Working to Promote the
Sound Stewardship of Public Forest Lands,
Reform Public Land Management and
Preserve Native Biodiversity

The Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition, a collaboration of national, regional, state, and local environmental organizations from Alabama to Virginia, was created in 1995 in response to the threats facing the public lands and heritage of the southern Appalachians. We believe our legacy of high mountains and forests, rivers and rural countryside is at risk. We are working to complete the protection of our natural heritage in the tradition of our grandparents who created the public parks and forests of the region. The Coalition's work is currently dedicated to improving the basis of sound conservation in the forest plans now being revised across the region; to restoring public participation in the process; and seeking new partnerships that unite us in seeking a secure future for a valued inheritance.

The SAFC accomplishes its work through five initiatives:

REFORMING PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT

This element, which cuts through all of our work, targets using the existing forest management laws and procedures to achieve results in the current round of plan revisions in the region.

BUILDING OUR CONSTITUENCY

The Coalition carries out an outreach and communication strategy which highlights what is at risk and opportunities for action

INVESTING IN OUR STRENGTHS

The Coalition uses the power of its issues, outreach, staff, program and budget to strengthen the capacities of its member organizations.

PRESENTING A CONSERVATION AGENDA

We are initiating subregional conservation planning models and working with forest watch groups in each state to develop local conservation action plans and an overarching regional vision for conservation.

BRIDGE-BUILDING

The campaign's political strategy, in addition to the above, hopes to set a foundation for longer-term results by engaging new partners and nontraditional allies in our efforts.

The SAFC is intended to:

Create accurate biological inventory data and maps of wilderness areas, old-growth fragments, recreation areas, streams and rivers, sensitive habitats, and other valuable resources.

Keep clear cutting and other destructive activities out of wilderness, black bear and key songbird habitat, rivers and streams, wildlife and recreation corridors, and areas where old-growth forests remain or can be restored.

Build and train a grassroots network of citizen activists in effective strategies for safeguarding forest resources.

Increase awareness and support among decision makers and the general public for the concept of regional ecosystem protection.

Lay the groundwork to create a system of permanently protected conservation zones throughout the Southern Appalachian national forests.

For more information or to learn how volunteers can become involved:

Go To

[Cohutta/Ocoee Conservation Area | Proposed Ocoee NRA |Conasauga River]

[2000 Conasauga River Restoration Project Business Plan]

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