Highlights from MFA's Strategic Plan

download "MFA's 2000-2002 Strategic Plan" as pdf

MFA Culture Statements

(A series of statements, philosophies or guidelines which, in the consensus of MFA leadership, staff, and strategic planning committee participants, characterize MFA's present character, strengths, and position as a forest advocacy organization.)

Self worth - Members believe that MFA is a good and viable organization.

Member driven - MFA members own the association. They hire MFA staff to steer the organization to specific locations in a legal, ethical, productive, efficient and cost-effective fashion. MFA members are the leaders and MFA staff are technicians working under member direction.

Board Sovereign - The MFA Board of Governors is the final decision and policymaking body in MFA. All other committee and task groups, including the MFA Executive Committee, report to the MFA Board of Governors.

Educational responsibility - Members believe that education on forestry/forests for members, general public and legislators is the primary responsibility of MFA. Members value the depth and breadth of technical expertise contained within the organization.

Regional distinctions - Members want regional distinctions. MFA established and maintains regional identity through the use of four regional divisions to assist in serving its members.

Advocacy - Members want an established presence in the Maryland legislature. Members value MFA's "watch dog" role on forestry issues. Members believe the wide range of member expertise allows MFA to be respected on forest issues.

Member diversity - Members want MFA to represent diverse member interests.

Unified voice - Members value the ability to create a unified forestry voice from a diverse membership. Members value MFA "consensus" process to arrive at decisions.

Alliances - Members value cooperative working relationships with other organizations/agencies.

Forest sustainability - Members want to sustain forests and their way of life. Members want to promote and implement good forestry management practices. Members value private property rights and the free enterprise system.

Safety first - Members want the promotion and implementation of safe, efficient and effective industry procedures and practices.

Stewardship - Members believe that they are called to be stewards of the forest ecosystem,valuing the exchange of technical information as a means of improving operations or performance.

Recognizing achievement - Members want to provide recognition for outstanding achievement.

Communications - Members value receiving current forests/forestry communications.

Networking - Members value opportunities to network and socialize at MFA meetings and events. Members value some level of family involvement in association activities.

Family oriented - Spouse/family participation is encouraged and welcomed. MFA spouses and families provide invaluable assistance at the Logger/Forestry Field Days and the annual meetings.

 

MFA Mission Statement, the foundation for who we are:

"To promote the maintenance of a healthy and productive forest land base so as to enhance the economic, environmental, and social well-being of all who live in the state."

We will accomplish our mission through these five general goals, prioritized as follows:

1. Educating and serving as the communications link to members, educators, legislators, regulators, media, students, environmental organizations, and others about Maryland's forest resources and forest issues.
Provide information and programs to create and promote safer and more attractive work environments for loggers, and improve the image of forestry to the public and policy makers. Identify and create opportunities for the exchange of information about Maryland's forest resources and forestry issues for all stakeholders.

2. Monitoring and influencing legislation and regulation that effect forests and the forestry community.
Review as necessary proposed legislation and regulatory changes on both the state and local levels. Provide information to members on issues of concern. Draft position papers and testify as needed on issues of concern. Encourage all MFA members to use the tools of forestry activism to become advocates in explaining the value of professional forest management and timber harvesting on private and public lands.

3. Building alliances with other associations, agencies or entities.
Cooperate with allied organizations on appropriate matters of common interest. Identify and create opportunities to join forces and work together.

4. Promoting growth in MFA membership and finances.
Identify potential members and seek ways to contact new audiences. Encourage members to be actively involved. Identify potential sources of non dues revenue.

5. Recognizing recipients for outstanding contributions on behalf of Maryland's forest resources.
Acknowledge the outstanding contributions made to Maryland's forest community by both MFA members and nonmembers. Recognizing recipients for outstanding contributions on behalf of Maryland's forest resources.


The 2000-2002 plan was built upon the results of the 1999 Members Wants and Needs survey. In the plan, each general goal is further defined with specific projects and activities, which are given timetables and financial parameters. The Strategic Planning Committee continually monitors the plan and suggests revisions and additions as needed.

This is definitely an ongoing process which the leadership has committed to on our members behalf. They welcome your comments.

Did you know that Association's have "life cycles"?

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