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Sustainable forestry is an emerging concept for managing renewable forest resources. It is a complex term that means different things to different people.To make the industry's commitment clear, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA*) wants to be precise about this important environmental goal. The Maryland Forests Association's mission is to "promote the maintenance of a healthy and productive forest land base so as to enhance the economic, environmental, and social well-being of all who live in the State." MFA stands behind AF&PA's Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). As the Maryland SFI sponsor, MFA is committed to supporting and incorporating the initiative through the Maryland Master Logger Program and other educational efforts.
AF&PA spelled out its own definition of sustainable forestry to ensure that it was both complete and scientifically correct. It is based largely on the report of Bruntland Commission on Sustainable Development adopted by the international Earth Summit held in Rio de Janerio in 1992.
"Sustainable forestry means managing our forests 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 growing, nurturing, and harvesting of trees for useful products with the conservation of soil, air and water quality, and wildlife and fish habitat."
Sustainable forestry is the destination. The Forest Principles and Implementation Guidelines are the path to get us there.
FOREST PRINCIPLES
The Forest Principles spell out five broad elements of sustainable forestry. They are to:
- Meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to use the forest for products as well as for ecological and other uses.
- Promote both environmentally and economically responsible practices on all forestlands.
- Improve long-term forest health and productivity by protecting forests against wildfires, pests, and disease.
- Manage forests of biological, geological, or historical significance to protect their special qualities.
- Continuously improve forest management and regularly track progress toward achieving the goal of sustainable forestry.
IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES
The SFI's Implementation Guidelines translate these principles into action by providing forest managers with a specific road map for the best way to achieve sustainable forestry. The Guidelines are suitably flexible to accommodate the wide variety of forest types, soil conditions, and other natural features across the vast temperate forest of the United States. Practices suited to the deciduous forests of New England, for example, would not fit the pine forests of the western Rocky Mountains. Likewise, practices suited to the Appalachian hardwood forests in western Maryland would not fit the pine and oak/pine forests of the Eastern Shore.
The Guidelines call for actions that are specifically tailored for forest products company lands, for company relations with loggers and other landowners, and for informing the public. The Guidelines also call for companies to address broad policy goals.
Broaden the practice of sustainable forestry
- Ensure prompt reforestation
- Protect water quality
- Enhance wildlife habitat
- Minimize the visual impact of harvesting
- Protect special sites
- Contribute to biodiversity
- Continue to improve wood utilization
- Continue the prudent use of forest chemicals to ensure forest health
- Foster the practice of sustainable forestry on all forestlands
- Publicly report progress
- Provide opportunities for public outreach
An Ambitious Undertaking
In 1995, AF&PA began the implementation of the Forest Principles and Guidelines and an active educational program for loggers and forest landowners. It was also in 1995 that the Maryland Master Logger Program was officially launched statewide.
Loggers receive advanced training in safety, best management practices and forest aesthetics, and first aid/CPR. Continuing education courses are offered on topics such as endangered species habitat protection, business management, and defensive truck driving. Loggers that have attained the master logger status are recognized by the awarding of the Maryland Master Logger seal, shown here.
The Maryland Master Logger Program is a cooperative effort of MFA, the Maryland Resource & Conservation Development Council (RC&D), Department of Natural Resources Forest Service, and the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Service. To date, 177 loggers have attained Maryland Master Logger status through this voluntary self-improvement program. The program consists of a three-part core curriculum and an annual continuing education component.
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative is an ambitious undertaking, heralding a new day in American forestry. The forest and paper industry and MFA believe the results will be well worth the effort.
Adherence to the SFI Principles and Guidelines will lead to observable changes on the way forestlands are managed. The result will be a proud legacy for the future.
*AF&PA represents more than 400 forest and paper companies and related trade associations. Its members account for approximately 84 percent of the paper production, 50 percent of the solid wood production, and 90 percent of the industrial forestland in the United States. MFA is proud to be an affiliated member of AF&PA. Join MFA in its efforts to promote forest sustainability.
