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| The first consultant to receive Forest Stewardship Council certification |
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2006/3/27
(openPR) - “Green” forest management and certified wood markets now within reach of most forest and woodlot owners in Southern Ontario
(Newmarket, February 24, 2006) Owners of forested lands across Southern Ontario now have access to the ‘green’ forest products market through Silv-Econ Ltd.’s Resource Manager Certification program. The company recently completed three successful pilot projects in Uxbridge and Caledon, and is now offering the service throughout the Region, announced David Puttock of Silv-Econ.
“The Silv-Econ Resource Manger Certification program uses an integrated approach to forest ecosystem management planning, while emphasizing environmental protection, wildlife habitat and preserving the natural beauty of forests, in addition to providing an income from forest products,” said Puttock.
The company’s Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification means that it uses the most responsible forestry management practices. FSC is an internationally recognized label with exceptionally high standards. “We are the first forest management/forestry consultant in Canada to achieve FSC certification,” added Puttock, “and the only consulting company to offer this high level of forest management in Southern Ontario.”
Silv-Econ’s three pilot projects varied in size from 12 to 188 hectares. The company has been providing forest management planning and operational services on these and other properties for several years. Forest auditors approved by FSC carried out a thorough assessment of Silv-Econ’s work on these woodlots to verify that the company’s management practices comply with the high standards set by FSC.
“The woodlots in this area provide many benefits, including soil and groundwater protection, habitats for wildlife, aesthetics, and forest products. In many respects, they are an undervalued resource,” said Puttock. Silv-Econ’s Resource Manager Certification program ensures that the ecology of these woodlots is protected when forest products are harvested from them.
Andrew and Tim Stewart of Highfields Farm in Caledon are excited to be participating in Silv-Econ’s Resource Manager Certification program. “After 50 years of passive enjoyment and ad hoc cutting of forests on our farm, our family decided in the 90s to start managing old growth hardwood and 50 year pine plantations in a professional, sustainable way, enhancing biodiversity while allowing us to continue to harvest forest products,” said Andrew Stewart. “We want our forests to connect to the surrounding greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine. We see our property only getting more valuable under certified forest management.”
“Many woodlot owners are unaware of the potential of their forests,” said Puttock. Mills employing local people are seeking FSC certified wood. Under Silv-Econ’s Resource Manager Certificate, woodlot owners would have the opportunity to sell certified forest products to these mills. Many Ontario woodlots can generate immediate income for their owners, and proper management will ensure future cash flows are enhanced.” |
| Source:http://openpr.com |
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