COLUMBUS – Ohio’s 21 state forests are now certified as a Well-Managed Forest and meet the standards of the national Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Forestry.
This is in addition to certification obtained for Ohio’s state forests in December 2010 from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) program. FSC and SFI certification means that Ohio’s state forests have met stringent environmental and social standards.
“Ohio’s forests are critical to the state’s environmental health — ODNR remains committed to managing the state’s forest lands in a sustainable manner,” said Robert Boyles, acting state forester and chief, ODNR Division of Forestry. “These scientific, third-party certifications recognize Ohio is using sound management practices which have lasting ecological, economic and social benefits for our communities and residents.”
Ohio’s 21 state forests comprise 200,000 acres located primarily in the unglaciated southern and eastern portion of the Buckeye State.
“The independent FSC certification also promotes consumer choice of “green” wood products,” said Boyles. “Our state forests are another source of certified forest products for Ohio’s consumers.”
FSC and SFI recognition enables Ohio’s $15 billion forest products industry to better compete in the rapidly growing domestic and international markets for wood from sustainably managed forests.
The recognition is a culmination of extensive audits, which include on-site verification, stakeholder meetings, and a comprehensive review of timber management, conservation practices, recreation and public outreach. Certification standards are set and updated by the programs’ partners from environmental, social and economic sectors. Verification audits are conducted annually. The FSC certification can be viewed at info.fsc.org using Ohio’s trademark license code FSC-C104079.
Ohio grows more acres of trees than corn and soybeans combined. The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit ohiodnr.com/forestry.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com.
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