Visual Quality

Tennessee forests provide a variety of benefits, including air and water quality, wildlife, wood products, recreation and scenery. The Division of Forestry visual quality initiative addresses the need to protect all of those benefits by reducing the visual impact of logging operations.

Foresters, landowners and timber harvesters should be sensitive to preserving the aesthetic values of harvested areas. While people have diverse ideas about the perfect balance of form and function, we have identified some guiding principles that address many of the public's concerns. Some of them come at a cost, but many landowners find the end results well worth it. Our foresters are always mindful of these principles and include them in discussions with landowners.

Tennessee forests are a sustainable resource in both form and function. Properly cared for, their practical and aesthetic values will enrich our state for generations to come.