Since 1975, the Southern Appalachian Multiple-Use Council has promoted the protection of forestland values across the landscape of the Southern Appalachians.  These values include clean water, fish & wildlife habitat, timber production, recreation, wilderness and grazing.  We believe this multiple-use approach provides the greatest benefit to the greatest number of people.

We are a hard-working people who are true conservationists.  We have spent a lifetime in the woods; hiking, hunting, fishing, timbering...earning our living while appreciating our land.  Many of us are small business owners who provide local jobs and services, making a REAL contribution to the sustainability of our communities.  We recognize that the Southern Appalachian forests are wonderfully unique and that through sound management we can provide a multitude of benefits both now and for future generations.

Unfortunately, we are being squeezed out of existence.   Caught between the demands of an urban society that views the forest as a playground, and an endless appetite for wilderness, our activities are increasingly misunderstood and unwelcome.   AMERICA needs working forests for the products we produce, the jobs we create and the security and independence from foreign influence.

By exploiting fear that our forests are being destroyed is preying upon  an unknowing public.  "Save our forest by eliminating man's activities...allowing them to return to their natural state…"The forest is an ever-changing dynamic community that has undergone countless cycles of growth and rebirth through both human and non-human influences. 

We do not enjoy conflict over management (or non-management) of the forests, but we know that the public deserves to see the entire picture.  We believe that a sound economy and healthy environment work together.  We believe that the average person wants to do the right thing and through education, not regulation, is the key to achieving most environmental goals.  We believe that environmental problems can be addressed through an approach that is based on the traditions that have made western democracies the most free and clean country in the world...property rights, individual decision making and market-oriented solutions.  Should forest management decisions be decided by judges and lawyers rather than trained professional resource managers

We believe our government controls enough land and in fact, should own less.  Private ownership of property is a key element to protecting  the basic freedom that Americans enjoy.  The transfer of private land into public ownership will rob rural communities of property taxes needed for schools, law enforcement and other essential services.  Once in public ownership, these lands will become subject to the same gridlock that is silently destroying the economy and lifestyles of rural communities everywhere.

Large-scale forest preservation is an incredibly narrow-minded and anti-human concept that fails to realistically address every day societal needs that are met through the use and care of a renewable resource.  We believe that people hold an important place in the natural world and should join together for the common goals of livelihood and sound stewardship.

The Board of Directors
Southern Appalachian Multiple-Use Council