Sustainable forest management

At a minimum, forests managed for timber production are considered sustainable when annual harvest does not exceed annual forest growth. In addition, sustainable practices include managing for non-timber values such as protecting water quality and fish habitat, protecting viewsheds, planting young trees as soon as possible and being mindful of wildlife habitat and protected areas. 

The Oregon Forest Practices Act is a set of rules and guidelines intended to ensure sustainable forest management practices for all Oregon forest landowners and forest operators. It was the nation’s first forest practices act, and through periodic scientific updates, remains one of the strongest.

In addition, many Oregon forest landowners rely on a number of internationally recognized certification programs to provide independent, third-party verification of sustainable forest management practices:

American Tree Farm System (ATFS)

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)

Dovetail Partners Inc.