Low Impact Forestry (or Positive Impact Forestry) is a method of Timber Stand and Forest Improvement, focused on preserving the natural beauty and health of the forest landscape and ecosystem. This requires intensive and ongoing planning to avoid the known negative impacts of heavy logging and equipment. While current methods of large scale commercial logging are vitally important to forests and humanity, and produce one of the most sustainable and renewable products for human use, many small forest owners find that these methods are not compatible with their own vision for their properties.

During the initial process, the forest (as well as the residential setting) is evaluated for health, by completing a walk-through of the acreage and a sampling of individual tree health. Once completed, a plan is developed to ensure that any interaction in the woods will be beneficial - and this plan and process are ongoing throughout the entirety of all forestry and tree operations.

Major concerns and considerations before, during, and after operations include the impact on soils, the protection of watersheds and wetlands, encouraging wildlife habitat, and the overall recreational value for human use.

Low Impact Forestry and Tree is certified in the Master Logger Program through the Washington Contract Loggers Association. (Cert. # 24017)

https://loggers.com/master-logger-program/

Questions considered include:

How would forests be managed to improve, rather than degrade, future timber values?

How would trees be cut to minimize damage to the residual forest?

How would foresters measure success towards minimizing damage?

How would loggers be paid to lower logging impacts?

How would forests be managed in a way that ensures the survival of all native species?

How would woodlot owners be able to afford this type of management?

(Maine Environmental Policy Institute, “Low-Impact Forestry”, 2002 Howell, ME)