Forest Guild Principles
- The well-being of human society is dependent on responsible forest
management that places the highest priority on the maintenance and
enhancement of the entire forest ecosystem.
- The natural forest provides a model for sustainable resource management;
therefore, responsible forest management imitates nature's dynamic processes
and minimizes impacts when harvesting trees and other products.
- The forest has value in its own right, independent of human intentions
and needs.
- Human knowledge of forest ecosystems is limited. Responsible management
that sustains the forest requires a humble approach and continuous learning.
- The practice of forestry must be grounded in field observation and
experience as well as in the biological sciences. This practical knowledge
should be developed and shared with both traditional and non-traditional
educational institutions and programs.
- A forester's or natural resource professional's first duty is to the
forest and its future. When the management directives of clients or
supervisors conflict with the Mission and Principles of the Guild, and
cannot be modified through dialogue and education, a forester or natural
resource professional should disassociate.
