Utah Forest Practices Act

What is the Utah Forest Practices Act?

The Utah Forest Practices Act (FPA) is a state law which requires the registration of operators and notification by operators of intent to conduct forest practices.

An “operator” means a person who:

  • is responsible for conducting forest practices; or
  • through a contractual agreement with a landowner is obligated to or entitled to conduct forest practices or to carry out a timber sale.
Well-Stocked Forest Photo

A vigorous, well-stocked forest on its way to maturity.

Purpose of the FPA

  • Approximately 25% of Utah’s forests are in non-federal ownership. Timber harvesting on state and private lands has increased in recent years.
  • Ensure the protection of forest, soil and water resources by:
    • preserving water quality and soil stability
    • preventing fire hazard and insect infestation
    • minimize waste of timber resources
    • protect forest regeneration and production

What are Forest Practices?

Forest practices are those activities related to growing, harvesting or processing forest products. Forest practices include the following:

  • harvesting of trees such as thinning and salvage operations
  • new road construction and maintenance associated with harvesting or accessing trees
  • site preparation for regeneration of a timber stand
  • reforestation
  • management of logging slash

Forest practices do not include the following:

  • harvest of Christmas trees
  • harvest of trees for noncommercial, personal use by the owner
  • harvesting operations encompassing fewer than 10 contiguous acres of forest land.

Download the following forms:

Operator Registration Form pdf (35K)
Notification of Intent to Conduct Forest Practices Form pdf (394K)

Utah Code and Administrative Rules

Forest Practices Act Code
Administrative Rules - Forest Practices Act

Registered Operators

List of Registered Operators pdf to conduct forest practices in Utah.

 

pdf You need the free Adobe Reader to view PDF files.