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Plum Creek Gains Sustainability Recertification on Wisconsin Lands
Independent Audit Certifies Sustainable and Responsible Forestry Practices and More
TOMAHAWK, Wis. — Plum Creek Timber Company today announced that all of its Wisconsin lands have been recertified under the Sustainable Forestry
Initiative®(SFI) following an intensive review by independent auditors.
“Certifications like SFI are important in our industry as they promote and enforce best management practices and help ensure a vigorous, sustainable forest products industry,” said Scott Henker, general manager for Plum Creek’s Northern Hardwood Region. “Plum Creek is committed to running our business in this manner every day, but being recognized by SFI recertification for doing so is a great honor.”
Plum Creek, which has been operating in Wisconsin since 2001, was the first company to have all of its lands nationwide achieve SFI certification. The SFI standard is updated every five years so it can continue to reflect the latest science and input and Plum Creek undergoes recertification on a rotating basis by region every three years. The independent audit of Plum Creek’s land in Wisconsin, approximately 76,000 acres, was conducted in July 2013 and the results were just announced.
“This is a significant accomplishment for our dedicated team in Wisconsin,” said Henker. “This audit intensely examines our forest management practices, and we are proud that our commitment to the environment and the health of our forestlands was recognized once again.”
The SFI forest management standard is the single largest sustainable forest certification standard in the world with nearly 200 million acres of certified lands across North America. An independent audit is required for all SFI certifications. These audits are rigorous, on-the-ground assessments of an organization’s operations conducted by highly qualified and accredited third-party auditors.
Plum Creek’s audit report specifically commended the company for its robust forest management program, which was recognized by the auditor as one of the best; its proactive and strong wildlife management program and its employment of wildlife biologists; its active support of research, including its own strong wildlife and silviculture research efforts; and, its continued involvement with and commitment to the local community.
In Wisconsin, Plum Creek received notable practices recognition for its work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Wisconsin DNR “to develop an innovative strategy to provide habitat for the Kirtland’s Warbler in red pine plantations.” In 2007, Kirtland’s Warbler nesting was documented on Plum Creek land in Adams County, the first documented nesting in Wisconsin. Plum Creek has since worked to facilitate an optimal habitat for the bird and a growing number has returned to the same area each year, making it a national success story.
“Plum Creek is committed to protecting Wisconsin’s environment, and we demonstrate that commitment in how we approach our business,” said Henker. “Recertification through SFI shows that we can practice environmental responsibility while meeting the public’s need for wood and paper products.”
The SFI standard is a comprehensive system of principles, values, performance measures and indicators developed by professional foresters, conservations and scientists. The SFI 2010-2014 Standard is based on 14 core principles that address economic, environmental, cultural and legal issues, in addition to a commitment to continuously improve sustainable forest management. For more information on SFI, visit www.sfiprogram.org.
