The SAF Code of Ethics inspires, guides, and governs SAF members in their professional lives. Compliance with the code demonstrates members’ respect for the land and their commitment to the sustainable management of forested ecosystems. Upon joining SAF, members assume a special responsibility to the profession and to society by promising to uphold and abide by the following pledges:
i
Foresters have a responsibility to manage land for both current and future generations.
We pledge to practice and advocate for management that will maintain the long-term capacity of the land to provide the variety of materials, uses, and values desired by landowners and society
ii
Society must respect forest landowners’ rights and correspondingly, landowners have a land stewardship responsibility to society.
We pledge to practice and advocate for forest management in accordance with landowner objectives and professional standards, and to advise landowners of the consequences of deviating from such standards.
iii
Sound science is the foundation of the forestry profession.
We pledge to strive for continuous improvement in our methods, knowledge, and skills; to perform only those services for which we are qualified; and to use the most appropriate data and technology.
iv
Public policy related to forests must be based on both scientific principles and societal values.
We pledge to use our knowledge and skills to help formulate sound forest policies and laws; to challenge and correct untrue statements about forestry; and to foster dialogue among foresters, other professionals, landowners, and the public regarding forest policies.
v
Honest and open communication, coupled with respect for information given in confidence, is essential to good service.
We pledge to present accurate and complete information; to indicate on whose behalf any public statements are made; to fully disclose and resolve any existing or potential conflicts of interest; and to keep proprietary information confidential unless the appropriate person authorizes its disclosure.
vi
Professional and civic behavior must be based on honesty, fairness, goodwill, and respect for the law.
We pledge to conduct ourselves in a civil and dignified manner; to respect the needs, contributions, and viewpoints of others; and to give due credit to others for their methods, ideas, or assistance.
Adopted by SAF by Member Referendum, November 3, 2000, replacing the code adopted June 23, 1976, as amended November 4, 1986, and November 2, 1992. The 1976 code replaced the code adopted November 12, 1948, as amended December 4, 1971.
How to file a complaint
If you believe someone has violated the SAF Code of Ethics, please email ethics@safnet.org with the following information. All inquiries will be reviewed in a timely and confidential manner:
(1) Your full name and contact information
(2) The full name of the person in question
(3) A brief description of the alleged violation
Alternatively, any two persons, whether SAF members or not, may charge a member with violation of the code. Such a charge must be made in writing to the SAF President and must refer to the specific Pledges (listed above) alleged to have been violated.
Additional Resources
SAF’s Administrative Rules
Outlines the complaint requirements and the processes through which a member’s violation of the code may lead to reprimand, censure, expulsion from the Society, or other disciplinary action.
SAF’s Ethics Code Discussion Guide
Helps explain the Code’s preamble, principles, and pledges with clarifications and case studies that challenge SAF members to discuss and explore ethical issues.
