Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that Minnesota's state forest lands have achieved an economic and environmental milestone through certification as sustainable forests. This accomplishment follows through on a commitment made early in the Governor's term to achieve sustainable status on all state forest land. Today's certifications make Minnesota the largest certified forest land base in America.
"Minnesotans have always taken great pride in our vast forests," Governor Pawlenty said. "Today's achievement is a testament to our long-term commitment to responsible stewardship of our heritage and future."
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) currently manages over 4.8 million acres of state forest lands for multiple uses, including recreation and timber production. Certification as a sustainable forest involves a rigorous on-the-ground review by independent third party auditors of all aspects of the forest management practices used by the DNR. Examples of the practices include reforestation, harvesting methods, maintaining water quality, and managing for a wide variety of wildlife and plant species. Once the standards for long-term sustainability are met, certification can be awarded.
In 2003 the 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 that 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.
The certifications were issued by the two leading independent forest certification organizations in North America, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). With this effort, Minnesota now becomes a leader in managed acreage according to the best conservation practices required for certification. As a result, forest products generated from these lands will enter the marketplace with a unique credential allowing conservation-minded consumers to select these products, and provide premium pricing to the producer.
"As the largest state forest certification in the U.S. to date, this FSC certification is a milestone for Minnesota, forest management and the United States," says Dr. Robert Hrubes, SCS senior vice-president. "We congratulate Governor Pawlenty, the Department of Natural Resources and the people of Minnesota on this achievement."
"This dual certification makes it official. 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," Governor Pawlenty said. "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."
In Minnesota, timber-related industries are estimated to employ over 30,000 workers, with total wages over $1.4 billion annually. Approximately 60% of forest land - 10 million acres - is owned and managed by county, state and federal governments, with the remaining 40% - 7 million acres - owned privately.
"With the SFI and FSC certified forest designations, our citizens and customers are reassured that products from our state forest lands have been grown, managed and harvested in a way that will assure long-term sustainability for biological, social and economic benefits," added Gene Merriam, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. "The sustainable management of these DNR state forest lands is also important for tourism by providing recreational opportunities as well as habitat for a wide array of plants and animals, while also improving the quality of our water and air."Governor's Office of Minnesota
