An
ecologically healthy Northern Forest is key to the region's economy,
quality of life, and ecological health. The forest, however, is under
a great deal of pressure. The Northern Forest Alliance believes that
making the transition to sustainable forestry is essential to the
ecological and economic health of the region. To  be
sustainable, forest management must be ecologically viable, economically
feasible, and socially desirable. It must maintain the ability of
our land and water ecosystems to meet the needs of the present without
compromising the ecological integrity of the forest or the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs.
Vision
The Alliance envisions what the Northern Forest can and should be
in the future; a more structurally complex forest with more mature
trees; more stands of mixed species, size, and age; and the full diversity
of naturally occurring plants, animals and natural communities. Our
vision includes forest management practices that closely mimic natural
processes. It also includes a strong but diversified forest-based
economy.
The higher value trees resulting from sustainable forestry will create
opportunities for more in-region, value-added manufacturing, and the
natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the region will bolster
nature-based tourism.
Principles of Sustainable Forestry
The Alliance has developed a set of five principles for sustainable
forestry that we believe can underpin an ecologically sound forest
for the future. Click
here to read "Principles of Sustainable Forestry". |
Our
Economic Niche
As the forest products industry changes with the global economy, Northern-Forest
based businesses can benefit by focusing on growing and processing
high quality saw logs. Paper-making will remain part of the region's
economic mix, but will not dominate forest management to the extent
it has in the past. The Alliance recognizes that to encourage long-
term management, future public benefits, and a more natural, mature
forest, the public should share the cost through tax and financial
incentives, and a willingness to pay the true cost of sustainable
produced wood products. Public policies should aim to encourage and
support innovation, retraining, and adjustment in enlisting wood-using
businesses and their employees.
Recommended Actions
To embrace the vision of a sustainable future and move forward with
forestry reform, the Alliance recommends an integrated program of
action in five areas:
1. Establish sustainable forestry benchmarks and voluntary programs;
2. Develop a system of economic incentives;
3. Create integrated research education programs;
4. Permanently protect forests of high ecological value with willing
buyer-willing seller programs;
5. Create a safety net of forest practice regulations to protect public
values.
These actions can help the region shift toward greater application
of sustainable forestry principles and away from management dictated
by short-term economics. |
|
