The Woodland Steward newsletter that you are holding is published by the Woodland Steward Institute which has a host of member organizations that are listed on the cover of each issue. The Indiana Society of American Foresters, ISAF, has been a sponsor since the inception of the Woodland Steward Institute. ISAF and these other groups support the Woodland Steward by making annual monetary contributions that assist in publishing the newsletter at no cost to its recipients. We at ISAF are committed to maintaining our support for this marvelous magazine, and look forward to many more years of support.

The Indiana Society of American Foresters is the Indiana state chapter of the National Society of American Foresters and we are eager to do our part to promote the wise use of Indiana's forest resources.

ISAF is a dedicated group of natural resource professionals, primarily foresters, who often play a vital role in formulating policy, and resolving forest land use issues. Our membership is made up of individuals from IDNR Division of Forestry, US Forest Service personnel, university faculty, private individuals, forest product industries, non-profit organizations, and other forestry related backgrounds. Currently there are 179 members, with 25 of those in the student chapter at Purdue University. We are a diverse group of dedicated professionals with widespread influence and experience.

Several of the board members of the Woodland Steward Institute (WSI), are members of ISAF. Here are some ways that the Indiana Society of American Foresters plays a significant role here in Indiana:

ISAF strives to bring the science of experience of professional foresters to the policy making process. We sponsor events where state legislators attend. Our members give testimony at legislative hearings. We also write position papers expressing our stance on natural resource issues. Our position papers can be found at http://www.indianasaf.org/who/insaf.html under “Position Statements.”

SAF’s Certified Forester (CF) program raises the visibility of the forestry profession and ensures a set of professional standards. SAF accredits the curriculum of both BF and MS forestry degree programs at the country’s leading institutions. Institutions that earn this high standard prepare future forestry professionals for tomorrow’s challenges.

SAF’s members participate in CFE (Continuing Forestry Education) credits to stay current on public matters and new technologies. SAF publishes periodicals that keep its members informed of developments in natural resource matters.

ISAF works here in Indiana to spread the positive message of forest management. By having its members at every level and cooperating with groups such as Habitat For Humanity, State Government, NGO’S (Non-government Organizations), agricultural industry, local land planners, county officials, forest products industry, and others, we are able to get out our message of sound forest management.

From the SAF:

“Since Gifford Pinchot founded the Society of American Foresters in 1900, SAF has led the nation’s efforts to advance the science and practice of forestry, promote its benefits to society, and represent the interests of forestry professionals in all segments of the profession.”