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Principles for 

 Sustainable Forestry 



Americas managed forests make a vital contribution to the nation and to the world by 

 providing economic, consimier, environmental and aesthetic benefits indispensable to 

 our quality of life. A vital forest-based economy provides wood and paper products, 

 employment, and a viable tax base. Accomplishing sustainable forestry on private land 

 requires a partnership among landowners, contractors, and the companies that pur- 

 chase wood. 



AF&PA members, therefore, support on the foresdand they manage — and will 

 promote on other lands — sustainable forestry practices. Moreover, AF&PA members 

 will support efforts to protect private property rights and the ability of all private 

 landowners to sustainably manage their foresdand. This support stems from the 

 AF&PA membership's belief that forest landowners have an important stewardship 

 responsibility and commitment to society. In keeping with this responsibility, the 

 members of the American Forest & Paper Association support the following 

 principles: 



Sustainable Forestry 



To practice sustainable forestry to meet the needs of the present without compromising 

 the ability of future generations to meet their own needs by practicing a land steward- 

 ship ethic which integrates the reforestation managing, growing, nurturing, and 

 harvesting of trees for usefvd products with the conservation of soil, air and water 

 quality, wildlife and fish habitat, and aesthetics. 



Responsible Practices 



To use in its own forests, and promote among other forest landowners, sustainable 

 forestry practices that are economically and environmentally responsible. 



Forest Health and PRODUcnvrrv 



To protea forests from wildfire, pests, diseases, and other damaging agents in order to 

 maintain and improve long-term forest health and productivity. 



Protecting Specl\l Sites 



To manage its forests and lands of special significance (e.g., biologically, geologically, 

 or historically significant) in a manner that takes into account their unique qualities. 



Continuous Improvement 



To continuously improve the practice of forest management and also to monitor, 

 measure and report the performance of our members in achieving our commitment to 

 sustainable forestry. 



