Description

In 2014, SAF will partner with the Canadian Institute of Forestry/l’Institut forestier du Canada (CIF/IFC), for a joint convention. In addition, the convention will be co-located with the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) World Congress, which only takes place once every 5 years and has not been hosted in the United States since 1971. This exceptional convergence will bring several thousand forest scientists and managers from more than 100 countries together in Salt Lake City, Utah during the first full week in October. These co-located events will enhance knowledge exchange and networking among professionals who study and manage forest resources around the globe.

The convention theme reflects the need for an introspective look at the forest science–management partnership and the roles of science and management in service to society and in sustaining and enhancing forested ecosystems both globally and locally, since many of our biggest challenges span geographic boundaries and most local challenges are subject to global forces. In addition, this is a good time to take stock of the profession, addressing professional ethics for both managers and scientists. This concept encompasses how science–management partnerships arise, evolve, and play out, in the context of public policy, career development, fiduciary responsibilities, and personal values about natural systems and their management.