POSITION STATEMENTS

Herbicide Use on Forestlands

Purpose

Clarify the science and rationale for the responsible use of herbicides in forest management.

Scope

Herbicides applied on US forestlands in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations, manufacturer labels, and forestry best management practices (BMPs).

Position

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) supports the judicious use of herbicides as a safe and effective tool for controlling undesired vegetation as a component of an integrated management strategy for forestlands. SAF recommends the use of herbicides, when applied in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, manufacturer labels, and forestry BMPs, as an approach to achieve a desired site condition or management objective. Herbicide use on forestland is a critical management option for facilitating forest regeneration, restoring ecological function, improving forest productivity, promoting forest health and resiliency, and controlling invasive plant species.

Approved: December 2019

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