Over the course of the last nine years, I have explored many of the issues related to our forests, both public and private. As a forest/wildlife photographer I have seen first hand the state of our forests, photographing throughout millions of acres of forestland in the United States & Canada. I have also had the opportunity to talk with countless foresters, wildlife biologists, hydrologists, environmentalists, public and private forestland managers and people from all walks of life who are also interested in our forests.

Several items tend to jump out at you while looking at so much forestland. When comparing all timberlands; public, (those managed by the federal government) and private, (those owned and managed by individuals and timberland companies) we begin to notice a growing disparity. Our national public forestlands are no longer being managed, at least not in the sense of applying a plan for their sustainability or longevity. The thinking here follows an old and outdated environmentalist philosophy, that by leaving the forest alone and keeping humans out, all will be natural and the forest will reach an equilibrium of optimal balance and natural harmony within itself, adjusting for disturbances, wildlife habitat and all other things. Philosophically, this might be congruent with an environmental utopia. However, we must learn, that it just doesn't work quite that simply. We actually have the definitive proof of how miserably this philosophy has performed in many of our forests right now: our National Parks and Wilderness areas. Most all of these areas have had little or absolutely no timber harvesting or management since European settlers have been in this part of the world, yet many of these "natural areas" are now showing serious signs of forest mortality and decline. So, to apply this same prescription to our National Forests would make no sense.

However, today virtually all of our forest decline is occurring in our un-managed National "public" forests. Private and most State forests are being managed. Private forestland owners know that if they want to keep their forests.... they must manage them. Otherwise, disease, over-crowding, bug-infestations and other manageable disturbances will take over. This "message" if you will, of the benefits of forest management speaks so loudly from a visual perspective that it is easy to list. You will probably find even more items to add and if so please share them with me.

The Greatest Benefits of Sustainable Forest Management:

You know, we really don't have anything to lose and a lot more forests to gain. Perhaps the difference is that a forestland manager doesn't see a harvest as the end of a cycle, but rather the beginning.........