Oregon Coast Community Forest Association promotes ecologically, economically, and socially responsible forestry as a means of sustaining the integrity of forest ecosystems and the human communities dependent upon them. The initial phase of OCCFA development is focused on assessing need, exploring opportunities, and developing strategies for forest stewardship.
OCCFA recognizes the need for long-term forest stewardship. We understand that some forestlands are ecologically special and need protection, while other forestlands may require restoration to achieve their full productive potential. The OCCFA will take a conserving approach to forest management with the goal of building inherent value of the forest’s composition and structure while harvesting the excess bounty of growth for the benefit of local communities in Lincoln County.
Our first duty is to the forest and its future. OCCFA will incorporate the following forest management principles developed by the Forest Guild:
- The well-being of human society is dependent on responsible forest management that places high priority on maintenance and enhancement of the entire forest ecosystem.
- We understand that productive forests provide far more than timber products. We will assess the full range of ecosystem services when managing forestlands.
- The natural forest provides a model for sustainable resource management; therefore, responsible forest management imitates nature’s dynamic processes and minimizes impacts when harvesting trees and other products.
- The forest has value in its own right, independent of human intention and needs.
- Human knowledge of forest ecosystems is limited. Responsible management that sustains the forest requires continuous learning.
- The practice of forestry must be grounded in field observation and experience as well as science. This practical knowledge should be developed and incorporated into its forest management.
OCCFA believes that in order to achieve a working community forest, the guiding principles for responsible management must be based on the principles of transparency, accountability, communication, and trust. These principles shape OCCFA’s governance structure, forest management philosophies, and financial and community commitments.