Sustainable Forestry That Works for Land and People

In today’s business climate, sustainability is more than a buzzword but a benchmark. In forestry, it's been a way of doing business for decades. Whether measured through rigorous certifications, habitat protections, or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, sustainable forestry combines ecological responsibility with smart land management, and it’s driving the future of the industry. At AFM, our commitment to ethical practices and sustainability is reflected in our comprehensive policies that guide our operations and decision-making. Our six core values of Integrity, Stewardship, Innovation, Dedication, Respect, and Knowledge guide us in our commitment to ESG principles to promote sustainable business practices that balance economic viability, ecological responsibility, and social equity. Brent Keefer, CEO, shares, “As stewards of almost six million acres of land, we take this philosophy seriously and recognize the tremendous impact our work has not only on the current forest landscape but on the future viability of our natural resources.”

How Forest Certifications Elevate Sustainable Forestry

As we are guided by our core values and sustainable business practices, we also participate in forest certification programs, including the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®), and the American Tree Farm System (ATFS). The latter was the first forest certification program to be established in 1941, and FSC and SFI followed suit in 1993 and 1994, respectively. Nearly 75% of all the land AFM manages is under one of these forest certification systems, and each program has meticulous documentation. Not only do each of these forest certification systems have rigorous standards and requirements, but they also protect forest resilience, productivity, and try to mitigate the effects of climate change on forestlands. Keefer adds, “Forest certification standards continue to effectively advance sustainable and responsible forest management.” These certifications are a signal to investors and timber buyers that the wood was harvested with forest resilience and sustainable practices. Moreover, manufacturers of finished goods can use certification logos on products, and consumers can make educated choices about the products they purchase. For landowners who are interested in certification, there are numerous benefits to consider. In some cases, forest certification may allow for better access to log markets, particularly with the chain of custody requirements and markets for logs from sustainably managed lands. This may yield a higher purchase price in certain situations. Additionally, certified properties are more frequently involved with forestry research and tree improvement cooperatives, creating access to current forest research studies and findings that are beneficial when making management decisions, especially those pertaining to habitat management, water quality, growth and yield, forest inventory, and tree genetics. While these standards are rigorous, they are not the only form of forest compliance for foresters and land managers.

Best Management Practices on the Ground

Best Management Practices (BMPs) in forestry are science-based guidelines designed to protect water quality, soil health, and overall ecosystem integrity during forestry operations. BMPs were developed after the Clean Water Act of 1972, and all states voluntarily adopted BMPs to protect water and soil during forestry activities. Although they vary by region, BMPs have several areas of focus, including but not limited to safeguarding waterways, providing guidance for silvicultural chemical application, erosion control, road construction and maintenance, and ensuring sustainable forest regeneration. All of our local offices are experts in the region’s BMP practices, and we collaborate with our clients and other forestry professionals to ensure that we are not only maximizing profitability but also the environmental integrity of the land. In addition to state-level BMPs, there are state-level laws that regulate commercial timber harvesting and related forestry activities: the Forest Practices Act (FPA). While specific provisions vary state by state, the overall intent is to ensure that forest operations protect water quality, safeguard fish and wildlife habitat, ensure reforestation, and prevent soil erosion. Typical forestry activities regulated under FPAs include timber harvesting, reforestation, road construction and maintenance, slash treatment (post-harvest debris), site preparation, and chemical usage.

Tools for Conservation

Another layer of scaffolding in sustainable forest management is Safe Harbor Agreements (SHA). SHAs are a voluntary measure taken by private or other non-federal property owners to manage their land for the benefit of endangered or threatened species (as determined by the Endangered Species Act). In exchange for applying for a SHA permit, private landowners will receive assurances from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) stating that they won’t be required to take additional conservation actions beyond those agreed upon, even if endangered species populations increase on their property. In exchange for voluntary conservation efforts, landowners receive an Enhancement of Survival Permit that authorizes incidental take and allows them to maintain or return to baseline conditions. While SHAs are nationwide, some regions may have more active SHAs depending on the amount of habitat and private land where threatened and endangered species exist. For instance, SHAs are common in the Southeast for the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker and the Northern Spotted Owl in the Pacific Northwest. Our foresters and land managers have significant experience adhering to SHAs, regardless of region or location in the country.

In addition to SHAs, tools like Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) and the Wildlife Conservation Initiative (WCI) offer more layers of support for working forestlands that provide habitat for threatened or endangered species. HCPs allow landowners to continue operations while committing to long-term conservation measures, and WCI fosters proactive, voluntary partnerships between forest owners and the USFWS to prevent at-risk species from needing formal protection. Together, they strike a balance between sustainable land use and meaningful wildlife conservation.

ESG in Forestry: Connecting to the Bigger Picture

Forestry plays a unique and powerful role in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. Forests sequester carbon, protect water quality, and support biodiversity, making them essential to any organization’s climate and sustainability goals. However, ESG in forestry extends beyond the environment. It includes responsible land management that supports rural economies and transparent engagement with landowners and local communities. Responsible land management creates local jobs, from foresters and prescribed burn managers to loggers and equipment operators. Forest management plans often engage a broad set of local stakeholders, including land trusts, tribal nations, extension offices, recreational groups, landowner associations, rural fire districts, and others. We have strong relationships with conservation organizations, which enable us to leverage our expertise and resources to ensure our sustainable forestry practices are aligned with environmental stewardship. As ESG reporting becomes a standard for companies and investors alike, sustainable forest management offers a tangible way to demonstrate climate resilience, long-term stewardship, and ethical business practices.

Strong Governance with Real World Impact

“At AFM, good governance is a daily practice that underpins everything we do,” Keefer notes. As an employee-owned company, we take pride in transparent, ethical decision-making guided by our Board of Directors and Management Committee, whose diverse expertise ensures our operations align with long-term sustainability and client goals. Our robust internal policies, from ethics to workplace safety, create consistency, accountability, and a culture of integrity. These governance commitments translate into real-world outcomes: stronger client trust, responsible land management, and meaningful contributions to the communities we work in. Through active participation in national forestry associations (National Alliance of Forest Owners, Forest Landowners Association, the Association of Consulting Foresters, Society of American Foresters, etc.) and ongoing employee training, we’re continually shaping a forestry sector that is ethical, informed, and focused on the future.

At AFM, we believe that sustainability in forestry isn’t optional, but rather an essential part of doing business. We recognize that the health and resilience of forests are an integral part of protecting some of our nation’s most protected resources. This informs everything we do, from administering silvicultural activities on a private landowner’s forestland to creating a work environment where our employees feel safe, protected, and above all, valued. Whether you’re a landowner, investor, or stakeholder, the time to align forest practices with long-term sustainability is now.