Edison Forestry’s major achievement is the successful integration of the multiple variables in a complex forest ecosystem. A balance has been struck between the needs of society and the requirements of sound environmental stewardship, economic sustainability and recreational demands. A unique vision embracing a quick response to new technology and information has enabled Edison Forestry to be self sustaining while providing Southern California Edison with net income. The reintroduction of natural fire is just one example of cutting edge management. This program was awarded the prestigious 2001 California Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for Watershed and Ecosystem Management.

The primary objective of Edison Forestry's land management is to maintain a natural vegetative structure while enhancing wildlife habitat, watershed health and production as well as maintaining recreational opportunities, and timber revenue. The target vegetation type is typical of the natural forests of the Sierra Nevada before manipulation began in the 1800's. At Edison, the forester takes direct responsibility for maintaining a natural, uneven-aged mixed conifer vegetation type, by utilizing several management tools, including: selection harvesting, fire, woodcutting, brushing and reforestation.

Maintaining a healthy, natural forest structure becomes more difficult given the increasing number of environmental laws and the challenge of harvesting enough timber to remain a viable economic entity. The forester must also be a visionary with respect to how the forest should look decades into the future. Forest inventory is measured and projected into the future with growth simulation models, melding natural ecological principles with modern technology to help monitor the status of the forest over time.

The timber harvesting program supports all of the other activities which are enjoyed by the general public, various service organizations, educational and research institutions. Our community based forestry methods provide for more than half a million visitor days annually and have attracted more than 500 local volunteers that help defend the program from outside threats. Education programs at Shaver Lake annually touch over 2,000 people of all ages, teaching them cutting-edge science, pertinent environmental issues and the need for proper forest management.