The Society of American Foresters, a brief history, contact information and what the society is for.
The Society Of American Foresters is a one hundred year old organization founded by Gifford Pinchot in 1900. A non-profit organization of over 18,000 professional foresters that work together to improve the health and productivity of our forest, it is the largest professional group of foresters in the world. This is a great way for foresters to continue educating themselves and to share ideas with other foresters. While this is the main organization there are also chapters within most states or groups of states; such as the Allegheny Society of American Foresters of which my father is a member. This groups together the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and West Virginia.
The Society has many different membership plans including;
Professional Membership, Conditional Professional Membership, Associate Membership, Technician Membership, Student Membership, International Membership and a Corresponding Membership. The average membership cost is $65.00 yearly with a student membership running $30.00.
There is a membership fee to join the Society of American Foresters with the different membership types incurring different fees. There are also state and local fees for joining the chapters within a state that range in cost from $1.00 to $20.00.
There are several publications put out by the Society Of American Foresters which members will receive. An award winning magazine called the "Journal Of Forestry" and a newspaper named The "Forestry Source". While publications are free with a membership, non-members may also subscribe to these wonderfully informative writings by contacting the Society. They also have a data base available to those looking for a certified forester in your area.
Also available through the Society of American Foresters are classified ad's for foresters looking for work, or business looking for foresters. For forestry students this service would be extremely helpful to find that perfect job. Also the interaction with professional foresters will greatly enhance the classroom teaching.
There are many local and national conventions that foresters can attend. The subjects discussed and the tours given vary greatly. For example this year the National Convention is being held in Washington, DC from November 16 - 20, 2000 at the Washington Hilton and Towers. Several tours, discussions and talks that will be given include, Ecosystem Management at Fort A.P. Hill, Income Opportunities for Nonindustrial Private Forests, What current and emerging issues of science and policy will affect the future of our forests and our profession?, also this year the 100th Anniversary of the organization will include many celebrations. There will also be many site seeing tours offered as well.
So if you are a forester looking for a group with which to share or learn more about the new technology in forestry, or even a student looking to enhance your schooling, the Society of American Foresters is the place in which to do just that. It will be a great learning experience.
If you are interested in contacting the Society of American Foresters they can be reached at:
The Society of American Foresters
5400 Grosvenor Lane
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Phone: 301·897·8720
Fax: 301·897·3690
