HPVA's Policy Statement on Sound Forestry and Utilization Practices

The majority of hardwood plywood and veneer manufacturers do not own forest land. Our company, as a member of the Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association (HPVA), does, however, have a strong commitment to supporting forestry practices that sustain forest health and productivity. This commitment is born, in part, from our dependence on a continuing supply of high quality logs needed to meet the ever growing demand for wood products.

Manufacturers of hardwood plywood and veneer create beautiful, useful products by efficiently utilizing a renewable resource...trees. HPVA members have a long history of supplying forest products to the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world.

Healthy forests play an important role in helping to provide clean air and water, habitat for wildlife, and unique recreational opportunities. Therefore, the owners and employees of hardwood plywood and veneer companies take seriously their important stewardship responsibility to society. HPVA members also support forest management research and the development of innovative technology and manufacturing processes that effectively and efficiently use our natural resources.

HPVA defines sound forestry as:

A land stewardship ethic that integrates the afforestation, reforestation, managing, nurturing, and harvesting of trees for useful products, while providing for the conservation of soil, air, and water quality and wildlife and fish habitat.

To promote sound forestry and utilization practices, HPVA makes the following commitments:

(1) We support activities that provide for careful harvesting and use of high-quality trees through promoting proper management techniques based on local conditions and initiatives like the Hardwood Forestry Fund.

(2) We support sound scientific forest management activities that promote the importance of reforestation and forest management by private and public landowners to achieve and perpetuate healthy, productive forests.

(3) We support the use of practical, efficient manufacturing processes that achieve material efficiencies and increase yield, with the knowledge that veneering is an efficient process that further extends the use of natural resources.

(4) We support community activities that promote natural resource education; including the importance of multiple use forest management and forest policies that enhance the health and vigor of our forests.

(5) We actively participate in natural resource issues in the United States, Canada, and throughout the world, on both Federal and local levels; and support common sense laws, regulations, and tax structures that promote sound, balanced forest policies.

(6) We recognize diverse forest land ownership patterns and respect private property rights while promoting responsible stewardship of our natural resources.