Society of American Foresters, Puget Sound Section records, 1935-1983

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) was founded in 1900 by Gifford Pinchot and six other pioneer foresters in Washington, D.C. Pinchot was elected the Society's first president. Through membership in SAF, forestry professionals unite to increase their knowledge of forestry, to shape forest policies and promote scientific forest management. As the work of the Forest Service progressed in the Northwest, a Portland section was organized in 1915. By 1934 the number of foresters living and working in the Puget Sound area increased to the point that a position was presented to the Council in 1935 to create the Puget Sound Section. Russel Mills was elected chairman in 1936. David P. Thomas was wice-chairman of Puget Sound Section in 1979, and chairman in 1980-81. The Puget Sound Section became Washington State Society, January 1, 1982.