The forest owner needs to believe that his property rights are protected so that a long term management plan can be carried out. Reaching forest sustainability demands the incentive to manage for both current and future generations. Although we're still defining it, sustainable forestry is an admirable goal. Intensive forest management can be included within this framework if it contributes to the goals for ecosystem management. The final key to sustainability is education.
People can only make informed choices when they understand the issues and options.
All of our consumption and production options have strengths, weaknesses, risks and trade-offs. It is critical that the public is informed and educated on the issues and options of natural resource management. An uninformed public may be the greatest threat of all to implementing sustainable forest practices. One uninformed decision can undo what it has taken generations to accomplish. Private landowners have a big responsibility in the care of our natural resources.