Public Policy is About Problem Solving
Forestry is practiced within a complex array of rules, regulations, laws, and best management practices collectively known as public policies. These public policies govern how, when and where forest management occurs. Numerous public policies govern the variety of forestland ownerships, such as National Forests and Parks, wilderness and roadless areas, State Trust Lands, Tribal, private industrial companies and small family tree farmers. Through collaboration, legislation, regulation or the judicial process, issues relevant to the impacts of forestry are discussed, and decisions are made, resulting in public policies. In effect, making public policy is about problem solving. The key to successful public policy decisions is establishing widely supported and balanced forest policies.
WFPA Provides Leadership in Environmental
Public Policymaking
Having nearly a century of experience, WFPA and its members are actively involved in policy and regulatory issues that relate to owning and managing private forests. We are involved in all stages of policy development, from agenda setting, development, and implementation through feedback. The scope of environmental policy issues addressed by WFPA ranges from wildfire, forest health, water quality, science and technology to threatened and endangered species. We operate in multiple forums including regulatory agencies and boards, such as the Fish & Wildlife Commission and Forest Practices Board, Departments of Natural Resources, Fish & Wildlife, Ecology and Revenue, as well as Legislative, Congressional and legal arenas. We also work collaboratively with conservation groups and tribal governments.
Policy May Change Over Time
Practicing forestry in the 21st Century means ensuring that we are growing, planting and harvesting trees while also taking care of the natural resources that are important to us all. It also means using technology and science to understand the impact of our interactions with the land and to improve our performance. While policies may change over time, private landowners will continue to practice sustainable forestry which benefits the public through providing renewable wood products and protecting fish, water and wildlife resources.