Updated SFI & Tree Farm Standards Released
The 2015-2020 American Tree Farm  System® Standards of Sustainability were approved by the American Forest Foundation Board of Trustees for implementation at the beginning of this year. The new standards completely replace the old ones and a one year transition period has begun. You can review the entire revision process and read the new standards on the Tree Farm website. Also, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® has completed their 2015-2019 Standards and Rules revision. The full revision of the Forest Management, Fiber Sourcing, and Chain  of Custody Standard will be implemented immediately. You can read more about the revised standard and the revision process on the SFI website.
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FSC-US Controlled Wood Risk Assessment Open for Comment
The first consultation for the Forest Stewardship Council® U.S. Controlled Wood National Risk Assessment is now open  until March 13. The national risk assessment provides risk levels for the five categories of potential risk for Controlled Wood. The assessment will provide risk levels and potential control measures to meet areas of specified risk or no specified risk. Stakeholders are asked to pay particular attention to the categories of High Conservation Values areas and forest conversion. You can read more about the FSC® U.S. Controlled Wood Risk Assessment on FSC-US' website.
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FSC Updates Highly
Hazardous Pesticides List
 FSC has approved a revised standard regarding the identification of banned highly hazardous pesticides. The standard becomes effective on March 10. Specifically hexazinone (trade name Velpar) and 2, 4-D have been removed from the list. Borax, boric acid, and oxyfluorfen have been added to the list. FSC-US has advised that borax on the banned list is not the form that is commonly used in forestry applications. The Center recommends that all forest management certificate holders that use borax, hexazinone, or 2,4-D contact their certification body to determine if their usage is acceptable to maintain their certificate. You can read the official announcement of the new standard and banned chemical list at FSC-International's website.
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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 Verso 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.
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The Center for Forest and Wood Certification is a partnership venture focused on enhancing wood and forest certification. The Center is provided direction by eight partners including University, non-profit, forest industry, and consulting foresters. The Center is housed at the University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Department of Forestry and is funded through membership fees, grants, and gifts with oversight and management by Cooperative Extension Service personnel at the University of Kentucky.
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