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On publicly owned lands, some forests are so overcrowded that 500 or more trees compete for light and nutrients in areas that historically supported only 50. [more]

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California Forestry » Laws That Protect

Laws That Protect

Laws That Protect Our Forest, Wildlife & Fish

California has among the highest requirements in the world for forestland management, according to a 2003 study by Cal Poly State University-San Luis Obispo. Whether on federal lands managed by the United States Forest Service, or on private timberlands owned by individuals or forest products companies, a multitude of laws and regulations govern seemingly every aspect of California forestry.

Both the state and federal government have measures which mandate protection for threatened and endangered fish, plants and animals. Both have laws that safeguard water quality, forest soil productivity and archaeological resources.

In California, any harvested areas that fail to meet minimum tree stocking standards must be immediately planted with native seedlings. It's the law.

Prior to any timber harvest in California, extensive planning and environmental documentation is required. On federal lands, such activities must be in full compliance with the National Environmental Planning Act (NEPA). For private lands, the state's strict Forest Practice Act requires that each proposed harvest be conducted under the auspices of an approved Timber Harvest Plan (THP), a lengthy document prepared by a state-licensed Registered Professional Forester. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) and other state resource agencies review all THPs.

In fact, each timber harvest in California must be in compliance with over 1,000 applicable laws and regulations. Some landowners additionally are required to have an approved Sustained Yield Plan, a long-term (100+ year) planning document. Also, some landowners voluntarily enter into Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) with state and federal agencies. HCPs are designed to provide comprehensive, long-term protections for the habitat needs of threatened or endangered species, while providing some regulatory relief for the cooperating landowner.

Key federal laws governing our forests:

· Clean Air Act

· National Environmental Policy Act

· National Forest Management Act

· Resources Planning Act

· Endangered Species Act

· Antiquities Act

· Coastal Zone Management Act

· Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act

· Wilderness Act

· Clean Water Act

· Organic Act

Key state laws governing our forests:

· California Clean Air Act

· Porter-Cologne Water Quality Act

· California Environmental Quality Act

· Professional Forester Licensing Act

· California Endangered Species Act

· Z'Berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act