Forest Management Committee

The Forest Management Committee's objectives are to:

• facilitate accurate and timely forest inventory and analysis comprehensively address forest fragmentation and other issues associated with rapid changes in ownership characteristics
• advocate balance in landowner information, technical assistance and incentives to encourage land stewardship
• improve forest health and enhance forest sustainability

The Forest Management Committee is guided by these basic philosophies and values in the delivery of forestry assistance services to private landowners:

• Landowner Rights and Responsibilities: The right to own land is one of the most sacred of all American rights, and landowners have an inherent duty to act as good stewards of their lands. We respect the rights of landowners to own land and to pursue their individual objectives.
• Forest Benefits: Private forestlands provide significant public benefits. These benefits are so important that government must assist in balancing the wants of landowners with the concerns of society.
• Forest Management: The active management of our forests enhances the health and productivity of our environment and our economy. Forest management must consider other natural resources, in addition to trees, as well as the interrelationships and interactions between the physical environment, all elements of the ecosystem, and people. Forest management must be based on good science.
• Stewardship: Cohesive and stable policies, programs, and incentives will encourage landowners and managers to sustain and enhance forests and practice long-term forest stewardship. Private land is best managed by landowners responding to positive incentives and market forces combined with readily available information and professional advice.
• Technical Assistance: Most natural resource decisions, especially those involving forest management, benefit from the advice and experience of trained professionals. A network of technical service providers is critical to produce informed, integrated forest management decisions. The most effective way to provide this advice is through public and private sector partnerships.
• Raising Awareness: Raising the awareness of landowners and all segments of the public on the importance and value of forest resources is essential to creating a climate for the practice of forestry on private lands. Decisions that affect the South's forests should be made by people who are well informed.
• Understanding: Voluntary cooperation, development of partnerships and an open dialogue among individuals, landowners, communities, organizations, businesses, and government are the best ways to achieve shared goals and assure mutual understanding. Public perceptions and opinions are important, and should be considered. Consider Future Generations: To assure forest health over the long term, forest policy decisions must be based on the multiple needs of society and focus on sustainable values while safeguarding individual landowner rights.