Policy

It is Weyerhaeuser’s policy to manage our forests for the sustainable production of wood and wood products that meet our customers’ needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This policy applies to all company-owned and managed lands.

Expectations

We will:

  • Independently certify our forest practices and meet the principles and objectives of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s® Forest Management standard.
  • Comply with applicable federal, state and local forestry and related social and environmental laws and regulations.
  • Harvest at sustainable rates over the long term.
  • Reforest promptly after harvest by planting within the first available planting season, two growing seasons, or by planned natural regeneration methods within five years or as provided in an applicable license.
  • Maintain healthy and productive forests and improve productivity by minimizing losses caused by wildfire, insects, disease and invasive plants and animals.
  • Not harvest wood from old-growth forests1. The only exceptions are forests harvested under provision from state, federal, and/or provincial government agencies; with active support from environmental groups due to a net environmental benefit; with support from tribes and indigenous peoples; or support for public land managers’ efforts to improve forest health.
  • Minimize waste in our harvesting practices.
  • Protect soil stability, health and long-term soil productivity by using equipment and practices appropriate to the soil, topography and weather to minimize erosion and harmful soil disturbance.
  • Use best management practices (BMPs) and meet or exceed applicable laws to protect water quality, water quantity, waterbodies, wetlands and riparian areas.
  • Employ reliable processes in using forest chemicals to meet our silvicultural and environmental objectives in compliance with applicable laws, BMPs, label directions, company policies and certification standards, and to minimize chemical use.
  • Consider aesthetic values by identifying sensitive areas and adapting our practices accordingly.
  • Provide a diversity of habitats for wildlife and contribute to conservation of biological diversity through practices and programs that address habitat diversity and conservation of plants and animals at multiple scales, in accordance with certification and other locally accepted standards.
  • Protect threatened and endangered species and cooperate with government agencies to determine how our forestlands can contribute to their conservation.
  • Promote climate resiliency of our forests by identifying priority climate risks and implementing adaptation and mitigation measures that enhance climate benefits and ecosystem resiliency.
  • Encourage fire resiliency of our forests through risk identification and implementing management techniques to minimize likelihood of and respond to undesirable impacts of wildfire

Procedures

Employees will:

  • Participate in training relevant to their functions.
  • Identify sites of special ecological, geological, cultural and historical importance and manage them in a manner appropriate for their unique features.
  • Continually improve the practice of forest management.
  • Monitor, measure and report performance in achieving our commitment to sustainable forestry.
  • Make external certification audit findings publicly available.

Guidelines

Where safe and appropriate, we provide the public with opportunities to recreate on our lands.

  • We encourage the use of non-timber products and ecosystem services from the forest such as conservation of carbon, biodiversity and wildlife and aquatic habitats.
  • We support forestry research, science and technology.
  • We provide training and educational opportunities to improve the practice of sustainable forestry within our company.
  • Through community involvement, socially responsible practices and recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights, we aim to broaden the practice of sustainable forestry in our areas of operation.

Definitions

1 We define old-growth forests as stands that are 1) greater than or equal to fifty (50) acres in size; and 2) have greater than or equal to 50% of the dominant, native tree species (appropriate for site conditions); and 3) are greater than or equal to 200 years of age west of the crest of the Cascade Mountains or 250 years of age east of the crest. This definition primarily focuses on forests found in the western part of the United States and Canada, where residual old-growth forests are more likely to be found. In other parts of the US and Canada, old-growth forests will be defined on a project basis to match location-specific forest types.

Audience

This policy applies to all employees.

Consequences

Violation of environmental laws can result in civil and criminal penalties for individuals involved and for the company. Individuals may be fined and/or imprisoned as the result of criminal prosecution. In addition, violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Owner

SVP Timberlands

Last Updated

February 28, 2023

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