The idea of stewardship loggers is not new. The "woodcutter," through folklore and history, has been portrayed as the steward of the forest. Today, the perception is different, but the logger is still the key player with respect to forest stewardship. It is the intent of this educational program to revitalize this stewardship ethic, and at the same time encourage the professional growth of loggers by empowerment through education.

"Accredited Logging Professionals are individuals, actively engaged in Montana's Logging Industry, who have demonstrated through the completion of an educational curriculum, commitment towards professional standards which distinguish them from their peers".

These loggers are committed to raising their awareness of the importance of their actions before, during and after timber harvesting activities. They have completed a comprehensive regimen of education, practice and application that will help them to provide improved services to the public. They have also committed themselves to an aggressive continuing education schedule to further improve their knowledge of forests and logging. The Accredited Logging Professional program is a voluntary educational program. It is not a logger certification program. These loggers have agreed to abide by a Code of Ethics which were established by Montana's Accredited Logging Professional Charter.