As members of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative of Pennsylvania we have adopted their definition of sustainable forestry. This definition is based largely on one developed by the Bruntland Commission on Sustainable Development which was adopted by the International Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

"Sustainable forestry means managing our forests to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs by practicing a land stewardship ethic which integrates the reforestation, managing, growing, nurturing, and harvesting of trees for useful products with the conservation of soil, air, and water quality, wildlife and fish habitat, and aesthetics."

The SFI recognizes five broad elements of sustainable forestry:

• Meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to use the forest for products as well as for ecological and other uses.
• Promote both environmentally and economically responsible practices members' and all other forestlands.
  
• Improve long-term forest health and productivity by protecting forests against wildfire pests and disease.
  
• Manage forests of biological, geological, or historical significance to protect their special qualities.
  
• Continuosly improve forest management and regularly track progress toward achieving the goal of sustainable forestry.