1. Forest Planning and Management

  1. Written, ten-year management plan is in place, documented and updated periodically;

  2. Landowner holds clear title and has considered easements;  

  3. Property boundaries are known and clearly marked;  

  4. Professional forestry advice (private and/or public) has been identified and obtained;  

  5. Clear commitment to stewardship has been demonstrated; and  

  6. Contractors (logging, road, others) are informed of forestry plan and/or goals.
 
2.  Forest Health, Inventory and Natural Diversity

  1. Complete and current forest inventory on record, including, reference to health and condition of forest, significant flora and fauna, and adequate data/mapping; 

  2. Compliance with all applicable federal, state and local regulations and zoning laws; 

  3. Soils, site productivity, slope and water retention have been considered; 

  4. Special attention has been given to rare or endangered species, if present;  

  5. Silvicultural practices are designed to discourage forest insects and disease; and  

  6. Continuous stand improvement recommendations are developed and implemented.
 

3.  Logging, Post-Harvest Evaluation and Reforestation

  1. Harvesting system described and in place; 

  2. Use of trained and/or certified loggers; 

  3. Use of professional or representative to oversee harvest and final inspection; 

  4. Post-harvest site evaluation between one and three years following harvest; 

  5. Soil disturbance and residual stand damage is minimized during harvest operations; and 

  6. Site is regenerated in two years or less of harvest.
 

4. Road Construction, Stream Crossings, Protection of Special Sites

  1. Roads are planned and constructed with intent of minimizing loss of productive land without degrading non-forest areas; 

  2. Landowner familiar with and implements Best Management Practices (BMPs); 

  3. Roads and landings are “put to bed” with drainage and seeding; 

  4. Properly sized culverts are used; 

  5. Stream bank grades are rocked; 

  6. Wetlands, key habitats, rare plants and other special sites are identified and protected; and

  7. Damage from ORVs and livestock is promptly repaired.
 

5. Product Utilization and Aesthetics 

  1. Efforts are made to achieve good utilization;

  2. Carrying capacity and production goals are balanced;

  3. Saw log harvests are complemented with pulpwood and chipwood removals as appropriate;

  4. Residual materials are either laid down or chipped;

  5. Allowances have been made for vistas and appearance;

  6. Clearcutting is used only when it is the most appropriate silvicultural practice, and are limited to 80 acres or less; and

  7. Recreation and wildlife trails and waterways are free of debris.
 

6. Chemical Utilization

  1. Chemicals are used sparingly and manufacturer’s guidelines are followed; 

  2. Compliance with all state and federal regulations; and 

  3. Records of chemical applications are maintained.

7. Community and Social Relations

  1. Recognition given to public interests (clean water, wildlife habitat, clean air, forest products, jobs); 

  2. Management plan/objectives discussed with adjacent landowners; 

  3. Communication and participation, as appropriate, with public, forestry, landowner and community organizations; and 

  4. Respect of Native American, cultural, and historic sites, if present.
 

8. Economic Viability

  1. Understanding of timber tax, land tax, accounting, records, and forestry practices; 

  2. Income from alternative forest products has been considered; and 

  3. Balance between productivity and natural diversity has been recognized.
 

9. Record Keeping and Tracking

  1. Records are maintained, reviewed, reconciled and updated regularly; and

  2. Records confirm that harvest and silvicultural activities meet management plan objectives.
 
10. Commitment to Sustainability

  1. Sustained yield forestry concepts are followed (i.e. growth exceeds harvest over time); 

  2. Landowner accepts responsibility as the ultimate steward of the land; and 

  3. Participation in programs fostering sustainability

    4.  

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