About SAFC
The Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition (SAFC) is a regional non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and restore the wildlands, waters, native forests and ecosystems of the Southern Appalachian landscape. SAFC formed in 1994 when conservation groups determined a regional voice was needed to address the increasing threats facing Southern Appalachian public lands. Our objectives are to create a unified and compelling regional conservation vision for the 21st Century; to achieve greater representation in Washington DC; and to strengthen grassroots groups with the tools and leadership needed to protect the forests at the local level - with organizational development, science, mapping, and regional coordination.
Comprised of 21 of the best conservation groups spanning the five states of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, SAFC calls out not only to the conservationist and the activist, but also to every citizen to engage in the discussions and take the actions that can lead us in the direction of health for our forests, our lands, and our people.
Through SAFC's Conservation Vision, and with our growing list of members and partners, we work to:
- Improve management of the 4.6 million acres of public land and forests in the region especially roadless areas, old growth forests, and key habitats;
- Add acres to our protected landscape through public and voluntary private actions;
- Strengthen grassroots organizations and citizen leadership in the region.
SAFC plays a crucial role in providing a regional perspective. By uniting local, state, regional and national conservation organizations from Alabama to Virginia and equipping them with the science, fundraising, and organizing tools they need to attract, inspire, educate and mobilize stakeholders - we provide a stronger and louder stakeholder voice on behalf of our mountains and communities.