National forest timber sales: issues and options

An overriding issue plaguing USFS is what role should timber harvest on the national forests play in providing the best mix of ecosystem protection, ecosystem restoration, and multiple benefits for society. To address the issue, USFS is focusing on cost efficiency and below-cost sales within an ecosystem management context. The amount of timber sold from national forests today is determined in accordance with the National Forest Management Act and based on resource capability, the need for vegetation management, and budgets. As public concerns have changed over time, USFS has taken steps to improve the efficiency of its timber program. The future role of national forest timber management will be based on answers to some basic questions: Why is timber harvested? What is the intent of timber management? How much timber should be harvested and where? Policy options available to address these questions are discussed.