Sustainable Forestry and Conservation: PotlatchDeltic’s Innovative Approach
Sustainable forestry requires striking a careful balance between using resources responsibly and protecting areas with ecological, cultural, or historical importance. At PotlatchDeltic, foresters blend modern technology with hands-on expertise to identify and safeguard these vital areas, ensuring that forests remain both productive and ecologically valuable.
Certain sections of working forests have unique environmental or cultural significance. These can include rare ecosystems, important wildlife habitats, historic landmarks, and sites with indigenous heritage. PotlatchDeltic adheres to the rigorous standards set by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®). Protecting these locations involves more than just following guidelines—it requires detailed planning, advanced tools, and a deep understanding of the local landscape.
Before any forestry operations take place, foresters implement a thorough set of procedures. This process includes the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assess spatial data, map out habitat and environmental limitations, and highlight areas requiring extra care. Identifying these zones early on enables foresters to make decisions that support both conservation and responsible land use.
Advancements in technology have made it easier to locate and protect sensitive areas. For instance, drones are now used to detect wildlife habitats—such as gopher tortoise burrows—that might otherwise be overlooked. However, technology is only part of the solution. Engaging with local communities, including indigenous groups and historical organizations, adds valuable insights that help confirm the cultural and environmental significance of these areas.
Once identified, these special places become a key component of PotlatchDeltic’s conservation strategy. Protections are integrated into the company’s GIS systems to ensure that factors like timber harvesting, road planning, and land use are considered with conservation in mind. Foresters adapt their strategies to meet the unique needs of each site. In areas where endangered species live, buffer zones are created, and logging schedules are adjusted to reduce disruption. If new nesting sites are found, operations may be paused until the nesting season is over to protect wildlife. Along riparian zones, best management practices prioritize water quality and aquatic habitat preservation.
Training is essential to maintaining these safeguards. Foresters and contractors receive the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize sensitive sites during their fieldwork. Environmental management systems ensure that conservation priorities remain central to planning, using automated tools to flag areas with restrictions. Large or unique sites are also monitored through annual inspections and compliance checks to ensure their long-term ecological and cultural value.
The need to protect these special places is more critical than ever. By combining modern technology, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable forestry practices, PotlatchDeltic ensures the protection of high-conservation areas, historic landmarks, and vital wildlife habitats—all while maintaining a renewable supply of timber. The company’s approach proves that forestry and conservation can successfully coexist.
Certain sections of working forests have unique environmental or cultural significance. These can include rare ecosystems, important wildlife habitats, historic landmarks, and sites with indigenous heritage. PotlatchDeltic adheres to the rigorous standards set by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®). Protecting these locations involves more than just following guidelines—it requires detailed planning, advanced tools, and a deep understanding of the local landscape.
Before any forestry operations take place, foresters implement a thorough set of procedures. This process includes the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assess spatial data, map out habitat and environmental limitations, and highlight areas requiring extra care. Identifying these zones early on enables foresters to make decisions that support both conservation and responsible land use.
Advancements in technology have made it easier to locate and protect sensitive areas. For instance, drones are now used to detect wildlife habitats—such as gopher tortoise burrows—that might otherwise be overlooked. However, technology is only part of the solution. Engaging with local communities, including indigenous groups and historical organizations, adds valuable insights that help confirm the cultural and environmental significance of these areas.
Once identified, these special places become a key component of PotlatchDeltic’s conservation strategy. Protections are integrated into the company’s GIS systems to ensure that factors like timber harvesting, road planning, and land use are considered with conservation in mind. Foresters adapt their strategies to meet the unique needs of each site. In areas where endangered species live, buffer zones are created, and logging schedules are adjusted to reduce disruption. If new nesting sites are found, operations may be paused until the nesting season is over to protect wildlife. Along riparian zones, best management practices prioritize water quality and aquatic habitat preservation.
Training is essential to maintaining these safeguards. Foresters and contractors receive the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize sensitive sites during their fieldwork. Environmental management systems ensure that conservation priorities remain central to planning, using automated tools to flag areas with restrictions. Large or unique sites are also monitored through annual inspections and compliance checks to ensure their long-term ecological and cultural value.
The need to protect these special places is more critical than ever. By combining modern technology, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable forestry practices, PotlatchDeltic ensures the protection of high-conservation areas, historic landmarks, and vital wildlife habitats—all while maintaining a renewable supply of timber. The company’s approach proves that forestry and conservation can successfully coexist.
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