Forest salvage is the key to true restoration—without it, carbon loss, wildfire risk, and ecological decline are inevitable. It is critical that fire-impacted forests return to thriving ecosystems as quickly as possible. The alternative is standing dead trees, invasive species, and a restoration timeline measured in decades and centuries instead of years.
On our own private lands that were destroyed by the Beachie Creek fire, we immediately harvested the dead timber and turned it into carbon-sequestering wood products for the lifetime of the structures that they are used in.
This process not only prevented the release of harmful greenhouse gases but also prepared the land for rapid reforestation. Within two years, we planted 3.5 million seedlings. Today, these young trees are growing into a new forest, providing habitat, clean water, and recreation opportunities for generations to come.
The Science of Forest Management
Latest scientific studies have shown that restoration “of large burn patches to conifer forests is unlikely over decades to centuries without management intervention” (Coop et al. 2020). We want to see forests remain as forests forever. Salvage and replanting are important tools for restoring our forests quickly after a devastating natural disaster.
The alternative, neglecting our burnt forests and hoping for the best, is no longer a viable alternative. Leaving dead wood provides fuel for future fires, encourages invasive plant and insect species, and leads to a massive increase in carbon dioxide emissions during the decomposition of the woody debris. Studies corroborate that the rapid growth of bushy hardwoods and hardy shrubs, along with residual debris in a post-fire scenario “increase(es) the risk of subsequent high-severity, and occurrence of long-duration re-burns”.
Previous forest fires, such as the Eagle Creek Fire in the Columbia Gorge, provide examples of how native plant species are overwhelmed when faced with hardy invasive plant species and require active management to maintain our native environments. After a major wildfire disturbance or drought, bark beetle and other invasive species populations can swell and attack healthy trees. The United States Forest Service predicts that 81 million acres of U.S. forests are at risk of losing at least 25% of their basal area in the next 15 years due to insects or disease without management intervention.
Carbon Benefits of Salvaging Burnt Wood
Above all, the carbon sequestering benefits of immediately salvaging post-fire burned areas is quantifiable. Burnt or decomposing logs release methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. By converting burnt wood into durable building materials, we lock in carbon for decades, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a circular economy in forestry.
Every forest management decision affects our ecosystems, and doing nothing is a decision as well. Neglecting post-fire conditions can have the most damaging consequences. Proactive regeneration, such as replanting and natural reseeding, ensures long-term ecological recovery and reduces future fire risks.
Certifications and Regulatory Compliance
Freres Engineered Wood is certified by the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), an internationally recognized sustainability certification, and by the Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau (PLIB) under ASTM D7612 for chain of custody certification. FSC certification is less relevant in the Pacific Northwest, covering only 200,000 acres in Oregon and Washington combined, while Oregon alone has 29.5 million acres of forest. ATFS is specifically designed for North American forestry and is a better fit for our operations.
Oregon’s forest management is governed by a complex regulatory framework. The Oregon Forest Practices Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) set rigorous standards that all forest management must meet. Federal lands, which account for 60% of Oregon’s forests, do not qualify for FSC certification, but all Oregon timber is harvested sustainably under strict guidelines.
Wood: The Ultimate Sustainable Building Material
Advanced engineered wood products, such as our Mass Ply Panels (MPP), offer the lowest environmental impact compared to materials like concrete and steel. Wood is renewable, recyclable, reusable, and sequesters carbon throughout its life cycle. When its use in buildings ends, it biodegrades naturally without significant environmental impact.
The Portland Airport’s terminal core is an outstanding example of sustainable construction. It stands as a symbol of innovation and environmental responsibility, built with local resources by Oregon residents. Freres Wood and the Santiam Canyon community are proud to have contributed to such a forward-thinking project that benefits both our community and the environment.
Further reading:
After the Fire: Mika Barrett on Fighting Invasive Plants – Trailkeepers of Oregon
Carbon in Oregon’s Managed Forests 743
Living with Fire – Oregonforests 2023
2020 Labor Day Fires 843
Sustainability overview and practices
Mass Ply carbon benefit summary
Subscribe
We’ll send you a notification when a new story has been posted. It’s the easiest way to stay in the know.