SFI URBAN AND COMMUNITY FOREST SUSTAINABILITY STANDARD

The goal of SFI’s urban and community forestry work is to increase the resiliency and sustainability of our communities, both large and small. We will accomplish this goal by using trees and forests as natural solutions that improve community wellbeing, human health, and help us with many challenges including climate change. The new SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard will help us reach this goal.

The SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard for application in North America and potentially globally is being developed collaboratively with five urban forestry leaders: American Forests, Arbor Day Foundation, the International Society of Arboriculture, the Society of Municipal Arborists, and Tree Canada.

Urban and community forestry involves both planning and management of the urban forest because the right tree, planted in the right place, in the right way, promotes the many benefits trees provide for people, wildlife, and climate. Community trees and forests provide many social and environmental, and economic benefits including, improved health and well-being, social cohesion and accessibility, outdoor learning environments, climate change solutions, reduced air pollution, and improved urban design.