Who We Are
The South Dakota Family Forests Association (SDFFA) is a private-landowner, non-profit, organization, which is the administrator of the South Dakota Tree Farm Program (SDTFP). The SDTFP was formally organized in 1954. By the mid-1990’s, there was a push to introduce a tree-farm certification element into this program. Thus, it became a requirement to have a Forest Management Plan and for certified tree farmers to follow criteria that demonstrated sustainability of their forested lands. Today, the SDFFA’s top priority is to continue to develop and to grow a viable and vibrant organization to address the specific needs of South Dakota tree farmers. The Association is made up of a board of directors, driven by private landowners and actively supported by forestry and forestry-related professionals from private, state and federal organizations. The SDFFA exists to support private landowners in managing their forest landscapes, through professional planning and management activities. Landowner advocacy, on state and county issues, is a high priority. Additionally, the Association acts as a landowner conduit to share information on forestry practices and to communicate the availability of cost-share funding for forestry practices. The SDFFA consists of four sub-committees, Stewardship, Membership/Education, Communication/Advocacy and Fund Raising, which support the foundational work required. At the National level, the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) has a team of advocates in Washington, DC to make sure the issues of private forest owners are represented.
SDFFA History-
- Keep South Dakota Green was created in early 1950's at request of Governor Sigurd Anderson due to wildfires burned in 1949
- It was launched under the joint sponsorship of SD Game, Fish and Parks and the Junior Chamber of Commerce
- Strongest supporters was the members of the Black Hills forest industry
- In 1952 it became the state sponsor for the South Dakota Tree Farm Committee
- 1952 Homestake Mining Company was named the states first "Tree Farmer of the Year"
- 1970 Keep South Dakota Green provided the Nixon White House with their Christmas Tree
- In 1970 James Arness "Matt Dillon of Gunsmoke" was an honorary member of Keep South Dakota Green during filming of the "Snow Train" in the Black Hills
- In early 1990's Keeping South Dakota Green also became a state sponsor for the Project Learning Tree
- In 1974, Keeping South Dakota Green became a 501c nonprofit organization
Past Boards:
