Society of American Foresters

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is a scientific and educational 501(c) non-profit organization, representing the forestry profession in the United States of America. Its mission statement declares that it seeks to advance the science, education, and practice of forestry; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and, to use the knowledge, skills and conservation ethic of the profession to ensure the continued health and use of forest ecosystems and the present and future availability of forest resources to benefit society. Its headquarters are located in Bethesda, Maryland.

The SAF was founded in 1900 by Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the United States Forest Service.

The SAF is very active in improving the quality of postsecondary forestry education in the United States; however, it was denied recognition by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as an accrediting organization in 2015, after being recognised since 2001 for academic degree programs in professional forestry, both at a Bachelor's and Master's level. Accreditation is ongoing, with a full review of all universities occurring every ten years, 2007 being the latest. Currently, only Michigan State University, Mississippi State University, and the University of Minnesota are accredited until 2017. Additionally, it reviews two-year programs leading to an Associate degree in forest technology and other related fields; full accreditation of technical programs will commence as of August, 2009.

The SAF also offers a continuing education credit system, in hopes of keeping foresters and their associates current on the rapidly developing technologies.

...
Wikipedia