Whether you are a woodlot landowner, a manufacturer working with wood, a recreationist who enjoys forests, or someone who buys wood products (and that is almost everyone), your decisions affect the future of our forests. The production of wood products—from lumber to tissues—involves cutting trees. Everyone who cares about trees and forests can appreciate their link to many vital benefits—water, air, wildlife, aesthetics, income, stewardship—and should make personal choices that help to protect them.

It is possible to harvest trees and to protect and sustain diverse forest values. In doing so, it is important to understand that every tree harvest has the potential to either improve or damage the forest. Opportunities also exist to move the forest along in its natural succession toward a desired goal—a healthier forest. Every timber harvest must involve careful planning, consideration of the landowner’s goals, attention to growth and regeneration, and protection of soil and water resources.

A healthy, productive forest is the result of planning. A timber harvest is ideally part of a long-term plan to address the landowner’s objectives, improve the mix of tree species, and create space for remaining trees to expand their crowns, grow faster and provide light for new tree growth. Developing a good forest management plan will help a landowner to make informed decisions.

If you are going to harvest in your woodlot, put together a team. The team should include you and a professional forester who demonstrates an understanding of your goals and a concern for the harvest’s long-term impact on forest health and sustainability.

To help navigate the complex process of harvesting trees, review some of the resources provided by Shop Local Save Land by clicking the "Forest" button at the top right of any page. If you have questions, contact your Bureau of Forestry Service Forester, join a woodland owners association, attend education programs, and talk with other forest owners. There are many professionals and resources here to help you.