The Cedrick Thomas Safety Philosophy
"Every crew member goes home safely—that's not negotiable. Every site we clear is handled with precision and environmental responsibility. Technology gives us the tools to do it better, but our commitment to safety and sustainability never wavers."
— Cedrick Thomas, Founder & CEO
Safety-First Operations
🛡️ Comprehensive Training
Every team member completes rigorous safety certification before operating equipment. Our training program ensures:
- ✓ OSHA 30-hour certification
- ✓ Equipment-specific operation training
- ✓ Emergency response procedures
- ✓ Hazard recognition and prevention
🚜 Equipment Safety
Our fleet is maintained to the highest standards with daily inspections and preventive maintenance:
- ✓ Daily pre-operation inspections
- ✓ Preventive maintenance schedules
- ✓ Roll-over protection systems (ROPS)
- ✓ GPS tracking and monitoring
🌿 Zero-Burn Policy
We never burn cleared vegetation. Instead, we use forestry mulching that:
- ✓ Eliminates fire risk completely
- ✓ Protects air quality
- ✓ Creates erosion control mulch
- ✓ Returns nutrients to the soil
🎯 Precision Technology
GPS and LiDAR technology allows us to clear with unprecedented precision:
- ✓ GPS-guided clearing boundaries
- ✓ Map sensitive areas for avoidance
- ✓ Optimize clearing routes for efficiency
- ✓ Pre-plan every project phase
Environmental Stewardship
We take environmental responsibility seriously. Every project follows strict protocols to minimize impact:
Water Protection
We maintain buffer zones around waterways and use BMPs to prevent sedimentation and runoff.
Erosion Control
Mulching creates ground cover that prevents soil erosion and promotes site stabilization.
Air Quality
Zero-burn policy means no smoke, no particulates, and full compliance with air quality standards.
Soil & Water Protection
Our clearing practices protect soil integrity and water quality for downstream users:
-
Stream Buffers
No clearing within 50-150 feet of waterways, depending on slope and classification.
-
Designated Routes
Equipment travels on pre-planned routes to minimize soil disturbance.
-
BMPs
Water bars, culverts, and proper grading prevent runoff and sedimentation.
-
Wet Weather Protocols
Operations pause during saturated conditions to prevent compaction and erosion.
Soil Conservation Practices
Why Soil Matters
Forest soil is a living ecosystem containing billions of microorganisms per gram. It takes 500+ years to create one inch of topsoil. Our practices protect this irreplaceable resource.
- • Stores 2x more carbon than the atmosphere
- • Filters rainwater into groundwater
- • Provides nutrients for tree growth
- • Supports mycorrhizal networks
Slash Mat Protection
Tree branches spread on skid trails distribute equipment weight and prevent rutting.
Seasonal Timing
Harvest during frozen or dry conditions when soil is most resistant to compaction.
Designated Routes
All equipment travels on pre-planned routes, limiting disturbance to 10-15% of harvest area.
3-for-1 Reforestation Program
Our Commitment
For every tree we harvest, we plant three climate-adapted seedlings. Since launching this program in 2010, we've planted over 2 million trees across the American Southwest.
- ✓ Native species matched to site conditions
- ✓ Climate-adapted genetics for resilience
- ✓ 5-year survival monitoring
- ✓ Average 85% survival rate
Trees Planted Since 2010
Ponderosa Pine
Douglas Fir
Mixed Hardwoods
Wildlife Habitat Management
Snag Retention
We leave 4-6 snags per acre for cavity-nesting species like owls, woodpeckers, and bats.
Wildlife Corridors
Harvest units are designed to maintain continuous travel routes for large mammals.
Den Trees
Large hollow trees are marked and protected for bear, raccoon, and other den-using species.
Nesting Season Timing
We avoid harvest operations near active raptor nests during breeding season.
Wetland Protection
Vernal pools, seeps, and wetlands receive extended buffer zones for amphibian habitat.
Legacy Trees
We retain the largest and oldest trees as biological legacies for future forest structure.
Certifications & Compliance
OSHA
Occupational Safety & Health
Full compliance with all federal safety standards. OSHA 30 certified operators.
Zero-Burn
Environmental Certification
Certified zero-burn operations. Mulching eliminates fire risk and protects air quality.
EPA
Environmental Protection
Full compliance with Clean Water Act and all environmental regulations.