Friends of Boggs Mountain

PO Box 735 Cobb, 95426

The Purpose of Demonstration State Forests

Demonstration State Forests, such as BMDSF, must demonstrate financial viability. If they cannot demonstrate how, then, private forestland will be lost to other, more lucrative, purposes.

The need to demonstrate this potential is compelling. Demonstrating useful timber management practices within the context of a working forest will enable this State Forest to facilitate research needed to answer relevant questions concerning the maintenance of biodiversity on private timberlands. Research conducted within this context will also help guide private landowners on how best to allocate funds to restoration efforts that will have the greatest likelihood of success. State Forests are intended to show  timber management practices compatible with local and state public interest values so that visitors and neighbors will continue to use and enjoy

The State Forest system was established to promote an increase in productivity from private timberlands within the State (PRC 4631).  According to the Public Resource Code, the primary purpose of the State Forest system is the demonstration of economical forest management.  The legislature defines forest management as “...the handling of forest crop and forest soil so as to achieve maximum sustained production of high quality forest products while giving consideration to values relating to recreation, watershed, wildlife, range and forage, fisheries, and aesthetic enjoyment” (PRC 4639). In addition the state forestland base is to be retained in timber production for research and demonstration purposes. Statutes and policies set by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection guide management of all CDF state forests.  Board policy states that the primary purpose of the state forest program is to conduct innovative demonstrations, experiments and education in forest management.  Such projects are integrated into the production and harvesting of forest products whenever possible.

Professor Emanuel Fritz championed the concept of the State Forest System during the 1940’s because of the need to demonstrate responsible and innovative forest management practices for the private timberland owners of California. BMDSF is dedicated to this purpose in the coastal inland region. This State Forest has demonstrated sustainable management practices for private timberland landowners since 1949, balancing economic efficiency with maximum fiber production and at the same time protecting public trust resources. Due to the long-standing practice of harvesting less than growth, inventories of standing timber continue to increase.