Awards

The California Society of American Foresters provides recognition for outstanding service to the Society, and to the forestry profession. Every member of SAF has the opportunity to initiate the nomination of a peer, mentor or professional whom they admire for their knowledge of forestry, ability to promote the profession, and/or their commitment and leadership.

Nominations should be sent to the Awards Chair by October 31st of each year (awards@californiasaf.org); the winners are then recognized at the annual Winter Meeting held in January/February. The award categories and criterium are listed below:

Award Categories	General Criteria	Recognition
Forestry Achievement	Contributions to the Society of American Foresters and broad contributions to the forestry profession. Criteria period is considered over several years.	Award to be given annually, subject to suitable nominations. Plaque given in recognition. Past awardees.
Volunteer Award	Contributions to the California State Society of American Foresters in recognition of leadership and effort to implement a specific project or program. Criteria period is generally 1 – 3 years that addresses a project at the State Society or Chapter level.	Award to be given annually, subject to suitable nominations. Plaque given in recognition. Past awardees.
Mentor Award	Recognizes contributions of an individual to mentor students and young professionals that supports them in becoming an active member of SAF. 1) Serves as a formal mentor at state or national meetings, 2) Volunteers as a mentor outside of organized SAF activities, 3) Provides opportunities to get involved in forestry activities, 4) Supports “Welcome” activities, organizes ice breaker activities, introductions with other SAF members, and engages with Student Chapters at their meetings or activities. Criteria period considered would be one year to several years.	Award to be given subject to suitable nominations. Monetary award given. Amount to be determined at time of selection by the CalSAF Board.
Outreach and Recruiter Award	Recognizes contributions that result in new members to CalSAF. Activities could include inviting young professionals to SAF activities, encourages greater participation in SAF of employees from government agencies, nonprofits, colleges/ universities and private forestry and natural resources related companies. Criteria period is considered over several years.	Award to be given annually, subject to suitable nominations. Monetary award given. Amount to determined at time of selection by the CalSAF Board
Communications Award	Recognizes excellence in communicating positive aspects of forestry and forestry professionalism to public audiences. Activities could include speaking to groups at a local or regional level, writing OP-Eds in local, regional or state level publications, or communicating with elected officials.	A CalSAF member may self nominate or be nominated by another member. Nomination should provide examples that meet the criteria over a minimum of 1 year or up-to 5 years. Plaque given in recognition

SAF Fellow Award

One of the highest honors for members of the Society, the rank of Fellow is an exceptional recognition bestowed on a member by his or her peers for outstanding contributions and service to the SAF and the profession. The Fellow award is given annually, subject to suitable nominations. The selection process is conducted by the National SAF Board with recommendations by the California District 3 Fellow Nominating Committee.

SAF Presidential Field Forester Award

The Presidential Field Forester Awards recognize foresters who have dedicated their professional careers to the application of forestry on the ground using sound, scientific methods and adaptive management strategies. The awards are presented to individuals who have displayed uncommon talent, skill, and innovative methods to achieve a record of excellence in the application of forest management. Past District 3 Awardees.