Working forests provide for both economics and the environment

I am writing in regards to the July 3 article, Conservationists May Challenge Certification of State Forest Lands, by Marshall Helmberger. This article raises important considerations regarding Minnesota DNR management of state forests, specifically the need to balance economic return with conservation objectives.

As the article points out, the Minnesota DNR-managed forestlands are certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) forest management standard. Forests certified to the SFI Forest Management Standard cover more than a quarter-billion acres across the U.S. and Canada – and over 30 percent of the lands certified in the U.S. are publicly-owned. Among its objectives, the SFI Forest Management Standard requires sustainable harvest levels, reforestation, and measures to protect water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk, and forests with exceptional conservation value. Organizations that certify to the SFI Standards contribute to sustainable communities and the environment by ensuring that forests provide the range of services and benefits that the public has grown to expect from well-managed forests.

Forest management certification offers a “proof point for responsible forestry” by demonstrating balance between the three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. SFI Program Participants have shown that they are able to appropriately strike that balance, and this is verified by independent, third-party auditors. The state of Minnesota has been a leader in getting its state-owned lands certified. In fact, Minnesota boasts the most land certified to SFI of all U.S. states at over seven million acres, and the MN DNR is the largest public land certificate holder in the U.S. The state of Minnesota has an obligation to responsibly steward state resources, and therefore SFI certification is a clear and objective means by which to serve that end.

It’s important to keep in mind that qualified independent auditors ensure the SFI Standard is being met on the ground and that the balance required by the standard is properly maintained. This assurance is provided by annual audits, and full recertification every three years, as well as through a process that openly investigates concerns and official complaints.

Working forests can and do provide both economic benefits and environmental protection. It’s what SFI stands for.

Kathy Abusow

President and CEO

Sustainable Forestry

Initiative, Inc.

Washington, D.C.