Total Certified Area in U.S. Reaches 22 Million Acres
Minnesota and Michigan State Forestlands Look To FSC Certification as Tool for Market Competitiveness |
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The total area of land under FSC certification increased dramatically this month as the 3.75 million acres of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and 4.8 million acres of the Minnesota DNR completed assessments conducted by Scientific Certification Systems. Like other multi-use forest lands, the Minnesota and Michigan DNR’s must balance the sometimes conflicting goals of protecting forest land while supporting economic and recreational opportunities. By engaging in this voluntary certification process, both DNR’s submitted to third-party examination of their forest management practices. Roger Dower, president of FSC-US, noted that, “as FSC-certified lands top the 20 million acre mark in the U.S., it is evident that interest in FSC certification as a conservation tool, and as a market advantage, is growing. We are thrilled to see the states of Michigan and Minnesota embracing the FSC standards and system, again showing that committed forest managers can meet their goals within certification. These certifications will support additional chain of custody certificates, and support the growing demands for FSC certified paper and green building products.” David Epperly, division of forestry director of the Minnesota DNR, stated that, “we are committed to managing the state forest lands in a responsible manner that maintains the integrity of the forest while meeting the desires of our citizens. Certification validates what we are doing right and offers us a tool for making further progress.” In 2003, the Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on the Competitiveness of Minnesota’s Forest-Based Industries recommended the state seek certification of its lands as a way to insure than an adequate supply of certified wood fiber would be available to paper and wood products mills in Minnesota. Certification was seen as a key factor to improve the competitiveness of Minnesota’s forest products industry. After receiving the FSC certificate on behalf of the State of Minnesota earlier this month, Governor Tim Pawlenty, stated that “Minnesotans have always taken great pride in our vast forests. Today’s achievement is a testament to our long-term commitment to responsible stewardship of our heritage and future.” The Governor continued on to state that, “we have known for a long time the importance of good conservation practices in providing a sustainable supply of forest products for our citizens and the competitive global marketplace. Certification is valuable as conservation-minded citizens increase the demand for certified forest products. This includes everything from building materials to the paper sought by international magazine publishers who rely on top quality printing paper made from Minnesota forest products.” Dr. Jeff Howe, president of Dovetail Partner Inc., a Minnesota-based nonprofit that works to foster sustainable forestry through responsible trade and consumption, has been involved with certification initiatives in Minnesota for more than a decade and recognizes the significance of the DNR’s achievement. “Not only is this the largest acreage certified in the U.S., it also demonstrates the DNR’s commitment to the future of the program and their willingness to make decisions through an open process that engages stakeholders and encourages constant improvement.” At the certification ceremony in Michigan, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm stated the forest certification, “strengthens Michigan’s economy, maintains our competitiveness in global timber markets, and gives consumers confidence that they are buying and using products from well-managed forests.” “State forests are essential to Michigan’s rural communities. They provide timber and wood fiber, recreation, tourism, jobs and wildlife habitat,” said Michigan DNR director Rebecca Humphries. “Forest certification is a great economic tool that helps us remain competitive in the worldwide timber and fiber market and also signifies that our forests are well-managed by professionals for a broad range of values and benefits.” Also in this newsletter  From the President
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