Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Letter from the President - May: A Month of Transitions and Embracing the Journey
May often symbolizes transition—a bridge between spring and summer. Personally, it's a poignant time as both my stepson and daughter graduate high school, stepping into new chapters filled with promise and uncertainty. Witnessing their journeys prompts reflections on FSC’s path and the unforeseen lessons that have our organization.
At my stepson's graduation in Kansas City, a student speaker offered a compelling analogy: comparing life's choices to selecting sunscreen. She highlighted that while SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% . The incremental protection isn't vast, yet the decision reflects one's approach to risk and caution. It's a reminder that in life, as with sunscreen, we must assess our comfort with risk and the measures we take to protect ourselves.
This metaphor resonates with our mission at FSC US. We're navigating our own transitions, striving to address contemporary forest management challenges and anticipate future needs. Engaging with brands, retailers, and stakeholders, we're refining our certification processes and deepening our understanding of sustainable supply chains. Your insights are invaluable—highlighting our strengths, revealing gaps, and guiding our efforts to maximize economic, social, and environmental impacts on U.S. forests and their stewards.
I'm excited to share that we've been collaborating extensively to shape our 2026–2028 FSC US strategy. Through dialogues with staff, board members, and many of you, we're crafting a roadmap that reflects collective wisdom and forward-thinking. This strategy will be unveiled at our upcoming FSC US Annual Meeting on September 10–11, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. I encourage all who can attend to join us in exploring our organization's evolution and future direction.
Reflecting on personal growth, I recall a moment with my running coach during a challenging training session. She posed a thought-provoking question: Do you want to be a blurred figure in the background, or the one crossing the finish line, marked by effort and determination? It's a powerful image—emphasizing the value of active participation over passive observation.
As we stand at this crossroads, I invite you to join us—not as spectators, but as active participants in shaping the future of forest stewardship. Let's embrace the journey together, with purpose and passion.
Best,
-Sarah