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Dec
27
Written by:
news editor
12/27/2010 1:00 AM
ODNR announced today that Ohio’s 21 State Forests have met the stringent environmental and social standards required for certification under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative ® program.
StateForestmanagement meets stringent environmental standards
COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced today that Ohio’s 21 State Forests have met the stringent environmental and social standards required for certification under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative ® program.
“This is a milestone achievement for the Ohio Division of Forestry,” said Dr. David Lytle, state forester and chief, ODNR Division of Forestry. “Certification reflects the Division’s dedication to the sustainable management of Ohio’s 200,000 acres of state forest land.”
In order to achieve certification under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative ® (SFI®) program, the Ohio Division of Forestry demonstrated to independent, third-party auditors that its forest management met standards related to the protection of biodiversity and water quality, public involvement and transparency, and sustainable timber harvesting. The Division of Forestry will also undergo annual compliance audits in order to demonstrate its continued commitment to sustainable management.
With increasing consumer demand for “green” products, SFI® certification will also benefit Ohio’s $15 billion forest products industry. “Consumers purchasing products made from wood grown in Ohio’s State Forests can be assured that they are making a ‘green’ choice,” said Lytle. “Since almost all of the timber harvested from state forests is purchased by Ohiocompanies, certification will help Ohio’s forest product industry expand their businesses into new markets.”
Governor Ted Strickland issued an executive directive to the Division of Forestry to seek certification of Ohio’s State Forests under the SFI® program, as well as a similar program run by the Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC ®). The Division of Forestry has also undergone an audit for FSC ® program standards, and anticipates certification under this program within weeks.
“The Division of Forestry continues to set the example for proper forest management,” said Sean Logan, ODNR Director. “Ohio’s State Forests are the only forest lands in Ohioto have earned SFI® program certification. This effort ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy Ohio’s diverse forest habitats and that these same forests will continue to provide an economic boost to the state.”
For more information about certification, please visit the Division of Forestry’s Web site at www.ohiodnr.com/forestry. For information about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative ®, visit www.sfiprogram.org, and for information about the Forest Stewardship Council ®, visit www.fscus.org.
Ohiogrows 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.
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 www.ohiodnr.com.
For further information, contact:
David Lytle, ODNR Division of Forestry
614. 265. 6694
Jason Fallon, ODNR External Affairs
614. 265. 6842
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