Science

We adhere to the most modern environmental laws in the world, which are informed by the latest field-tested and peer-reviewed science. Our industry works with fish and wildlife biologists, hydrologists, geologists and other scientific specialists to grow healthy forests, harvest in a manner that maximizes biological function, and nurture newly-planted trees to regenerate forests.

Our forests are managed under the Oregon Forest Practices Act, a law grounded in the principles of research and adaptive management. Since 1971, Oregon has made over forty legislative and administrative rule changes to the Oregon Forest Practices Act in order to protect environmental values we all share. Read more here about recent changes to Oregon’s forest laws.

Innovation

Some of the most sophisticated technology in use today can be found in forestry and wood products manufacturing. These innovations are continuously improving local forest industry practices, eliciting greater value out of available timber, and creating renewable energy, building materials and consumer goods that reduce environmental impacts.

Given the importance of protecting Oregon’s forests, we have developed new equipment to allow harvests to occur with less machinery and smaller crews, thereby reducing impacts and protecting the environmental values of the forest.

Wood innovations such as biomass and mass timber building material are reducing carbon in energy generation and our built environment.

Sustainability

We manage forestland for multi-generational environmental, social and economic benefit, which ensures the highest water quality, plentiful wildlife habitat, opportunity for communities, and access to products consumers use everyday.

We replant more than three new trees for every one we harvest to ensure the regeneration of forestland for continued environmental and economic benefit. Most harvests occur only once every 40 years, meaning our forest management and business decisions are rooted in long-term thinking. Thanks to state policy that supports maintaining forestland, Oregon has the same amount of forestland now as we did 100 years ago.

Stewardship

We understand that private, working forests provide great benefit to Oregonians. The protection of these shared benefits is a central part of our management objectives. Studies by the state of Oregon conclude that private forestland creates higher water quality than any other land use in Oregon. In addition, our forests provide abundant habitat for a wide variety of species, which don’t distinguish between private and public forests. And Oregon’s forests help clean our air, storing more carbon dioxide than any other state in the nation.