America's managed forests make a vital contribution to the nation and to the world by providing economic, consumer, environmental and aesthetic benefits indispensable to our quality of life.  A vital forest-based economy provides wood and paper products, employment, and a viable tax base.  Accomplishing sustainable forestry on private land requires a partnership among landowners, contractors, and the companies that purchase wood.

1. Sustainable Forestry

To practice sustainable forestry to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs by practicing a land stewardship ethic which integrates the reforestation, managing, growing, nurturing, and harvesting of trees for useful products with the conservation of soil, air and water quality, wildlife and fish habitat, and aesthetics.

2. Responsible Practices

To use in American forests, and promote among other forest landowners, sustainable forestry practices that are economically and environmentally responsible.

3. Forest Health and Productivity

To protect forests from wildfire, pests, diseases, and other damaging agents in order to maintain and improve long-term forest health and productivity.


4. Protecting Special Sites

To manage its forests and lands of special significance (e.g. biologically, geologically, or historically significant) in a manner that takes into account their unique qualities.

5. Continuous Improvement

To continuously improve the practice of forest management and also to monitor, measure and report the performance of our members in achieving our commitment to sustainable forestry.