West Virginia is one of just a few states with a Logging Sediment Control Act - created to make sure ground and surface water are kept free of sediment and that soil erosion is minimized during commercial timber harvesting.

Strict procedures must be followed when beginning any logging operation.  These include obtaining a logging license, completing a training program, filing a timbering operation notification, and posting the operation.  All logging operations must be registered and supervised by someone who has completed the West Virginia Division of Forestry certification program.  Every three years, certified loggers must go through re-training.

The Division of Forestry inspects logging sites to assure compliance with the Logging Sediment Control Act.  There are serious and expensive penalties for a company violating this Act, from suspension of the job, to license suspension, to incurring substantial fines.

Another important set of guidelines comes from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.  his is a formal commitment by the members of the American Forest and paper Association nationwide to the principals of sustainable forestry and to the practices that ensure that our forests will flourish for future generations.  This initiative includes workshops, education programs to allow loggers to fulfill their certification requirements, communications programs, research programs, programs to promote wildlife habitat and the adoption of sustainable forestry practices by member companies.

Protection and conservation are important ot the future of our forests.  The forestry community is dedicated to supporting our environment, and making sure that the 11.9 million forested acres in West Virginia remain strong in the future.

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