The forest products industry has a strong record of stewardship on the land it owns and manages. Forest industry lands include some of the most productive forests in the world. Innovative programs to create habitats and landscapes, and to enhance the diversity of flora and fauna, offer excellent examples of how industry foresters employ modern forest science in the protection of locations that are unique in their geologic, ecologic, or historic value. At the same time, these forests are meeting the needs of our society for homebuilding and other building products, as well as for printing, packaging, and sanitary products. Many companies have effective programs to extend their technology and stewardship knowledge to private timberland owners who own most of the forestland in this country.
Principles for Sustainable ForestrySM
America's managed forests make a vital contribution to the nation and to the world by providing economic, consumer, environmental and aesthetic benefits indispensable to our quality of life. A vital forest-based economy provides wood and paper products, employment, and a viable tax base. Accomplishing sustainable forestrySM on private land requires a partnership among landowners, contractors, and the companies that purchase wood.
American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) members support sustainable forestrySM practices on the forestland they manage and promote the initiative on other lands. Moreover, AF&PA members support efforts to protect private property rights and the ability of all private timberland owners to sustainably manage their forestland. This support stems from the AF&PA membership's belief that forest landowners have an important stewardship responsibility and commitment to our society. In keeping with this responsibility, the members of the American Forest & Paper Association support the following principles:
Sustainable ForestrySM
To practice sustainable forestrySM to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs by practicing a land stewardship ethic which integrates the reforestation, managing, growing, nurturing, and harvesting of trees for useful products with the conservation of soil, air and water quality, wildlife and fish habitat, and aesthetics.
Responsible Practices
To use in its own forests, and promote among other forest landowners, sustainable forestrySM practices that are economically and environmentally responsible.
Forest Health and Productivity
To protect forests from wildfire, pests, diseases, and other damaging agents in order to maintain and improve long-term forest health and productivity.
Protecting Special Sites
To manage its forests and lands of special significance (e.g., biologically, geologically, or historically significant) in a manner that takes into account their unique qualities.
Continuous Improvement
To continuously improve the practice of forest management and also to monitor, measure and report the performance of our members in achieving our commitment to sustainable forestrySM.
Sustainable Forestry is a service mark of American Forest & Paper Association.
