Sustainable Forestry Program — Logger Education
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) Program was created by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA). The SFI® Program requires participating companies to conduct their operations with care and concern for the environment. A part of this commitment is assuring that wood used to produce the products they manufacture is managed and harvested in a sustainable manner. Therefore, SFI® companies promote educational opportunities for both landowners and professional loggers.
SFI® companies encourage logging professionalism by ensuring professional loggers possess knowledge in nine key areas. These are:
- Sustainable Forestry Principles
- Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- Regeneration, Forest Resource Conservation & Aesthetics
- The Endangered Species Act & Wildlife Habitat Protection Measures
- Logging Safety
- OSHA Standards & Wage and Hour Rules
- Safe Transportation Procedures
- Business Management
- Public Policy & Outreach
In WV, SFI® Companies require loggers to possess a current license from the West Virginia Division of Forestry (WVDOF) and attend training in Best Management Practices (BMP's) and Chainsaw Safety. Continuing education courses addressing the other key areas are being offered and loggers must obtain training in these areas by June 30, 2006 to be considered SFI® trained.