Sustainable forestry provides jobs for rural communities, cleans our air and water, and protects fish and wildlife habitat.
Sustainability Links Environmental, Social, and Economic Needs
As the public demand for wood products is projected to increase in proportion to the world’s population growth, regions with strong environmental laws and responsible forest practices will hold the key to maintaining a healthy industry and providing a ready supply of highly desired forest products. It’s the reason why Washington has become a leader in practicing sustainable forestry. Responsible forest management affects every level of our industry, from keeping jobs in our rural communities, to improving air and water quality, to preserving the natural habitat of fish and wildlife. With some of the toughest regulations in the nation, and a highly productive growing climate, the state of Washington and WFPA’s member companies collectively support the practice of responsible, sustainable forestry.
Sustainable Forestry Provides Lasting Public Benefits
In any given year, only a small fraction of Washington’s public and private commercial forest is in the harvest phase of the forest cycle. The average rate of harvest for all the state’s commercial forestland was 1.1% according to the last state Department of Natural Resources “Rate of Timber Harvest” report. This means that for every acre harvested in any one year, there are nearly 99 other acres growing more wood for the future. WFPA members believe in forestry for its universal positives of providing forest products and environmental benefits for the public.
WFPA Members are Committed to Practicing Sustainable Forestry
WFPA promotes balanced forest policies that set a high environmental standard of performance while encouraging sound forest management practices. Our members support decision making that uses science to understand our interaction with the natural environment so we can continue improving our land management and environmental protection practices.