What does forest stewardship involve?

Forest stewardship involves responsible planning and management to ensure the long-term health, sustainability, and productivity of forest ecosystems. This comprehensive approach includes balancing economic, environmental, and social factors. Forest stewards aim to manage resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This can involve sustainable harvesting practices, restoring habitats, protecting water quality, and maintaining biodiversity, all while engaging with local communities to respect their needs and knowledge.

Emphasizing responsible management also means making informed decisions that take into account the ecological integrity of the forest, the well-being of local communities, and the economy in a way that promotes a healthy forest environment. This holistic approach contrasts sharply with maximizing timber sales, which focuses solely on economic gain and often neglects ecological and social factors. Furthermore, ignoring biodiversity or local community needs would lead to unsustainable practices that could ultimately harm the very resources that are being managed.