position statements: clearcutting
position
The Oregon Society of American Foresters supports the careful, scientifically based use of clearcutting as a tool for meeting diverse management objectives, including desired conditions for the regeneration and health of important forest types. Current laws include many measures to limit potential negative effects of clearcutting on Oregon's private and public lands. Guidance from professional foresters and other natural resource specialists can further ensure that clearcutting is applied with prudent consideration of environmental, economic, and social concerns.
issue
New clearcuts are unattractive to many people and this contributes to the perception that clearcutting is harmful to the environment. This view is reinforced by vocal individuals and interest groups that criticize the practice publicly using graphic images and sweeping generalizations about its impacts. In this context, the term clearcutting often is used incorrectly as a derisive synonym for careless logging or permanent forest clearing. Although not widely recognized, professional foresters carefully define and prescribe clearcutting as a science-based tool for effective harvest and regeneration of unique forest types, while also following laws that directly address specific concerns about environmental impacts.
background
Most of the original, native forests of the Pacific Northwest were established after major natural disturbances, particularly wildfire. These fires cleared large areas of tree and plant cover, reduced disease and insect pests, and exposed mineral soil seedbeds. Such major disturbances are a key part of the ecology of native forest species such as Douglas-fir, which is "shade intolerant" and regenerates and grows best in the full sunlight of large openings.
As defined by the forestry profession, clearcutting involves removal of nearly all standing trees within a limited area for the purpose of regenerating a new forest (Dictionary of Forestry 1998). Some differences exist between clearcuts and naturally disturbed areas, but key similarities are shown by the proven success of clearcutting in regenerating native forests such as vast areas of Western Oregon historically dominated by Douglas-fir. Conversely, if harvest methods other than clearcutting are used persistently in such forests, local species composition and forest structure are likely to become different from natural stands.
Clearcutting is the most effective and economical way to harvest and regenerate important native tree species. Treatments that help ensure regeneration success, such as slash piling, weed control, etc., are efficiently applied in clearcut areas. Tree planting and young stand management practices, such as pest control, fertilizer, etc., show better effectiveness and lower costs when concentrated in clearcuts. Clearcutting also provides habitat for many plant and animal species that depend on forest openings. In addition, it can help in the local control of insect, disease, and wildfire hazards.
In Oregon, clearcuts are a temporary condition as the state's Forest Practices Rules require successful reforestation after harvest, which is ensured by over 99% compliance and the improved seedlings and methods that are now commonly used. State and federal laws also limit clearcut size and require that stream buffers, wildlife trees and woody debris be left to protect habitat and site productivity. In addition, legal and social concerns have led to greater attention to locating and designing clearcuts to reduce visual impacts. In recent years, clearcutting in Oregon has constituted less than 25 percent of the harvested acreage, the rest being selectively cut or thinned.
Clearcutting is not appropriate in all situations, but where suitable and applied carefully by skilled professionals, it is a proven harvest and regeneration method for many areas of the Pacific Northwest. Careful planning and application of harvest and reforestation practices, in compliance with state and federal regulations, are key to avoiding negative impacts of clearcutting while realizing its benefits. Professional foresters are trained to understand both the risks and benefits of clearcutting. Working with other resource professionals, foresters can provide essential guidance for its proper application in meeting landowner objectives and broad public goals.
selected references
Oregon Department of Forestry. January 2003 (or most current version). Forest Practice Administrative Rules and Oregon Forest Practices Act. Available at local Oregon Department of Forestry offices and online. This web site has many references related to the Act and Rules, including summaries of key forest practice requirements and recent reforestation accomplishment reports.
Kimmins, H. 1997. Clearcutting: Ecosystem destruction or environmentally sound timber harvesting? Chapter 6 in: Balancing Act - Environmental Issues in Forestry. Second edition. UBC Press, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Originally adopted by member referendum of the Oregon Society of American Foresters (OSAF) on December 6, 1995. Revised and adopted by the OSAF Executive Committee on May 7, 2003. This statement will expire May 7, 2008, unless after thorough review it is renewed by the OSAF.