What does it mean to be FSC certified?
Certification is awarded by the Forest Stewardship Council to forests that have met a set of 57 Criteria that comprise Ten Principles for forest management. These principles and criteria are applicable to all FSC-certified forests throughout the world. The Principles and Criteria address legal issues, indigenous rights, labor rights, multiple benefits, and environmental impacts surrounding forest management. As an example, Principle #6 addresses the environmental impact and states, "Forest management shall conserve biological diversity and its associated values, water resources, soils, and unique and fragile ecosystems and landscapes, and, by so doing, maintain the ecological functions and the integrity of the forest." There are ten specific criteria under this principle, and they address everything from erosion control to the use and disposal of chemical agents and the protection of rare and endangered species.
How is the FSC organization governed?
The FSC is an international association whose regional members contribute to a flexible yet centralized structure. A General Assembly of members composes the main decision-making power, with technical advisory committees, a Board of Directors, and an Executive. The General Assembly is composed of three member chambers- Economic, Social, and Environmental. These chambers ensure a holistic and participatory approach addresses the complex nature of the international forest products market.
What is chain-of-custody certification and why is it needed for FSC certified products?
Chain-of-custody is the path taken by raw materials harvested from an FSC - certified source through processing, manufacturing, distribution and printing until it is a final product ready for sale to the end consumer. Chain-of-custody certification allows companies that manufacture or market FSC certified products to label them with the FSC brand consistent with FSC policies. It is necessary in order to ensure the product you are receiving is in fact from a woodlot whose trees are managed in a sustainable manner under the FSC requirements. FSC has some of the most intensive chain of custody requirements in the world - when you buy FSC, you are guaranteed it is wood harvested in a sustainable manner.
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In 2009, how many different countries can FSC certified forests be found in?
There are FSC certified forests in 81 different countries. Greater than 261 million acres (~105 million hectares) are FSC certified worldwide. Over 96 million (~39 million hectares) of those acres are located in North America.
How does FSC's management plan protect endangered wildlife and old-growth forests?
Certification criteria and regular monitoring ensure that FSC working forests provide crucial habitat for any endangered species of plant or animal life. In each certified area, sensitive habitats are identified and addressed in the long-term management plans of the forest manager. In many countries, FSC ensures the protection of habitat by securing the livelihood of nearby communities, who otherwise might harvest timber at a much quicker pace. FSC assures higher stringency and enforcement than many forest laws. Old-growth forests are shielded from harvest, as high conservation-value trees are identified and largely maintained on FSC lands. Internationally, FSC's Chain of Custody certification protects against illegal logging- an enormous threat to old-growth forests in developing nations with rapidly depleting forest resources.
How can I become a member of the FSC organization?
Any interested citizen or organization can become an FSC member and participate in the association's policies. Members provide a structure for constructive criticism, and are able to attend General Assembly meetings. The governance architecture encourages members to vote for the Board of Directors and run for office. Memberships also facilitate the receipt of updated information about FSC developments. Further information is available at www.fsc.org.
How can I get my working forest, lumber mill, retail or manufacturing business or printing business FSC certified?
The quickest way is to go to the FSC website - FSCUS.org - and read through the process. FSC uses third party certifiers to help the industry achieve certification goals. FSC provides a list of third party certifiers to help you locate one local to your business, and who can also provide helpful information regarding certification. The first step is to familiarize yourself with FSC certification and work towards the management practices it represents.
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Who are some of the landowners in the Pacific Northwest who have become FSC certified?
Collins Pine; Potlatch; B&R Woodland Management; City of Astoria; McCloud Tree Farm; Washington Department of Natural Resources; Trout Mountain Forestry; Northwest Natural Resource Group; Integrated Resource Management; GreenWood Tree Farm Fund LP; Digger Mountain Forestry LLC; Collins Group Certification Program; City of Seattle Cedar River Municipal Watershed; Collins Lakeview Forest; Confederated Tribe of the Warm Springs Reservation; Fort Lewis Military Installation; J-Spear Ranch Co.; Willapa Land and Dendrology Corporation.
Where can I find a retailer that sells FSC certified wood products?
Visit our Find FSC page and click on FSC US Product Finder. This new database can help you find local and national companies that sell FSC certified wood products.
What are the differences between the 3 FSC labels: Pure, Recycled and Mixed Sources?
The Virgin Fiber label indicates that the paper is made from sustainable forests that comply with the environmental and social standards of the FSC. The Recycled label indicates that the paper is made from 100 percent post consumer recycled wood fiber. Lastly, the Mixed Source label indicates that the wood pulp used in the paper came from either a FSC certified forest, company controlled sources and/or recycled materials.
Where can I find FSC certified paper products?
Visit our Find FSC page and click on the FSC Paper/Printers category.
How much paper does the US produce and consume each year?
The United States produces 90 million tons of paper and consumes 100 million tons of paper each year. Roughly 25 percent by volume of timber cut annually in the US is used for paper production.
Where can I find a FSC certified printing business?
Visit our Find FSC page and click on the FSC Paper/Printers category. Also check out the FSC-US Product Finder to find more FSC certified printing businesses.
What are the current credit requirements for using FSC products in LEED projects?
The requirements for the credit are use a minimum of 50%, of wood-based materials and products which are certified with the Forest Stewardship Council's (FSC) Principles and Criteria.
Where can I find an architect that will use FSC certified products in their projects?
Visit our Find FSC page and click on the Architects/Designers category.
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