Standard 8: Forest Product Harvests and Other Activities
When conducting forestry
activities, landowners must ensure that their actions and those actions taken
on their behalf are in conformance with both the landowner’s objectives and the
ATFS Standards. In order to safeguard landowners from liability risks and
protect their assets, we encourage landowners to work with qualified natural
resource professionals and contractors and review the Standards before planning
management activities. If the landowner’s objectives do not specify directives
as to harvest, utilization and removals, then regional norms and accepted
practices are expected
xamples of forestry activities requiring review for AFF Standards compliance:
- Harvest operations including timber and nontimber products
- Site preparation and reforestation
- Forest road construction and maintenance
- Mineral extraction
- Hunting and fishing
- Invasive species control
- Pest management
Landowners are encouraged to discuss liability issues with their insurance agent and their attorney to gain a perspective on appropriate insurance minimums that they might require of contractors. When agreeing upon the terms of the contract, landowners and designated representatives are encouraged to stipulate that contractors must be in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations and should specify that appropriate state forestry BMPs must be adhered to. A qualified natural resource professional can help with this process.
Other contract specifications might include:
- Protection of special sites or habitats
- Adherence to labor laws
- Requirements for adequate insurance
- Protection of soil and water integrity
- Residual tree damage
- Forest road maintenance and restoration
- Fence and gate protection and/or restoration
- Litter control
- Hazardous material spill prevention and clean‐up
As a general rule, landowners are encouraged to retain contracts or records for management activities for three years.
Good planning, utilizing qualified natural resource professionals, engaging competent qualified contractors and using an effective contract go a long way towards ensuring the maintenance of the potential of the property to produce forest products and other benefits sustainably.
If you have any further questions about Standard 8, please let us know. Thank you for your service to the Tree Farm Program!
