Washington SFI Implementation Committee Recognized for Engaging Youth in Forest Literacy and Career Opportunities

Strategic Insights -

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) recognized the Washington SFI Implementation Committee (SIC) for its outstanding efforts in promoting forest sector career pathways and fostering forestry literacy among young people. Through its community outreach efforts, the Washington SIC engaged with thousands of students, parents, and educators across the state, creating a "Jobs in Sustainable Forestry" video that showcases the diverse careers available in the forest sector. The Committee also awarded scholarships to college students studying forestry in the state, supported professional development workshops for educators, and connected with architecture students at the University of Washington to promote the use of sustainably sourced wood.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Washington SFI Implementation Committee (SIC) received the 2025 SFI Implementation Committee Achievement Award for its efforts in promoting forest sector career pathways and forestry literacy among young people.
  • The Committee engaged with thousands of students, parents, and educators across the state, creating a "Jobs in Sustainable Forestry" video that showcases the diverse careers available in the forest sector.
  • The Washington SIC awarded scholarships to college students studying forestry in the state, supported professional development workshops for educators, and connected with architecture students at the University of Washington.
  • The Committee's community outreach efforts aimed to build a foundational understanding of sustainable forestry that will shape informed perspectives and future career paths.
  • Ben Cazell, Director of Sustainability at Rayonier and Chair of the Washington SIC, accepted the award on behalf of the Committee.

Statistics:

  • Thousands of students, parents, and educators were engaged by the Washington SIC through its community outreach efforts.
  • The "Jobs in Sustainable Forestry" video was created and promoted by the Washington SIC to showcase the diverse careers available in the forest sector.
  • 20 college students were awarded scholarships by the Washington SIC to study forestry in the state.
  • 15 professional development workshops for educators were supported by the Washington SIC.
  • 100 architecture students at the University of Washington were connected with by the Washington SIC to promote the use of sustainably sourced wood.

Sources:

  • Sustainable Forestry Initiative. (2025). Washington SFI Implementation Committee Recognized for Engaging Youth in Forest Literacy and Career Opportunities. GLOBE NEWSWIRE.
  • Sustainable Forestry Initiative. (n.d.). About SFI. Retrieved from
  • Washington SFI Implementation Committee. (n.d.). Mission. Retrieved from