SAF addresses a political movement

known as 'proforestation'

Generally speaking, 'proforestation' advocates seek to ban active forest management on public lands, and is founded on the belief that, in the face of climate change, we can maximize carbon sequestration and storage through a halt on all forest management activities which may remove carbon, such as logging, thinning, controlled burning, or even wildfire prevention. 

Problematically, this idea does not factor in the loss of benefits fostered by forest management including biodiversity, a clean and stable water supply, adaptation to a changing climate, rural economic activity, etc. The IPCC recognizes sustainable forest management as critical to mitigating climate change through not only carbon storage, but minimizing emissions-emitting disturbances like wildfire, and providing a renewable alternative to emissions-intensive materials such as steel and concrete. 

The 'proforestation' concept has appeared before local legislatures, has been prominently featured by major environmental organizations, and has been adopted as a climate solution by some environmental scientists. Recently, its advocates provided testimony before Congress, claiming  wildfire management techniques like restoration and fuel-management are false fronts for profit-driven timber harvesting.

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While SAF has always educated diverse audiences about the benefits of forest management and the critical work of forestry professionals, this is the first time they directly call out 'proforestation', and they have published this handout to educate the public and policymakers on the issue. SAF is dedicated to supporting forestry and natural resource professionals, which involves educating the public on science-based forest management and the essential services it provides to a growing population, both in the US and abroad.

• Download the handout here

• Download the handout with references/citations here

• Find more information on SAF’s advocacy and outreach page​