SAF Code of Ethics
Preamble
Service to society is the
cornerstone of any profession. The profession of forestry serves
society by fostering stewardship of the world's forests. Because
forests provide valuable resources and perform critical
ecological functions, they are vital to the wellbeing of both
society and the biosphere.
Members of the Society of
American Foresters have a deep and enduring love for the land,
and are inspired by the profession's historic traditions, such
as Gifford Pinchot's utilitarianism and Aldo Leopold's
ecological conscience. In their various roles as practitioners,
teachers, researchers, advisers, and administrators, foresters
seek to sustain and protect a variety of forest uses and
attributes, such as aesthetic values, air and water quality,
biodiversity, recreation, timber production, and wildlife
habitat.
The purpose of this Code of
Ethics is to protect and serve society by inspiring, guiding,
and governing members in the conduct of their professional
lives. Compliance with the code demonstrates members' respect
for the land and their commitment to the long-term management of
ecosystems, and ensures just and honorable professional and
human relationships, mutual confidence and respect, and
competent service to society.
On joining the Society of
American Foresters, members assume a special responsibility to
the profession and to society by promising to uphold and abide
by the following:
Principles and Pledges
- Foresters have a
responsibility to manage land for both current and future
generations. We pledge to practice and advocate 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.
- Society must respect forest
landowners' rights and correspondingly, landowners have a
land stewardship responsibility to society. We pledge to
practice and advocate forest management in accordance with
landowner objectives and professional standards, and to
advise landowners of the consequences of deviating from such
standards.
- Sound science is the
foundation of the forestry profession. We pledge to strive
for continuous improvement of our methods and our personal
knowledge and skills; to perform only those services for
which we are qualified; and in the biological, physical, and
social sciences to use the most appropriate data, methods,
and technology.
- 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.
- Honest and open
communication, coupled with respect for information given in
confidence, is essential to good service. We pledge to
always present, to the best of our ability, 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.
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Professional and civic behavior
must be based on honesty, fairness, good will, 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.
The Society of American
Foresters' Bylaws specify processes through which a member's
violation of the code may lead to reprimand, censure, expulsion
from the Society, or other disciplinary action. Any two persons,
whether or not SAF members, 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 alleged to have
been violated.
Adopted by the Society of
American Foresters 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.
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