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have witnessed extensive harvesting on these lands, the available 

 merchantable timber is continually decreasing, thus the potential for 

 impacts decreases. However, if demand for forest products continues, 

 currently marginal timber will become merchantable. This could expand the 

 harvestable timberland acreage under non-USFS ownership. 



Another factor aiding in the prevention of water quality problems is the 

 fact that landowners in the area are gradually becoming aware of better 

 land management practices and thus, requiring harvesting contractors to 

 employ more land-compatible harvesting methods. 



