Protecting from Harm

Effective forest management includes protecting forests from fire, insects, disease and excessive animal damage. We combat fires with aerial surveys, quick-response teams and equipment such as tanker trucks and helicopters. Managing forests requires being prepared for natural events beyond our control, including wildfires, windstorms, floods and (of course) volcanic eruptions.

Besides trees, we protect all parts of the forest ecosystem. We also work closely with Native Americans and governmental agencies to preserve cultural, historic, scenic and recreation areas.

• Wildlife—When harvesting, we leave a specified number of snags, live trees and downed logs. This may look messy. But it provides food and cover for forest creatures.
• Fish—To protect spawning beds and keep streams clean we now design, build and maintain roads to very high standards. Some roads are closed or relocated to reduce impacts on streams. We leave forested buffer zones to protect rivers, lakes, streams, springs and ponds where fish can spawn.
• Watersheds—We analyze entire watersheds in cooperation with other landowners to assess the combined effects of land uses on fish habitat and water quality. This helps us develop land management plans to protect natural resources.