position statements: forest health
position
The Washington State Society of American Foresters knows professional foresters have a vital role in the management of healthy forests and the recovery of unhealthy forests. A full range of management techniques must be available for use by professional foresters. Appropriate management techniques include, but are not necessarily limited to, salvage of dead and dying timber, thinning of dense forests, reforestation with species best suited for the site and the use of prescribed fire where appropriate. Because every forest site is different, professional foresters must be given the flexibility to make decisions that will provide the appropriate management for the forests of Washington State.
issue
Forest health has become a significant issue to both professional foresters and the general public. This is a controversial subject because forest health means different things to different people. Many natural events like fire, windthrow, and endemic insects and diseases are important factors in the forest ecosystem. The severity of wildfire, epidemic native insect populations, and introduced diseases and insects, along with very high tree densities brought about by public reluctance to actively manage forests, have caused a serious decline in forest health. With the increase of homes in the wildland interface and the risk associated with a catastrophic wildfire, it is not possible or realistic to ignore the forest health issue facing Washington State. Reintroducing fire as the only means of improving forest health is not a viable option. Professional foresters must be allowed to utilize all appropriate management techniques, on public and private forests, to reduce fuel loading and improve our forestsŐ resistance to insect and disease epidemics.
Adopted by the WSSAF Executive Committee on October 17, 2003. This statement will expire in October 17, 2008, unless after thorough review it is renewed by the WSSAF.
