The strategic plan provides direction for Minnesota Society of American Foresters’ (MN SAF) programs over the next three years (2002-2005). As a strategic plan, not an operational plan, it describes actions in broad terms. The plan is intended to provide continuity from year to year, and guidance to the state and chapter committees. It should be reviewed and updated annually at the first meeting of the MN SAF Executive Committee. State and chapter committees should develop annual work plans based on this plan describing actions in more detail.  

Primary parts of this plan include the Minnesota mission statement and a list of goals and associated actions. 

MISSION STATEMENT MN SAF

GOALS AND ACTIONS

Goal 1: Achieve an active, two-way exchange of information and knowledge about forestry issues between the forestry profession and society to facilitate reasoned judgments by both parties.

            Actions

1-1: Hold State and Chapter SAF meetings jointly with other organizations and professional societies. Incorporate speakers into SAF meetings that offer diverse views on forestry issues.

1-2: Provide listening skills and personal development training to SAF members through National, State, or Chapter meetings or website links.

1-3: Use State or Chapter SAF meetings, MN Forester articles, or website updates to encourage members to attend public hearings and meetings; and to serve on community committees that are concerned with forest management issues.

1-4: State and Chapter Communications Committees should work with other organizations as appropriate to prepare clear, concise, and timely fact sheets; written, audio, and video news releases; newspaper supplements; website supplements; public forums; and media tours on current or emerging forestry issues.

1-5: State and Chapter Communications Committees should recruit SAF members in each city that publishes a daily or weekly newspaper to look for forestry-related articles and respond as individuals to the newspapers when misinformation or good information is presented. Responses should be archived on the MN SAF website. As of 1993, members voted to allow the Chairperson to respond on behalf of the MN SAF without formal review of the chairperson’s comments; other members responding on behalf of the MN SAF need executive committee approval, although members may sign personal letters indicating they are SAF members.

1-6: State and Chapter Communications Committees should identify key individuals and groups that are interested in natural resource management and through personal contacts offer to provide them with technical forestry information as needed. Provide newspapers, radio stations, and television stations with a list of foresters who can provide technical information on forestry subjects.

1-7: State and Chapter Communications Committees and Education Committees should develop and actively promote a speakers bureau to present forestry issues and forest resource management subjects to civic clubs, schools, MN Teachers Association, conservation and sports groups, organized youth groups, etc.

Goal 2: Help educators incorporate natural resource information into school curricula to increase the public’s understanding of forestry issues in the future.

Actions:  The following actions are primarily the responsibility of the State and Chapter Education Committees.

2-1: Encourage school boards to include more environmental education in their curricula, including information about human dependence on forests.

2-2: Encourage universities to offer more credit classes for teachers on natural resources and the environment.

2-3: Support workshops for teachers that will enable them to make effective use of Project Learning Tree, Project Wild/Aquatic, and other appropriate curricula.

2-4: Work with teachers to develop school forests.

2-5: Develop an SAF speakers bureau and promote it to schools. (See action1-7) Encourage SAF members to get their names on volunteer lists at schools to provide educational assistance regarding forestry.

2-6: Support more “Natural Resources in the Classroom” training.

2-7: Encourage members to help organize and teach environmental education events for schools and organized youth groups (e.g. forestry field days, walk-in-the-woods, MN Forestry Fair, envirothons, tours of wood product mills and nurseries, and classroom visits).

2-8: Sponsor contests for students on forestry themes (e.g. best forestry essay, 4-H forestry state fair project, or Scout merit badge projects).

2-9: Provide online links and other education information for the MN SAF website.

Goal 3: Help SAF members and other natural resource professionals stay current on forestry issues, research, and technology to enhance their competency and professionalism.

            Actions:

3-1: Distribute fact sheets on forestry issues to members via the MN SAF website,  the MN Forester, or other special mailings.

3-2: Focus the MN SAF website and MN Forester on important forestry issues. Publish and post on the website member opinions and information about how people outside SAF and forestry see the issues. Publish and post on the website as often as the budget permits so that issues can be addressed in a timely manner (See action1-3).

3-3: State and Chapter Continuing Education Committees should facilitate issue-oriented discussions at SAF meetings to broaden member understanding and attempt to reach consensus.

3-4: State and Chapter Continuing Education Committees should encourage or conduct workshops, conferences, tours, or other educational events for forestry-related professionals.

3-5: State and Chapter Continuing Education Committees should encourage participation in the SAF’s Continuing Forestry Education (CFE) program and should encourage employers to support the CFE program.

Goal 4: The MN SAF will participate in the policy process to insure that effective and efficient forest policies (e.g. laws, regulations, operating procedures, management guidelines) are developed at different levels of government and by thr private sector.

            Actions:

4-1: Standing committees or ad hoc task forces should develop position statements on important forestry issues for consideration by the Executive Committee. Allow position statements to present majority and minority opinions if there is not consensus among committee or task force.

4-2: The State Continuing Education Committee and State Policy and Legislation Committee should use the MN SAF website, fact sheets, the MN Forester, or SAF meetings to inform members about important forestry issues.