Two group programs being organized for woodland owners and producers/distributors

Two FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) group certification programs are being organized — one of woodland owners, and one for primary and secondary forest product producers and distributors.  See www.TrueNorthWoods.com.

Market demand for local, FSC certificated forest products is starting to develop in Minnesota. “Architects, builders, lumberyards, and  homeowners are increasingly demanding green, specifically FSC, certification”, according the Kathryn Fernholz of Dovetail Partners, ”on the building products they purchase.” At a recent workshop series, Ms. Fernholz noted that the new Minnesota GreenStar program and the growing use of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system have created a new market demand for local FSC certificated forest-based products.
 
This fall the Minnesota Wood Education Project and Minnesota Wood Campaign will launch the development of two FSC group certification programs.

The Forest Management (FM) program will enroll woodland owners of all sizes that want to market FSC certified wood.

The Chain-of-Custody (COC) program will enroll small primary and secondary producers and distributors of FSC certified wood products. Larger operations wanting to apply for their individual COC certification will be assisted in developing their program.

At the same time the FM and COC group certification programs are being organized, the Minnesota Wood Campaign will be developing a Local & Sustainable Supplier Consortium (LSSC) to connect participating local, FSC certified producers with potential buyers in the region.

For additional information on the programs, contact Gary Winget or Sandy Renner at 1-888-223-5629 or Info@TrueNorthWoods.com. You may also review two pre-recorded webinars at www.TrueNorthWoods.com – click on the Membership page, Training Opportunities, and webinars number 1 and 9.