The status of the forest certification process currently under way by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is the topic of three public meetings scheduled this month in Lansing, Gaylord and Marquette.
The meetings, hosted by the Forest Certification Council (FSC), will provide information to the DNR's forest management partners in Michigan, including consultants, private foresters, forest products producers, conservation organizations and other interested groups and individuals, of the status of the forest certification process and to seek input.
The meetings are:
2:30-4 p.m., Monday, Sept. 19, at the Mason Building, 7th Floor, 1921 Conference Room, 530 W. Allegan, Lansing;
7-9 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Otsego Club and Resort, 696 M-32 East, Gaylord;
7-9 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the Holiday Inn, 1951 US-41 West, Marquette.
"Forest certification keeps our forests competitive, in terms of marketing our timber products and goods around the world," said DNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Chief Lynne Boyd. "It is fundamental that we achieve certification to retain and create jobs, continue to manage forests for wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities, and maintain overall forest health."
Michigan began this process in 2004 to reflect the growing trend in the worldwide forest products industry toward sustainable forest management practices. Both the FSC and Sustainable Forestry Initiative are nonprofit organizations devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world's forests. These organizations set standards that ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable way. Forests that meet these standards are certified as "well managed."
The scope of this evaluation covers 3.9 million acres of state forests managed by the DNR. The DNR's management of these resources will be assessed against standard criteria that will demonstrate to interested stakeholders and markets that our management practices are sound and comprehensive. Stakeholder consultation and public input are key components of the certification process.
Comments can be provided at the public meetings, or submitted via e-mail, standard mail or fax to Audit Team Leader Robert Hrubes, Senior Vice President, Scientific Certification Systems, 2000 Powell St., Suite 1350, Emeryville, California, 94608; phone: (510) 452-8007; fax: (510) 452-8001 and email: rhrubes@scscertified.comBuckmasters Online Magazine
