Certifying Sustainable Forestry - page 3

Several of the supporters agreed that this trend is just now starting to catch on here in the United States.  More orders were reported in the last several months than the preceding several years before.

Frank Sheridan of Afrasian Woods LTD, has been active in this movement since it's inception in 1989.  He described the first discussions with the Rainforest Alliance, as they worked to improve the way timber was being extracted from tropical forests.  He stated, "There is now growing demand for certified products in other parts of the world, but there is still little demand here in the U.S..  This is a market oriented approach. Producer oriented programs bring better results than any market oriented program.  The best answer to the forest management problem is for forest producers to recognize that it is in their best interest  to practice sustainable forestry."

Representing the American Forest and Paper Assoc., Scott Berg of Washington D.C., expressed some of the reservations industry officials have about Forest Stewardship Council Certification, but gave an ominous summary to the skeptics in the group:  "Several global environmental groups are behind this certification movement.  As a whole, our industry will have to at least make a serious compromise with them on this issue."


What does all this mean for Woodland Owners in Wisconsin?
As the only small woodland owner at this conference, here are some of my thoughts:  There is obviously a major movement started here that will have a significant impact in this region.  This program is growing quickly and is motivated by strong environmental causes.  This is not a government program, and it is not an industry sponsored incentive for forest owners, the third party - independent - approach offers new direction for forestry.

Certification for small woodlots is now available in several ways here in Wisconsin.  Forest owners can gain certification directly from one of the independent firms like Smart Wood or SCS, or they can work with a 'certified' consulting forester who can accredit their forest under the foresters' company program.  The latter seems to be the most efficient due to the extensive work involved in the certification process. 

Once a forest is certified, forest owners can market certified forest products to certified manufacturing companies around the globe.  Increased demand for certified logs and premium prices should more than compensate the owner for their management efforts.  Veneer logs and high value sawlogs will be more valuable when certified, but generic products  (pulpwood and sawbolts) will not be as affected.  Public recognition of sustainable forestry work is another benefit for landowners.



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