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.6.3.- Old growth forest management • C.6.5.- 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