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Sustainable Forestry Policy

We manage our forests for the sustainable production of wood and wood products that meet our customers' needs. We are committed to independent certification of our forest management and to meeting the principles and objectives of applicable forest certification systems. The elements of Weyerhaeuser's policy apply to company-owned and -managed lands worldwide.

  • We harvest at sustainable rates over the long term.
  • We encourage the use of nontimber products and services from the forest.
  • We reforest promptly after harvesting by planting within the first available planting season, not to exceed 24 months, or by planned natural-regeneration methods within five years or as provided in an applicable license.
  • We employ reliable processes in using forest chemicals to meet our silvicultural and environmental objectives in compliance with applicable laws, best management practices and label directions, and in conformance with applicable certification standards.
  • We protect soil stability and ensure long-term soil productivity by using equipment and practices appropriate to the soil, topography and weather to minimize erosion and harmful soil disturbance.
  • We use forestry practices and technology to retain organic matter and soil nutrients.
  • We maintain healthy forests and minimize losses caused by fire, insects and disease.
  • We meet or exceed applicable water-quality laws and best management practices to protect water quality, water bodies and riparian areas.
  • We protect water quality by practicing sound road construction and maintenance.
  • We provide a diversity of habitats for wildlife and contribute to conservation of biological diversity through practices or programs that address habitat diversity and conservation of plants and animals at multiple scales in accordance with applicable certification programs or other locally accepted standards.
  • We protect threatened and endangered species and cooperate with government agencies to determine how our forestlands can contribute to their conservation.
  • We consider aesthetic values by identifying sensitive areas and adapting our practices accordingly and in conformance with applicable certification standards.
  • We identify special ecologic, geologic, cultural and historical sites and manage them in a manner appropriate for their unique features.
  • We minimize waste in our harvesting.

   Sustainability in Action
Helping to eradicate invasive plants is an important aspect of practicing sustainable forestry

Sounding less like plants and more like a lineup of Harry Potter's opponents, invasive species such as knapweed, ragwort, toadflax, hawkweed and cinquefoil are threatening ecosystems in several western states and provinces.

Especially vulnerable are British Columbia's interior grasslands and dry forests, where the invaders can harm native conifers, erode precious soil, consume critical water resources, increase wildfire hazards, and destroy natural habitat required by wildlife.

Most unwelcome is the deceptive tansy ragwort with its happy yellow blooms. Nicknamed "Stinking Willie," this plant is highly toxic to the animals that eat it. Also prevalent is the puncture vine (pictured), so called because its thorns are capable of piercing bicycle tires.

"With some of the highest numbers of invasive plants identified in the province, the risk to our Okanagan Falls operating area is high," says Brian Drobe, one of our planning foresters, "Uncontrolled, these species can alter the structure and function of the natural ecosystem, causing potentially irreversible damage."

To prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species we seed new-road cut-and-fill sloped with certified “weed-free” grass mixes. In 2011, a $50,000 conservation grant awarded to The Nature Trust of British Columbia by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). We are participating in the project by:

  • Identifying high-priority locations where invasive plants pose a threat to biodiversity;
  • Finding which seed mix best competes with invasive species in order to reduce the threat;
  • Learning if grass seeding is enhanced in combination with herbicides and/or fertilizers; and.
  • Communicating results to government agencies and other stakeholders.

The three-year study is taking place on 5,000 hectares of SFI-certified forestland that we manage in the Okanagan valley. Along with The Nature Trust, partners include the South Okanagan-Similkameen Invasive Plant Society and the B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations.

Last updated June 20, 2012