The Regulation of Private Forest Practices in California: A Case in Policy Evolution

T welve states currently have laws regulating timber harvesting practices on privately owned land. These several state statutes vary widely on the objectives of regulation, the rigor and extent of state control over private actions, and the administrative machinery used to secure compliance.' Many of the laws have been revised from time to time, in light of experience or to accommodate changes in the political and economic environment. The historical record of such developments may provide useful guidance as additional states consider initiating forest practice regulation and others revise systems already in place. This article traces the evolution of state regulation of private forest practices in California, one significant element in that historical record.