Renewable forest products from federal lands generates millions of dollars to maintain forest roads, as well as campgrounds and many other recreational amenities. And forest management activities such as thinning keeps our public lands resilient and accessible to all. 

Public lands managers use a range of forest management tools- from timber harvesting to prescribed burning- to keep public lands healthy, safe and accessible. AFRC works with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to develop projects that meet the needs of all forest users, from new trails to renewable timber.

Science-based, active forest management- including mechanical thinning and prescribed fire- helps promote the resiliency of our public lands, ensuring they can be enjoyed for generations to come. 

On national forests, hazardous fuels are accumulating three times as fast as they can be treated. According to the U.S. Forest Service study, 90 percent of fuels reduction projects reduce wildfire severity. Science-based forest management can help reduce the risk of catastrophic fires and smoke that pose serious risks to people, property, and our natural resources.  

Science-based forestry provides habitat for many wildlife species such as elk and deer; filters pollutants from our water and air; supports outdoor recreation; and provides renewable wood products and good paying jobs. 

Modern, science-based forestry provides a mosaic of forest types and age classes across the landscape - benefiting a broad range of plants and animals.

The Northwest’s forest sector applies cutting-edge technology to utilize every wood fiber possible. 

Residual material from sawlogs- such as bark, wood chips and sawdust- are often converted to pulp to make paper products. Today’s sawmills also use these residuals to create renewable power for their own facilities, and even sell the energy to local utilities to power thousands of homes in their communities. 

The forest sector is helping provide essential products to the American public in response to COVID19.  

From tissue and hygiene products, to face masks and paper bags, to packaging and lumber for “do it yourself” home projects, the forest sector is working safely and efficiently to meet the daily needs of American families during these challenging times.  

Wood is part of the solution for climate change, 

Healthy, growing trees remove and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. After harvest, the wood continues to store the carbon as lumber, wood, and paper products we use every day. As we look for climate solutions, wood is a carbon-friendly alternative to steel, concrete, and fossil fuels.   

AFRC is a regional trade association whose purpose is to advocate for sustained yield timber harvests on public timberlands throughout the West to enhance forest health and resistance to fire, insects, and disease. We do this by promoting active management to attain productive public forests, protect adjoining private forests, and assure community stability. We work to improve federal and state laws, regulations, policies and decisions regarding access to and management of public forest lands and protection of all forest lands.

At the American Forest Resource Council, we are passionate about what we do – which is advocate for responsible management of our public forestlands. We strongly believe that active management of our public forests is the right thing to do – for the environment, for the economy, and for the future. Our work is inspired by AFRC members’ commitment to community, honesty and hard work, and their love of the outdoors. 

AFRC represents over 50 forest product businesses and forest landowners throughout the West, including rural communities where more than 50 percent of all manufacturing jobs are in wood manufacturing. Through partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and other public agencies, our members invest millions of dollars to improve the health and accessibility of our public lands. Timber sustainably harvested from our public lands are manufactured to create sustainable and carbon friendly wood products.

© 2020 American Forest Resource Council. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.