The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) announced today that the Maine SFI Implementation Committee is the winner of the 2017 SFI Implementation Committee Achievement Award. This award, announced at the SFI Annual Conference, recognizes the exceptional work of the grassroots network of 34 SFI Implementation Committees across the U.S. and Canada. Groups ranging from Habitat for Humanity and Boy Scouts to universities and Ducks Unlimited Canada work with SFI Implementation Committees.
“Education and outreach have long been a strength of the Maine SFI Implementation Committee. Every year we hold multiple events and workshops that involve hundreds of people and benefit our communities. Having these efforts recognized with an SFI award is hugely gratifying,” said Pat Sirois, the Maine SFI Coordinator. “This award really belongs to the network of countless people who care about Maine’s forests. We all share the benefits of the healthy, productive forests that are such a significant part of the quality of life in our state.”
The Maine committee was selected based on education outreach efforts focused on water quality, a community partnership with Make‑A‑Wish Maine, which grants the wishes of children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses, and the growth of the SFI Program.
“The Maine committee exemplifies SFI’s connection with environmental education, community engagement, and outdoor recreation for all,” said Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of SFI Inc.
Education outreach highlights from 2017 included an expanded flume table program. The flume tables are sandboxes about the size and height of a kitchen table. They started out as a teaching aid to demonstrate natural stream functions. They have evolved into an effective SFI outreach tool to raise awareness of sustainable forest management, and best management practices for water quality.
more at: http://www.sfiprogram.org/media-resources/news/maine-sfi-implementation-committee-wins-award-for-community-leadership-education-outreach-and-growth/