Urban Forestry: The Position of the Society of American Foresters
The Society of American Foresters (SAF) has issued this policy statement on urban and community forestry which will remain in effect until November 2007.
"The Society of American Foresters (SAF) believes actions and practices that strengthen and improve the urban and community forestry discipline within the broader profession of forestry are vital to the social and economic well‑being of the nation. The SAF strongly supports activities and funding levels that promote the establishment, maintenance and sustainability of healthy urban forest ecosystems for all urban communities. The SAF supports integrating the science and art of urban forestry into urban land use planning systems and related commitments. Urban and community forestry is a viable and complementary component of managing the nation’s forest ecosystems and a viable part of urban ecosystems. Urban forestry also improves the quality of life in urban areas. Prior to the establishment of an urban forestry program, a socioeconomic analysis needs to be done of the area and community involved. After implementation, a monitoring and evaluation plan should be developed to ensure program objectives are being met.
The Society believes that the sustainable management and use of urban forest resources requires appropriate policy, a modest regulatory framework, and forward-looking research and investment programs, as well as institutional strengthening to make government and private sector investments and partnerships in urban and community forestry more effective and efficient. The ultimate success of such programs will also depend upon the efforts of individual citizens from all ethnic and socioeconomic levels who, on a voluntary basis, participate with local, state, and federal governments to ensure program objectives are met." [from Position introduction]
2006
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Policy
