Forests of Recognized Importance (FORI)

Forests of Recognized Importance and Special Sites share similarities in that they recognize unique biological, geological and/or historical features. However, they differ in terms of scale. FORIs hold global, national or regional significance, and are evaluated at the landscape level, while Special Sites hold local or personal significance and are evaluated at the stand or sub-stand level.

ATFS Standard 5: Fish, Wildlife, Biodiversity and Forest Health
Forest management activities contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.
Performance Measure 5.4
Where present, forest management activities should maintain or enhance forests of recognized importance.
Indicator 5.4.1
Appropriate to the scale and intensity of the situation, forest management activities should incorporate measures to contribute to the conservation of identified forests of recognized importance.

Review guidance from The N.C. Tree Farm Program’s regarding the FORI designation in North Carolina.

What is a Forest of Recognized Importance? (American Forest Foundation)
Forests of Recognized Importance are evaluated at the landscape level, rather than the stand level and are recognized for a combination of unique values, rather than a single attribute.

Forests of Recognized Importance (FORI) primer (American Tree Farm System)
FORIs represent globally, regionally and nationally significant large landscape areas of exceptional ecological, social, cultural or biological values.