Forestry Part 4

National Forest Management Act Multiple use recreation, wildlife habitat, mining, timber Maximum sustainable yield The most that can be harvested without reducing future harvests Contradiction?

The Forest Management Act (1976) was successful it did reduce logging in national forests

2004 - Bush 2009 - Obama Repealed the “Roadless Rule” Allowed new roads to be built in National Forests and increased logging. Reinstated the “Roadless Rule” This has been held up in court

Fire Policies Suppress fires Allow fires to burn Fire suppression harms many ecosystems that depend on fire to preserve biodiversity Suppression of natural small fires leads to large wildfires Prescribed burns reduces fuel and increases forest health Public misunderstanding has led to limited use of prescribed burns

Healthy Forest Restoration Act (2003) pros cons Promoted salvage logging (removing snags) Increased logging Goal was to make forests less fire prone Good economic value for the timber companies

Sustainable Forestry Products Forest Stewardship Council examines timber company practices and has the strictest standards for certification. Their logo is found on sustainable wood and paper products. 70% of the annual timber harvest in British Columbia is now certified. Consumer demand has forced the timber companies to produce certified wood