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Logger Certification
The Center's logger certification is maintained through the Certified Master Logger Program (CMLP). Loggers in the program carry Point-of-Harvest certification through Rainforest Alliances SmartLogging Program. Rainforest Alliance also provides a verification mark that can be used by these loggers to help promote their businesses. CMLP loggers also carry FSC and SFI Chain-of-Custody (CoC) certification through the Centers group CoC certificates. These multiple certificates allow Center loggers to use the CMLP to its fullest advantage. Last month a CMLP logger training was held for 10 logging firms in western Tennessee. Currently applications and auditing is occurring for 6 of these firms adding the ranks of the CM Program. Another bonus of the CMLP is recognition by insurance carriers offering workers compensation insurance. Three insurance carriers now recognize CMLP loggers and provide the potential for loggers receiving preferred rates for workers compensation insurance. Over 2/3 of CMLP loggers now receive a discount. More information regarding the Certified Master Logger Program can be found by clicking here.
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Certified Loggers
Start Hauling Certified Wood
While several Certified Master Logger Program (CMLP) loggers have been contracted to cut and haul FSC wood over the last several years, May of 2012 marks the first time that CMLP loggers have started to purchase and haul FSC certified timber and  pulpwood using the Center's Chain-of-Custody certification. The Center is working with these loggers to ensure that all the proper documentation is place since this is the first time handling their own certified timber. Several other CMLP loggers are working with some of their clients to determine if these landowners are interested in becoming involved with the Center's Cooperating Foresters and certified under the Centers group Forest Management certificate.
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Scoping Effort
in Alabama and Kentucky
The Center is currently in the process of developing a gap and cost analysis for family forests that have active Forest Stewardship Plans in Alabama and Kentucky for state wide certified groups. The Center is partnering with the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Kentucky Division of Forestry to investigate their current Forest Stewardship Programs management plans as well as their current agency infrastructure in dealing with products tracking, BMP implementation, and other certification requirements. Forest industries in both states have also stepped forward to help facilitate and fund these scoping projects. The results of this gap analysis will provide solid information that will allow the state agencies and industries to make good decisions about the possibility of implementing statewide certification efforts. |
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Working Forests and Conservation Easements
In conjunction with the Kentucky chapter of The Nature
Conservancy the Center is working to develop a case
study in merging the requirements of conservation easements
and certification requirements.
 The 800 acre Massey Springs property in Warren County, Kentucky
is located on the Green River and has many unique features that make it attractive for a customary conservation easement. The property has clifflines, streambeds that maintain endangered mussels, nearby endangered bat habitat, historical springs resort site, and a Native American fort. The Center hopes to demonstrate that by using the requirements of certification it will allow for timber to be extracted from the property while maintaining and enhancing these unique features that are mandated by traditional conservation easements.
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Better Know a Standard
A new online feature of the Center is the detailed discussion of a portion of a certification system's forest management or chain-of-custody standard. The inaugural issue's Better Know a Standard focuses on Indicator 3.3.a. from the forest management standard of the Forest Stewardship Council. This portion of the FSC standard deals with consulting Native American groups to avoid harming their resources or rights. Please click here to learn guidance and how the center can assist landowners in meeting this specific portion of the standard. |
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Center Sponsors and Supports
The Center wishes to thank our sustaining and supporting sponsors. Particular thanks are given to corporate sponsors providing sustaining multiple year commitments including Time Inc., Domtar Corporation, and NewPage Corp. Sustaining contributions are also being provided by the Mountain Association for Community and Economic Development, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Department of Forestry, and the Kentucky Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee. Project funding is also being provided by the Kentucky Division of Forestry. The Center also wishes to thank organizations for providing endorsement of the Center including the Kentucky Forest Industry Association, Tennessee Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee, Kentucky Chapter of the Association of Consulting Foresters, and the Kentucky Woodland Owner Association. More information about are partners and how you can support the Center's mission, goals, and projects, please visit here.
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Upcoming Information...
- Sunken Log Certification
- New CoC Members
- Revised FSC Forest Management Principles and Criteria
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