Forest certification for nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners is an issue receiving much attention across the country. Certification offers a variety of benefits to NIPF landowners: it provides independent assurance to landowners that their land, including both timber and nontimber values, is being managed sustainably; it often reveals ways to improve forest management overall regardless of the outcome of the audit; and it may result in preference for their forest products and offers the future potential for a price premium. Woodland owner groups offer an excellent way to expedite certification for NIPF landowners and help attain statewide goals for certified acres. [Page 1 of the newsletter]

Southern Forests & Communities notes are courtesy of Southern Forests Network
www.southernsustainableforests.org