National Forest Certification October 7, 2008

Why Consider NFS Certification? Force for change – To-date certification has had positive impacts on state, private, community, etc. forests – Would National Forests be an exception? Equitable access to certification – Non-conformance with FSC’s own policy b/c of current exclusion of an ownership class – Certification is increasingly important for forest managers and product companies to compete

Certifier’s Charge Assess whether policies, plans, and procedures conform with FSC Standards Assess effectiveness and consistency of implementing those management systems Certification is not a panacea

Certification Process 1.Review of documents & stakeholder consult. 2.Audit planning: site selections, meetings, etc. 3.On-site assessment/evidence gathering (interviews, field observations, document review) 4.Deliberation and synthesis 5.Reporting

Example C.6.3.d Old Growth: Ecological functions and values shall be maintained intact, enhanced, or restored. 6.3.d.1 Type 1 stands are not harvested 6.3.d.3 Type 2 and Type 3- managed so no net decline

Unique Aspects of Pilot Tests Award of certification not a possible outcome First assessments on U.S. National Forests Federal Lands Policy Additional considerations Level of audit team expertise Stakeholder consultation

Significant Non-conformances C.5.1- Ongoing budget reductions = lack of support for long-term management and restoration C.5.6- Overstocked stands in areas designated for active timber management C Old growth forest management C Road management C. 8.2.C- Monitoring key wildlife spp. and habitat

Force for Change- Cert. Success Factors Stakeholder participation (standard development and evidence gathering) Strong market demand for FSC certified products Organizations where field staff are removed from policy and strategic direction setting Organizations with chronic underfunding Senior management and field staff view certification as a tool for improvement