Forest Regulation

How is the management of American hardwood forests regulated?

The United States operates an effective and fully enforced regulatory framework to deliver sustainable forest management. The U.S. approach to forest regulation is adapted to a national forest environment in which there is a well developed private industry sector, a very long history of private forest management, and a strong civil society.

The management of Federal and state-owned forest land is directly controlled by publicly accountable government forestry services subject to detailed legal requirements for sustainable forest management. All forest owners in the United States are subject to Federal legislation designed to protect habitats for threatened species.

Regulations affecting other aspects of forest management on private land are the responsibility of individual states. The 2000 RPA Assessment reports that these regulations have been increasing overall. Some 44 States now have best management practice legislation intended to promote better management of lands, especially when timber production is involved and particularly to protect water quality.

The Federal Government, as well as State and local jurisdictions, offer incentives and technical assistance to private landowners to encourage better management of private lands. Some States have a specific forest practice regulatory act designed to promote good management practices and establishing mandatory requirements for management plans, reforestation, or other actions on the part of the landowner.

The need for public involvement and education in forest issues is now widely recognized in the States. Thousands of people are trained each year in the various disciplines necessary to understand and manage forest ecosystems.

A comprehensive analysis of U.S. forest regulation is provided in the 2008 Seneca Creek study "An Assessment of Lawful Harvesting and Sustainability of U.S. Hardwood Exports". This report concludes: "Every state has both regulatory and non-regulatory authorities and programs addressing different aspects of forest management. While resources are limited, and efficiencies and effectiveness can be improved, state programs are responsive in promoting and ensuring sustainable forest practices. When considered in their totality, national and state forest programs contribute to ensuring sustainable and legal hardwood supplies".

A discussion of US forest regulatory practices is also included in an article by Rupert Oliver "U.S. Forestry - A model for the world".