Sustainable Forestry

Although the word "sustainability" has become prominent in conversations these days, it is not new to forest management. In 1937 and 1944 the U.S. Congress referred to "sustained yield" in two legislative acts related to our forests. In 1897, one of the basic purposes of the National Forests was defined as "a continuous supply of timber for the use and necessities of the people of the United States."

Currently, at local, national, and global scales, landowners and governments are being asked to show where they stand with regard to "sustainable forest management". Involvement in the Forest Stewardship Program is an important way for non-industrial private landowners develop their commitment to sustainability.

In the last three years US forest industry has moved in the same direction with the adoption of the American Forest and Paper Association's (AF&PA) "Sustainable Forestry Initiative" (SFI). The five general SFI principles, by which the AF&PA members commit to manage their lands, are appropriate for any landowner:

• Practice a land stewardship ethic that will meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
• Use reforestation, management, and harvesting practices that are economically and environmentally responsible.
• Improve long-term forest health and productivity by protecting forests from wildfire, pests, diseases and other damaging agents.
• Manage forests of biological, geological, or historical significance in a manner that protects their unique qualities.
• Continuously monitor, report, and improve forest management practices toward achieving the goal of sustainable forestry.

The five SFI principles are accompanied by Implementation Guidelines or performance measures, which again are suitable for non-industrial ownerships as well as forest industry:

• Use only scientifically, environmentally, and economically sound forest management practices.
• Promptly reforest all harvested areas.
• Protect water quality by meeting or exceeding approved Best Management Practices in all operations.
• Enhance wildlife habitat by promoting habitat diversity and the conservation of plant and animal populations.
• Minimize the visual impact of harvested areas by restricting clearcut size and/or judicious use of different harvest methods and age classes.
• Contribute to biodiversity by enhancing landscape diversity and providing an array of habitats.
• Continue the prudent use of forest chemicals to improve forest health and growth while protecting people, animals, and sensitive areas.
• Apply integrated pest management principles.
• Support and utilize continuing education related to sustainable forest management.

Several other guidelines relate to industry roles in promoting research, improvements in wood utilization, and private property rights. Between the Forest Stewardship Program and SFI a strong foundation has been laid for the long-term productivity, health, and diversity of our nation's private forest lands.