Code of Practice

The American Loggers Council promotes active sustainable forest management. A well-managed forest can be a sustainable source of wood, clean water, wildlife habitat, and breathtaking natural scenery. It is only through active management that all three can come together and create a lasting impact on the forest and the community around it.

As a professional logging contractor, I will strive to operate in such a way as to engender the public’s trust, including meeting or exceeding the standards and principles listed below:

  • Promote ethical conduct for all loggers.

  • Strive always to meet standards for harvesting practices, which are consistent with the principles of sustainable forestry.

  • Responsible operation in all phases of the harvesting operation, from the actual harvesting activities to clean-up requirements following harvest.  

  • Recognizing private landowner rights, I will strive to meet the landowners objectives as long as they are consistent with sustainable forestry principles, federal, state and local laws.

  • I will do all I can to educate and inform landowners about the need to meet sustainable forestry principles.

  • I will participate in such training and educational programs that will recognize me as having met the appropriate requirements for logger education and training as envisioned by sustainable forestry principles.

  • Comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, industry standards, and guidelines applicable to the conduct of forest harvest operations.

  • Conduct harvest operations safely and in compliance with occupational safety and health regulations, including safety planning and all provisions for such requirements.

  • To operate my company as a responsible member of the business community, including compliance with all requirements and practices regarding my employees, vendors, and others I do business with.

  • Continually strive to maintain positive relationships with landowners, procurement and mill personnel, and the public in general.

  • I will do my part to ensure that my industry has a positive image and work with peer groups, logger associations, and others to strive to bring all loggers up to these standards.

  • Take an active role in local, state, and national logger organizations.

  • Strive to continually improve my operations through training, innovation, employee programs, and other appropriate means.

  • Act responsibly to uphold the integrity of the logging profession.