Updated Position Statement: Roads in Managed Forests
February 1, 2021
The SAF Committee on Forest Policy recently updated the National Position Statement on Roads in Managed Forests. Approved by SAF's Board of Directors, this update includes a slight expansion in the scope to recognize the utilization of temporary roads and their key role in accessing managed forestlands. The Position Statement emphasizes the challenge of long-term road maintenance while recognizing the required investment and planning needed for lasting success. Best management practices (BMPs) implementation and monitoring continue to be vital in mitigating forest road impacts and the effectiveness of BMPs is also highlighted. Lastly, SAF acknowledges roadless forested areas and continues to favor access that maintains the roadless characteristics consistent with forest management plan objectives and proper stakeholder input.