Printer-friendlyEnvironment DEC
From the April 2008 issue
New York Joins Elite Company with Certified "Green" Forests
DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis recently announced that state-owned forests have regained their status as "green certified" by internationally recognized standards. Green certification is only accorded to forests that are managed to the highest sustainability requirements. It is a distinction awarded to only 10 percent of the world's forests and only a few American states.
A Mark of Distinction
The "green certified" designation applies to all state-owned forestlands outside the Adirondack and Catskill parks. Importantly, this mark of distinction means that the millions of dollars worth of forest products harvested annually from state lands now are eligible to carry the "green certified" imprint, which has been in increasing demand in the marketplace.
Pictured from the left: Justin Perry, DEC forester; DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis; Robert Hrubes, Scientific Certification Systems and Rob Davies, DEC Director Division Lands and Forests
"At first blush, saying you manage a 'green' forest might sound redundant, but it's a designation few have earned," said Commissioner Grannis. "We're very proud of this recognition. It not only validates the state's efforts to practice forestry in an economically, environmentally and socially responsible way, but also adds value to our forest products."
"A majority of our state forests were acquired over 75 years ago, not as healthy forests, but as abandoned farmland with depleted soils and serious erosion problems," said State Forester Robert Davies. "The recognition we are receiving is due to the support of Commissioner Grannis and the dedication of the Department's past and present professional forestry staff."
New York State now has 762,898 acres of certified forestlands-second-most in the Northeast. State-owned forests previously had been certified, but certification lapsed several years ago following a period of Department cutbacks. Commissioner Grannis had made a goal of regaining the designation.
Making the Grade
To make the grade, a state must meet strict measures in nine categories, including sustainable practices (cutting/planting capacity), forest health (pests, diseases and other factors), biological diversity, and soil and water protection. The auditors found that New York excelled in many areas, including protecting mature forests, limiting the impact of invasive plants and insects, identifying and protecting imperiled species and using easements to conserve working forests.
Vetting of the state's forests was completed by third-party independent certification auditors NSF-International and Scientific Certification Systems, who assessed the state's forest practices and forest management plan against the standards set by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). SFI and FSC are independent, non-profit organizations that establish forest-certification standards to guide forest management activities on lands across the nation. Auditing of New York began in summer 2007.
Valued in the Marketplace
Green certification is not only a validation of management practices, but also a distinction valued in the marketplace-somewhat akin to the "organic" label on grocery products. Certified forest products typically carry a stamp or imprint displaying the designation. New York State-owned forests annually generate about $5 million in revenue from the sale of forest products. This helps stimulate the rural upstate economy and adds value to the raw material converted to lumber, furniture, flooring, pulpwood, particle board and paper products including envelopes, greeting cards, catalogs and other products.
Interest in certified products has been growing, and there are now roughly 80 green certified forest products businesses in New York, ranging from paper mills and printers to flooring suppliers. For more information on this subject, see "Related Links" below, and the full press release upon which this story is based.
Related Links:
NSF-International (leaving DEC's site)
Scientific Certification Systems (leaving DEC's site)
Forest Stewardship Council (leaving DEC's site)
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (leaving DEC's site)
