SAFE, Safe Alternatives for our Forest Environment, is a non-profit organization advocating for environmentally sound forest management practices. Here are some key areas SAFE focuses on:
Alternatives to clear-cutting: Clear-cutting, (the practice of removing all trees in an area), can have devastating effects on forest ecosystems. SAFE promotes alternatives like selective logging, which involves removing only certain trees, or thinning, which reduces tree density to promote healthier growth and reduce fire risk.
Protection of old-growth forests: Old-growth forests are irreplaceable ecosystems with unique biodiversity. SAFE works to protect these forests from logging and other threats.
Fire management: Wildfires are a natural part of forest ecosystems, but climate change and past management practices have increased their frequency and intensity. SAFE advocates for fire management strategies that prioritize forest health and community safety, such as prescribed burns and defensible space around homes.
Watershed protection: Forests play a vital role in protecting water quality and quantity. SAFE works to ensure that forest management practices do not harm watersheds.
Community involvement: Sustainable forest management requires the involvement of local communities. SAFE works to educate the public and engage them in decision-making processes.
Remove harmful chemicals from the environment: SAFE advocates for alternatives to using “agricultural chemicals” in the management of our natural environments.