Sustainable Forestry Initiative

Since the late 1980s, questions about the sustainable management of the world's forests have led to the development of a number of forest certification systems. The goal of forest certification systems is to develop standards that ensure that forests are being managed with an eye toward protecting all the values that forests provide to society. Concerns such as sustainable harvest rates, the protection of water quality, and the continuation of appropriate levels of biodiversity, among others, are all factors in forest certification systems.

In this country, the two most prevalent certification systems were created by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA). Members of the Maine Forest Products Council have participated in both programs, as well as in other programs such as the American Tree Farm System. While no two certification programs are alike, they are all constantly evolving. Regardless of the program followed, certification programs are proof that our forests are being managed better than ever.

• Forest Stewardship Council
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative