Standard, climate impact reporting opportunities, and strategies for broadening reach on the ground.

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM EDT  |  SIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

10:15 AM – 10:45 AM EDT  |  BREAK

10:45 AM – 11:45 AM EDT  |  HOW TO BUILD A DIVERSE AND RESILIENT WORKFORCE

11:45 AM – 12:00 PM EDT  |  CLOSING SESSION

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT  |  BUFFET LUNCH

1:00 PM – 6:30 PM EDT  |  SFI-CERTIFIED FOREST AND FIBER SOURCING FIELD TRIP

Sold Out/Waiting List Only

Take a field tour to Weyerhaeuser’s SFI-certified Chattahoochee Forest Area, spanning 305,000 acres across three states. Learn about the management of southern yellow pine on a landscape scale and see how SFI Forest Management Standard requirements are implemented at various stages of a stand’s rotation. A final stop will highlight a unique stand undergoing native plant restoration activities. You will also learn how, by implementing the SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard, Weyerhaeuser achieves biodiversity when sourcing from other landowners.

The field trip is thematically linked to the SFI Conservation Impact Workshop on the morning of Friday, June 7, discussing how biodiversity data supports the conservation objectives of the SFI standard.

1:30 PM – 4:30 PM EDT  |  AUDITORS FORUM (Open only to auditors)

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

ALL TIMES EDT

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT  |  SFI CONSERVATION IMPACT WORKSHOP

The SFI Conservation Impact Workshop will focus on biodiversity data to support the conservation objectives of the SFI standards.

In Part I of the event, discussion topics will include access to and application of biodiversity data that underpins the standards, how to prioritize, collect, and share data, new knowledge products on species and habitats of concern, and improvements in tools for ease of data use and reporting.

Part II will provide an update on the evolving direction of the SFI Conservation Impact Project and include a participatory feedback session.

This event is open to all and free to attend! The event occurs immediately after the SFI Annual Conference but does not overlap. Participants are encouraged to attend both, but conference participation is not required to join the Conservation Impact Workshop.

Click here for more information.