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SFI Standards Revision
Draft Released

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) has released a new draft standard available for public review until March 6, 2014. This draft encompasses all aspects of the SFI standards: forest SFI logo management, chain-of-custody, and certified sourcing. Updates to the standard include prohibition of conversion to non-forest, banning of World Health Organization category 1A and 1B hazardous chemicals, and considerations of biodiversity in fiber sourcing. A summary produced by the review board of the changes can be read here. SFI will be hosting regional meetings across Canada and the United States to discuss changes to the standard. To submit comments, learn about in-person regional meeting sites, read about the review process, or read the standard updates visit the Sustainable Forestry Initiative's website.  

Tree Farm Standards
Open for Comment

The American Forest Foundation (AFF) has begun the process of setting the 2015-2020 American Tree Farm System Standards of Tree Farm Logo Sustainability. AFF has appointed an Independent Standards Review Panel to coordinate the revision. The panel is composed of a cross section of forestry community leaders and stakeholders. The initial comment period is open until March 7, 2014 and focuses on the current standard. The panel will review the comments and produce a set of draft standards for review by August 2014. You can read more about the process at the American Tree Farm System website. 

2nd Draft FSC FM International Generic Indicators Released

The second public consultation for the Forest Stewardship Council International Generic Indicators (IGI) for the forest management standard closes March 31. The IGIs are being developed from the new Principles and Criteria Version 5 that were approved by FSC   in February 2012. FSC is looking for consistency of the standard across the globe for their standard. These IGIs will be the basis for the United States standards revision process that will begin sometime in 2015 and it is extremely important for all certificate holders and stakeholders to provide their comments and to stay updated on the potential changes. The Center will be providing comments on each indicator and encourages interested stakeholders to provide their own input. More information about the IGIs and summaries of the changes from draft one to two can be found on FSC's website

Better Know a Standard #14

Periodically the Center will detail a portion of the forest management or chain-of-custody standard. Edition 14 focuses on the Forest Stewardship Council's Indicator 4.2.b of the U.S. Forest Management Standard. This indicator deals with the requirement of forest owners or managers to demonstrate a safe work environment. Please visit the Center's website here to view the article and find out mechanisms to meet the standard.

Center Sponsors and Support

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, Central Appalachian Forestry Alliance, Mountain Association for Community and Economic Development, Kentucky Division of Forestry, and NewPage Corp. Sustaining contributions are also being provided by the University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Department of Forestry, and the Kentucky Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee. Center also wishes to thank organizations for providing endorsement of the Center including the Kentucky Forest Industries Association, Tennessee Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee, Kentucky Chapter of the Association of Consulting Foresters, and the Kentucky Woodland Owners Association. For more information about our partners and how you can support the Center's mission, goals, and projects please visit here. 

January 2014
In This Issue
SFI Standards Revision Draft Released
Tree Farm Standards Open for Comment
FSC FM International Generic Indicators Released
Better Know a Standard
Center Sponsors and Support.
Acres Certified
Industrial - 4,450
Public - 43,713
Family Forests - 9,147
Cooperating
Foresters
44
Chain of Custody Certificates - 85   
Logger - 56
Primary - 8
Secondary - 18
Printer - 1
Reclaim - 2
Assistance

The Center is geared up to assist any stakeholder group with help with their certification efforts. Whether you need to get your industrial forest certified, need assistance with your company's sustainability policy, need technical assistance in writing your sawmill's policies and procedures manual, or need to learn what goes in a certified management plan the Center can support and aid in your certification needs. Contact us toll free at 855.579.2690 to begin the process.

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