We are a professional organization of forest stewards and affiliates who are passionate about sustaining and restoring the integrity of our forests while meeting the needs of the communities that rely on them. Our members’ work provides tangible examples of “excellent forestry”—forestry that is ecologically, economically, and socially responsible.
The common bond of Guild members is a passion for forests and land stewardship. The practice of excellent forestry, promotion of a stewardship ethic, and adherence to our membership principles are the heart and soul of the Guild. Our members practice imaginative silviculture that respects the complexity of natural forests and builds upon the best of the philosophical traditions of Aldo Leopold, Gifford Pinchot, and Heinrich Cotta. We value the importance of field observation, experience, science, and continuous learning. We seek opportunities to collaborate, share our knowledge, and learn from others.
Excellent forestry goes beyond meeting minimum best management practices and places the long-term viability of the forest above all other considerations. It uses nature as a model and embraces the forest’s many values and dynamic processes. Excellent forestry recognizes the forest’s intrinsic value as well as human dependence on forest products and services. Many Guild members have found that excellent forestry produces quality, high value forest products, and a strong return to landowners while also maintaining wildlife habitat, soil structure, water quality, and other forest values.
Guild members are located throughout the United States and Canada, and include many consulting foresters who provide services to private landowners. Others work for land trusts, government agencies, Native American tribes, and privately held corporations where the well-being of the forest is not sacrificed for short term profit. We also include faculty, scientists, and students, as well as citizens who care about forests and want to support restoration and improved management of our forests. |
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Forest Biomass Policy
Following on the heels of the Forest Guild Membership and Policy Committee's unanimous approval on November 10, 2009, the professional membership has voted overwhelmingly to approve the Forest Guild Biomass Policy Statement. This statement will represent the Forest Guild policy on a variety of key issues including the promise and limitations of biomass for energy and its context in an overall energy strategy, protections for forest health, highest and best utilization of biomass, the sustainable use of biomass to mitigate climate change, biomass removals on public lands, and more. Adherence to these policies will ensure that biomass can play an important role in our energy future while sustaining ecosystem health over the long term.
To read the policy statement click here or to learn more about the Forest Guild's other work on forest biomass click here . 
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Forest Guild Annual Appeal
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