Forest of Recognized Importance (FORI) is a term first introduced in the American Forest Foundation’s 2015-2020 Standards of Sustainability. In order to be certified by the American Tree Farm System, you must establish if your property is part of a FORI.
FORIs are forests of exceptional ecological, social, cultural, or biological values. To be designated a FORI, a forest needs
to have a combination of unique values instead of just one. These forests are evaluated at the landscape level. They are not
regulated at either the Federal or State level, and they are not identified by the State of Oregon.
- The difference between a FORI and a Special Site is that the Special Site is important locally, while a FORI is important
regionally or nationally. - FORIs may include:
- Rare, sensitive, or representative forest ecosystems such as unique forest ecosystems, riparian areas,
or wetlands. - Critical habitats for multiple threatened or endangered plant and animal species, as identified by
Federal or State of Oregon entities. - Recognized large‐scale cultural or archaeological sites.
- Rivers and other water bodies that are drinking water sources for large metropolitan entities.
- Areas of unique geologic features such as geysers, waterfalls, lava beds, caves, or craters.
- Rare, sensitive, or representative forest ecosystems such as unique forest ecosystems, riparian areas,
Another way to think about this is to consider whether your property fits within a broader landscape assessment or initiative. For example, is your property within a Conservation Opportunity Area? Is there a larger initiative in your area that may focus on, for example, watershed health, invasive species control, reducing wildfire risks or insect and disease control? The Oregon Conservation Strategy is a good starting point to determine how your property interfaces with broader landscape-scale management initiatives. You may also consider reaching out to a local watershed council or soil and water conservation district.
Make note of any initiatives or strategies that may intersect your property. If your property falls within a known strategy and may contribute to a FORI, outline the management considerations necessary to help conserve and enhance the attributes identified by the initiative(s).
