Friday, 01 April 2005
Wisconsin County Forests Receive FSC Certification
Addresses Increasing Demand for Certified Products in the Paper and Pulp Industries
Last month Wisconsin County Forests announced the FSC certification of approximately 1 million acres of its land. Collectively, the County Forests represent the largest public landholding in the state. Certification of the County Forests last month follows FSC certification of nearly a half million acres of the Wisconsin State Forests in the summer of 2004. Scientific Certification Systems granted the certification.
“Receiving certification today highlights the excellent management of our county forest lands and ultimately ensures that Wisconsin producers will continue to be able to compete in the global marketplace,” Governor Jim Doyle said, who was in attendance at the announcement. “Certification is crucial to addressing the growing demand for certified forest products from many of the large purchasers of Wisconsin products, particularly in the pulp and paper industry and fits with my ‘Grow Wisconsin’ initiative.”
A 76-year partnership between county forests and the Depart-ment of Natural Resources provided the opportunity for the County Forest Program to be audited under a group certification format. The DNR will serve as the group manager and the individual county forests will be participating members.
“Today’s certification represents the partnership between county and state government,” Governor Doyle said. “It’s a unique partnership that stretches back 76 years and it’s a great example how local governments and state agencies can work together in addressing statewide needs.”
“Certification of the Wisconsin Country Forest Program under the standards of the FSC provides another confirmation of responsible forest management in the State of Wisconsin,” said Dr. Robert Hrubes, Senior Vice President of Scientific Certification Systems. “The prior award of FSC certification to the Wisconsin State Forests, and now to a substantial component of Wisconsin country forestlands, clearly signifies that the state’s resources are being managed for the benefit of Wisconsin residents. All parties involved are to be congratulated.”
“Wood products originating from the county forests can now be marketed under the FSC designation as having been grown and harvested in a way that will assure long-term sustainability for biological, social and economic benefits,” State Forester Paul DeLong said.
“Our County Forest people have felt for a long time that they have been doing things right,” said Wisconsin County Forests Association Director, Colette Matthews. “They are extremely proud of the management being done on these forest lands. Having their work verified by the certification systems confirms their beliefs and gives all those who work on the County Forests a reason to feel very proud of their accomplishments”.
The County Forest system provides more than 6,000 miles of snowmobile, ATV, skiing/hiking trails, and forest roads along with a wealth of hunting and fishing opportunities. Forest products from these forests also generate in excess of $21 million dollars annually in timber sale revenue for the counties and townships encompassing these lands plus an additional $17.2 million in economic impact.
“The sustainable management of these county forests is critical to the tourism and forest products industries in the State,” Governor Doyle said. “These two industries account for 12 percent of the gross state product and 18 percent of the jobs. These large blocks of forest play an important role in providing habitat for a wide array of plants and animals while also improving the quality of our water and air.”
For more information:
Wisconsin County Forests Association: www.wisconsincountyforests.com
Department of Natural Resources: www.dnr.wi.gov