FAQs

Sustainable forestry is the practice of managing forests in a way that meets current needs for timber and other forest products while preserving the forest’s health, biodiversity, and resources for future generations. It balances environmental, economic, and social considerations.

Forests provide clean air, water, wildlife habitat, and resources for humans. Unsustainable practices can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. Sustainable forestry ensures these benefits continue long-term and helps combat climate change by maintaining carbon-absorbing forests.

• Create a forest management plan that explains the landowner’s goals (for example, wildlife habitat, recreation, or timber).

• Look for rare or endangered plants and animals, sensitive areas, and culturally important sites so they can be protected.

• Put together a harvest plan that helps the logger understand what to do and how to meet the landowner’s goals.

• Reduce the impact to soil by timing work in wet areas for winter when the ground is frozen.

• Use forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs)—simple steps that help protect streams, lakes, and wetlands during harvesting.

• Support long-term forest health by keeping a mix of tree types and ages across the property.

• Check the site after harvesting and watch for issues like invasive species, insects, or disease so problems can be addressed early.

• Choose products with SFI labels.

• Buy recycled or eco-friendly paper and packaging.

• Support companies that prioritize sustainable sourcing and forest management.