Recently there has been a significant amount of concern in the U.S. regarding FSC draft advice note (20-007-17) associated with the use of nursery stock by FMUs. There were a number of significant FM certificate holders that have voiced concern over a potential interpretation of the advice note that would indicate that nurseries that provide planting stock to FMUs would have to meet FM standards (even if they were not located adjacent to FMUs). This interpretation caused a significant loss of available bandwidth throughout the eastern U.S. as emails abounded with the potential negative and potential fatal effect that this would have on FM certification in the U.S. Many that were involved in managing FMUs, group certificates, and state agencies that provide a significant amount of the planting stock for reforestation in the U.S. were unaware of the comment period associated with the initial draft of the notice. The FSC responded by allowing additional time for comment. The comment period has ended and the advice note authors should have received comments from a number of stakeholders. The unanimous consent of the respondents that we have talked to have indicated that the advice note is unclear and if the interpretation drawn by many is true then it is both inappropriate and the idea of auditing nurseries using FM standards (in part or whole) is inappropriate. Further, it is the opinion of most including the Center that there is not enough planting stock purchased by FSC FM certificate holders to warrant nurseries changing practice (if necessary) or to warrant the costs associated with FSC auditing. Th  e Center concurs with this assessment and believes that the loss of state nurseries and other sources of planting stock from the few private nurseries that provide reforestation stock will put FSC FM owners at a decided economic disadvantage relative to non-certified forest owners. One change required by nurseries would be to stop the use of Goal®, a common herbicide used in nurseries with the active ingredient, oxyfluorfen, listed on the FSC prohibited chemicals list for having what FSC considers a high bioaccumulation rate. This is but one example of the issues involved with nurseries undertaking an FSC audit and there are others. Regardless there is significant interest in the U.S. regarding this draft of the advice note and a number of certificate holders and group managers are waiting for a response by FSC international.  Please click here to read more about the proposed changes and interpretations.

The Certified Master Logger Program (CMLP) started in 2007 underwent its five year Rainforest Alliance SmartLogging recertification audit this month. John Auel, contract auditor and Beth Jacqman with Rainforest Alliance conducted the audit. If successful this audit will allow for reissuing the SmartLogging certificate for another 5 year period subject to annual surveillance audits. The CMLP provides loggers with access to preferential treatment by insurance companies, a higher industry profile and preference, and the ability to cut and haul certified timber and pulpwood. A special thanks to the loggers involved in the audit including:

• Brett Schultz owner of KL Inc.
• Mike Sutton owner and Jason Sutton, Sutton Logging
• W.T. (Bill) Lee owner W.T. Lee Logging
• Ricky McGuire owner, and his sons with McGuire Logging
• Kevin Smith owner Kevin B. Smith Logging
• Vernon Ray Decker owner of Decker Logging
• "Jackie" Crouch owner Crouch Logging
• Chad Prater owner Chad Prater Logging, and
• Trevor Haywood owner Trevor Haywood Timber Co.   

Also a special thanks to NewPage Corp. for assisting with the audit. The loggers did a great job and we are awaiting the final report which will be just in time for Christmas. We think we are getting a toy but a lump of coal is always a possibility. Merry Christmas. Go to www.certifiedmasterlogger.com  for more information on the CMLP program.