WASIC
WA State SFI Implementation Committee
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) program is a comprehensive system of principles, objectives, and performance measures developed by professional foresters, conservationists, and scientists that combines the perpetual growing and harvesting of trees with the long-term protection of wildlife, plants, soil, and water quality. There are currently over 150 million acres of forestland in North America enrolled in the SFI® program, making it among the world's largest sustainable forestry programs.
The mission of the Washington State SFI Implementation Committee (WASIC) is to promote and foster an understanding of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and to promote sustainable forestry practices on all forestlands in the state.
Core Priorities
The current core priorities for WASIC are:
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Establish criteria and identify delivery mechanisms for contractor (logger) and forester training.
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Establish protocols for addressing inconsistent practices.
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Focus landowner outreach efforts on education and technical assistance.
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Focus public outreach efforts on increasing SFI program recognition and support among local opinion leaders and forestry professionals.
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Protect the integrity of the SFI program.
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Support the efforts of state and federal agencies to report harvest and regeneration statistics.
Activities
Since 2001
BMPs & Sustainable Forestry
SFI® promotes Best Management Practices (BMPs) for forestry that protect ecosystems, wildlife habitat, and water quality working with federal and state agencies. Along with SFI, WASIC supported OSU Tethered Logging Research and currently supports the NW Forest Soils Council on updating the Best Management Practices for Maintaining Soil Productivity in the Douglas-fir Region.
WASIC works with state agencies and the Washington Forest Protection Association (WFPA) to highlight critical wildlife habitat needs and issues in the state. In coordination with SFI, the western SICs developed factsheets to help private landowners protect sensitive species while managing their forests. WASIC created a guide to Sustainable Forestry Practices for Landowners in Washington.
Master Loggers
WASIC helps fund the Washington Contract Loggers Association (WCLA), an educational program that trains logging professionals. WASIC also participates in training WLCA members on the importance of sustainable forestry and the SFI standard.
Landowner Outreach
WASIC acknowledges the importance of family forest owners and provides many Washington landowners with information about sustainable forestry and the resources available to help them manage their forests sustainably. The SIC donates money to support the Washington Farm Forestry Association, the Family Forest Foundation, the Washington Tree Farm Program and participates in the Family Forest Field Day activities hosted by WSU Extension Forestry.
Student Support
Project Learning Tree (PLT) is the SFI environmental education section. In Washington State, Pacific Education Institute (PEI) implements the PLT program. PEI works very closely with WASIC on a variety of projects and outreach efforts. The Washington SIC has previously helped sponsor the winners of the state FFA forestry contest so these deserving high school students can attend the national FFA forestry contest.
WASIC has an annual scholarship for incoming college freshmen and continuing students in forestry and natural resource management related degree programs. See the Scholarships page for more information.
2023 Leadership
WASIC leadership rotates between member companies each February. See the Organizational Document for additional information on leadership position descriptions and rotation schedule.
Chair: Carter Manning, Sierra Pacific. Email: chair@wasfi.org
Vice Chair: Alan Kycek, Hampton Lumber. Email: outreach@wasfi.org
Coordinator: Nicole Jacobsen, WFCA. Email: admin@wasfi.org