Society of American Foresters SAF

Overview

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is the premier professional organization representing forestry and natural resource management in the United States. Established in 1900 by Gifford Pinchot, SAF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing the science, education, and practice of forestry. Its mission emphasizes sustainable forest management, professional excellence, and the conservation of forest ecosystems to benefit society. According to uniRank, SAF is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and has affiliations with numerous universities and institutions across the United States.

History and Legal Framework

Founded on November 30, 1900, by Gifford Pinchot and six other foresters, SAF aimed to promote the cause of forestry in America by fostering a spirit of comradeship among foresters and disseminating knowledge about the purpose and achievements of forestry. Initially, SAF's objectives included furthering the cause of forestry in America by fostering a spirit of comradeship among foresters and creating opportunities for a free interchange of views upon forestry and allied subjects. Over the years, SAF has grown to become the leading professional organization for foresters in the United States. It is a nonprofit organization meeting the requirements of 501(c)(3) status under U.S. tax law.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

SAF's mission is to advance sustainable management of forest resources through science, education, and technology, promoting professional excellence while ensuring the continued health, integrity, and use of forests to benefit society in perpetuity. In higher education, SAF plays a crucial role by accrediting forestry programs, providing professional development opportunities, and fostering a community of practice among forestry educators and students. Its objectives include:

• Advancing the science and practice of forestry through research and education.
• Enhancing the competency of its members through continuing education and professional development.
• Establishing professional excellence in the field of forestry.
• Ensuring the sustainable management and conservation of forest ecosystems.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

SAF is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its members. The organization operates through a network of local chapters and divisions, each focusing on specific regions or aspects of forestry. As a nonprofit organization, SAF maintains independence in its operations and decision-making processes, ensuring that its activities align with its mission and the interests of its members. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has a national presence with members across the United States.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

SAF plays a significant role in ensuring the quality of forestry education through its accreditation program. Established in 1935, SAF's accreditation process is a non-governmental, peer-review system that assesses the quality of forestry degree programs in the United States and Canada. Academic programs voluntarily undergo this comprehensive review periodically to determine if specific criteria and standards are being met. SAF accreditation is not a ranking system but serves as a quality assurance mechanism that declares to the professional community and the public that a degree program meets the standards of educational excellence set by the profession.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

SAF is actively involved in international cooperation through its affiliations with various global forestry organizations. It collaborates with international bodies to promote sustainable forest management practices and share knowledge and resources. While SAF primarily focuses on the United States, its international partnerships enhance the global exchange of forestry knowledge and practices, contributing to the advancement of the profession worldwide.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

SAF continues to influence higher education in forestry by accrediting academic programs, providing professional development opportunities, and fostering a community of practice among educators and students. Its accreditation ensures that forestry programs meet established quality standards, preparing graduates for successful careers in the field. Looking forward, SAF aims to adapt its programs and services to address emerging challenges in forestry education, such as the integration of climate change considerations, technological advancements, and the evolving needs of forest ecosystems.

Summary

The Society of American Foresters is a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the science, education, and practice of forestry. Through its accreditation programs, professional development opportunities, and commitment to sustainable forest management, SAF plays a vital role in shaping the future of forestry education and practice in the United States. Its ongoing efforts ensure that the forestry profession continues to meet the challenges of managing and conserving forest resources for the benefit of society.

FAQs

• What is the Society of American Foresters?

  The Society of American Foresters is a professional organization representing the forestry profession in the United States, dedicated to advancing the science, education, and practice of forestry.

• When was SAF founded?

  SAF was founded on November 30, 1900, by Gifford Pinchot and six other foresters.

• What is SAF's mission?

  SAF's mission is to advance sustainable management of forest resources through science, education, and technology, promoting professional excellence while ensuring the continued health, integrity, and use of forests to benefit society in perpetuity.

• Does SAF accredit forestry programs?

  Yes, SAF accredits forestry degree programs in the United States and Canada through a non-governmental, peer-review process.

• How can I become a member of SAF?

  Individuals can become members of SAF by applying through the organization's official website and meeting the membership requirements.

Organization Name

Society of American Foresters

Acronym

SAF

Year of Establishment

1/01/1900

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

68

Address

5400 Grosvenor Lane
Bethesda
20814-2198 Maryland United States

Phone

+1 (301) 897 8921

Fax

+1 (301) 897 3690

List of universities that are members of the Society of American Foresters (SAF):

1. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
2. Alabama A&M University
3. Allegany College of Maryland
4. Auburn University
5. California Polytechnic State University
6. Central Oregon Community College
7. Clemson University
8. Colorado State University
9. Duke University
10. Front Range Community College
11. Glenville State College
12. Green River College
13. Haywood Community College
14. Hocking College
15. Horry-Georgetown Technical College
16. Humboldt State University
17. Iowa State University
18. Louisiana State University
19. Louisiana Tech University
20. Michigan State University
21. Michigan Technological University
22. Minnesota North College - Itasca Campus
23. Minnesota North College - Vermilion Campus
24. Mississippi State University
25. Mountain Gateway Community College
26. Mt. Hood Community College
27. New Mexico Highlands University
28. North Carolina State University
29. Northern Arizona University
30. Ohio State University
31. Oklahoma State University
32. Oregon State University
33. Paul Smith's College of Arts and Sciences
34. Pennsylvania College of Technology
35. Pennsylvania State University
36. Pennsylvania State University-Mont Alto
37. Purdue University
38. Reedley College
39. Southern Illinois University
40. Southern University and A&M College
41. Spokane Community College
42. State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry
43. Stephen F. Austin State University
44. Texas A&M University
45. University of Arkansas at Monticello
46. University of British Columbia
47. University of California-Berkeley
48. University of Florida
49. University of Georgia
50. University of Idaho
51. University of Kentucky
52. University of Maine
53. University of Maine Fort Kent
54. University of Massachusetts - Amherst
55. University of Minnesota
56. University of Missouri
57. University of Montana
58. University of New Hampshire
59. University of Tennessee
60. University of Vermont
61. University of Washington
62. University of Wisconsin-Madison
63. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
64. Utah State University
65. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
66. Washington State University
67. West Virginia University
68. Yale University

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Society of American Foresters's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Society of American Foresters's X page

LinkedIn

Society of American Foresters's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

Society of American Foresters's YouTube channel

Instagram

Society of American Foresters's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

Society of American Foresters's Wikipedia article

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