Welcome!
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.
 

Sustainable Woody Biomass

A new report released by the Forest Guild provides an assessment of current guidelines for biomass harvesting and provides recommendations for future guidelines. Guidelines are crucial for ensuring energy generated from forest biomass is harvested sustainably. Click here for more information.



News

Jan. 8 – Forest Guild Releases First Report Assessing Woody Biomass Harvesting Guidelines

Jan. 5 – Summary Report, Presentations from New Mexico Forestry and Climate Change Workshop Posted Online

Dec. 1 – New issue of Forest Wisdom focused on the Southeast available

Nov. 26 – Forest Guild Report Identifies Opportunities for Consulting Foresters in Community Wood Energy

Get Guild Updates

Click here to sign up for free email updates.

Calendar of Events

Webinar on An Assessment of Biomass Harvesting Guidelines, January 14

Making Ecological Forestry on Small Ownerships in a Suburban/Rural Landscape a Reality, Northwest Regional Forest Guild Meeting, January 31

Forest Values and Carbon Markets: Opportunities for Minnesota, February 25–27

Bio-Mass, Bio-Fuel, Bio-
Products, Bio-Diversity: Resource Management in a Changing World, March 17–20
Ecological Forestry in the Southeastern Coastal Plain, March 22–25