What is Sustainable Forestry?
Registered Foresters from Across the U.S. Explain Sustainable Forest Management
Key Takeaways
Sustainable forestry means caring for and managing forests so we have them now and in the future. Foresters work closely with landowners to manage their land and replant trees. This is the first blog in our forest management series. View part 2, "What are Forest Management Practices?" and part 3, "What is Biodiversity?"
In this blog series, we interviewed registered foresters about sustainable forestry practices.
You’ll hear from these registered foresters:
- Neal Carson, Timber and Forestry Manager, Packaging Corporation of America in Tennessee
- John F. McAlpine, President, Kingwood Forestry Services in Arkansas
- Carolyn Mulligan, District Manager, American Forest Management in Virginia
- Cierra L.S. Ward, Forestry Manager, Resource Management Services in North Carolina
In this series, we’ll explore:
- The meaning of sustainable forestry
- Sustainable forest management techniques and best practices
- The connection between forest management and biodiversity
What is Sustainable Forestry?
Sustainability means something is sustained or managed over time so the resource isn’t depleted.
When applied to forests, sustainable forestry means caring for and managing forests so we have them now and in the future.
The Foresters Take:
Neal Carson
"Sustainable forestry involves the management of today’s forests to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future."
John F. McAlpine
"Sustainable forestry ensures that the forest is healthy for future generations. And it provides all the other benefits from the forest such as clean water, clean air, and habitat for all."
Cierra L.S. Ward
"Sustainable forestry means trees today, trees tomorrow, trees forever."
What is a Managed Forest?
In the U.S., many work together to carefully manage forests so they are healthy for years to come. This includes landowners, foresters, engineers and scientists. These forests are managed or working forests.
When it comes to managed forests, landowners and foresters think long term. They work together to plant and replant generations of trees and healthy forests.
The Foresters Take:
Neal Carson
"All activities within the managed forest are done to help maintain the health and productivity of the managed forest ecosystem."
Carolyn Mulligan
"A well-managed forest is a healthy forest. It’s a forest that has benefitted from the expertise of people skilled in making good management decisions based on the goals of the landowner."
Cierra L.S. Ward
"Foresters make plans to replant areas that are harvested well ahead of the first tree being cut down."
Interested in Learning More About Sustainable Forestry?
Want to learn more about sustainable forest management in the U.S.? You can:
- Take a virtual forest tour to see how managed forests operate with Georgia-Pacific.
- Learn about International Paper’s work to enhance bird habitats in working forests.
- Watch “Diary of a Working Forest: Replanting” by Washington’s Working Forests.
- Learn about your state’s Forest Action Plan.
- Contact your state’s forestry association or Department of Forestry.