Field Notes - Partners in Forest Conservation

Acknowledging that conservation has both business and public relations benefits, several state manufacturers have begun using certifiably sustainable products from forests.

Minnesota has become a national leader in forest conservation, with nearly 1 million acres of county, state, and private woodlands recognized for practicing responsible forestry, thanks to the Forest Stewardship Council. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2003, this global organization was founded by the timber industry, foresters, and community and environmental groups from 25 countries.

Originally concerned with tropical forests, the council soon realized any woodland could benefit from practices designed to meet the high standards it had set for environmentally, economically, and socially responsible forestry. "Our idea was to recognize and reward good forest management in the marketplace, so that businesses would have an incentive to source wood from well-managed forests," says Phil Guillery, a council board member. "The market helps pay for some of the costs to certify and do responsible forestry."

To improve management of Minnesota’s forest land, much of which was clear-cut a century ago, the council inspired unexpected partners. Last May FSC supporters from Aitkin County asked Summit Brewing Co. of St. Paul to consider using certified wood. The company decided supporting sustainable forestry was a smart business decision.

"Buying certified pallets lets us reassure our customers that we purchase things from well-managed and -harvested forests," says Christopher Seitz, operations manager. "We’re upholding our company values while encouraging forest management practices that protect clean waters—an essential ingredient in quality beer."

The pallets come from trees harvested in Aitkin County. Summit isn’t paying a premium for the wood, though Seitz had expected to. Fortunately, Summit’s supplier, Stewart Lumber in Fort Ripley, had already become FSC certified and begun to manufacture certified pallets.

His company gets fan mail about its commitment to sustainable forestry, Seitz says, "even from non beer drinkers!"

In mid-2000, Andersen Corp. in Bayport stopped using wood from endangered forests and gave preference to FSC-certified wood. It uses mostly ponderosa pine in its wood-framed windows and patio doors. Andersen reports that certified wood costs slightly more because less of it is available.

Other Minnesota firms using certified products include Colonial Craft, Inc., a millwork manufacturer, and Aveda, maker of natural body-care products. Nationally, Home Depot has committed to carry FSC-certified products.

In 1997 foresters and local citizens concerned about potential overharvest in Aitkin County opted to get state and county lands certified. "They wanted to assure everyone that Aitkin County forests were being well-managed, even with a new wood-using plant," says Steve Vongroven, DNR forest certification coordinator.

All state- and county-managed land in Aitkin County is going through recertification.

In September an interactive exhibit on sustainable forestry practices opened at Audubon Center of the North Woods in Sandstone.

For FSC certification information in Minnesota, call 320-679-4604. For the council, visit Forest Steward Council - United States.

Carol Milano

health and environment free-lance writer