Forest Management
Specific forest management actions – such as commercial thinning or prescribed burning – help make forests more resilient to fire and disease as well as restore some of the natural complexity that may be missing due to past forest management practices. Detailed management plans and engaged collaborative groups, plus local milling infrastructure all help implement successful forest management projects, that provide benefits to local communities.
Forest management actions are designed to:
- Help forests be more resilient to fire and disease
- Provide habitat, clean water & recreation opportunities
- Supply forest products & economic benefits to communities
The Role of Silviculture in Forest Management
Forest Service Silviculturists use available knowledge, science as well as ecosystem modeling and other tools to create plans and prescriptions to help forests grow to be as resilient and healthy as possible in the future. As managers work to help forests develop into more complex and resilient ecosystems, commercial thinning is often “prescribed” as a treatment by silviculturists.
Pacific Northwest Timber Program
Sustainable timber harvesting is a vital forest management tool that balances economic demand for wood products with ecological resilience. By carefully planning and executing timber sales, we support local jobs, provide essential raw materials, and help forests adapt to challenges with environmental stressors like severe weather, drought, and wildfires.
Forest Management Map Viewer & Data Dashboard
This national dashboard displays maps and data on accomplishment activities, special initiatives, and general boundary information on national forests.