NEWS RELEASES

SFI announced seven conservation grants today that will build on SFI’s commitment to conservation research and increase knowledge about the conservation benefits associated with forests influenced by the SFI 2022 Forest Management Standard and the SFI 2022 Fiber Sourcing Standard. The grants reflect the priorities of SFI’s innovative Conservation Impact Project, which advances understanding of climate change, biodiversity, and water in sustainably managed forests. The grants also highlight the key role that SFI certified organizations and other members of the SFI network play in collaborating on conservation projects.

SFI certification is a powerful tool to provide customers and producers of forest products with the tools and guidance they need to make responsible supply chain decisions and achieve responsible forest management goals.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) announced Bettina Ring as its new Chief Sustainability and Diversity Officer today. Ring will provide leadership internally and externally on strategic initiatives related to sustainability and diversity. She will also seek to leverage SFI’s scale to drive meaningful change in the forest and conservation sector through collaboration with SFI’s network.

Nice-Pak , the pioneer and leading producer of wet wipes for consumer markets, announced today it is joining forces with two leading non-profit organizations to further its commitment to environmental sustainability, education and improved health impacts. The unique collaboration brings Nice-Pak together with American Forests and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative's flagship education program, Project Learning Tree . Together these experts in conservation, sustainable forestry and environmental education will help drive awareness that trees and forests are the best nature-based solution to climate change and for the vital role they play in improving health and protecting the planet for future generations.

SFI and the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI) announced the launch of the SFI-NCASI Carbon and Water Tools today. These science-based tools will help increase understanding of how SFI-certified forests can be used as nature-based solutions to help mitigate climate change and ensure water conservation. These new measurement tools help quantify the contributions of the 370 million acres/150 million hectares of forestland certified to the SFI Forest Management Standard in addressing climate change and meeting the water needs of both society and ecological systems.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize a new partnership aimed at ensuring young Black Americans have greater opportunities for rewarding careers in the forest and conservation sector.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), participating in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress today, shared the news of its new forest certification standard revisions, which advance solutions to some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. The new standards build on SFI’s announcement at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2016 of the formation of the Conservation Impact Project, which is focused on addressing climate change, biodiversity, and water quality on the SFI footprint.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) announced 13 SFI Community Grants today featuring collaboration between 63 partner organizations. SFI Community Grants make a meaningful impact in the communities that live and work near forests. This year’s grants support SFI’s mission of advancing sustainability through forest-focused collaboration by addressing relevant challenges facing our communities.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) announced today that USDA Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen is the winner of the 2021 SFI President’s Award. The award is given to an individual or an organization that leads the forest community on important issues related to sustainability, education, and collaboration.  

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) presented the 2021 Leadership in Conservation Award to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and SFI-certified company West Fraser, today. The winners were recognized for their innovative leadership in connecting sustainable forest management with Canada’s commitment to protected and conserved areas.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) is pleased to announce the Minnesota SFI Implementation Committee as the 2021 winner of the SFI Implementation Committee Achievement Award. This award recognizes the exceptional work done by the grassroots network of 34 SFI Implementation Committees across the U.S. and Canada. These committees respond to local needs and priorities related to implementation of SFI standards, conservation, community, and education work.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) is pleased to announce Karla Guyn, CEO of Ducks Unlimited Canada, as the new Chair of the SFI Board of Directors, and the election of three new board members. The SFI Board of Directors provides leadership that helps SFI fulfill its mission to advance sustainability through forest-focused collaboration. Guyn will serve a one-year term. The three new board members, Catherine Grenier, President and CEO, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ellen Shultzabarger, State Forester and Director, Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, and Don Kayne, CEO, Canfor Corporation and Canfor Pulp, will serve three-year terms.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) has developed new standards to support SFI’s leadership in offering solutions to some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. SFI certification is a powerful tool to ensure healthy forests that mitigate climate impacts, are resilient to fire threats, and support a diversity of communities.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians have rediscovered the many benefits connecting with nature has for our health and well-being. The Government of Canada is continuing to deliver on its commitment to protect more nature across the country to fight climate change, protect our iconic biodiversity and ensure Canadians can spend time outdoors in their communities.