Forest Certification Introduction National Forest Certification Studies Exploring PEFC Endorsement As An Option for Oregon Certification of Private Forests in Maine

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National Forest Certification Study

Building on a decade of research on the applicability of forest certification on public lands, the Institute recently completed a groundbreaking series of studies examining management practices on U.S. National Forests. In the results of a study released on October 25, forest management practices on several National Forests were tested and found to measure up well against widely-accepted standards for sustainable forestry, although according to auditors' reports several face important conservation challenges. The findings are based on independent third-party evaluations of five National Forests, by auditors representing both the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certification programs. The two-year study, which was requested by the Forest Service, is the latest in a ten-year series of Pinchot Institute studies to evaluate the applicability of forest certification programs on public forest lands.

To review the certification evaluation reports for each participating case study national forest, please click on the appropriate link below:

• Allegheny National Forest (FSC)(SFI)
• Lakeview Federal Stewardship Unit (FSC)(SFI)
• Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (FSC)(SFI)
• Mt. Hood National Forest (FSC)(SFI)
• National Forests in Florida (FSC)(SFI)

To learn more about the study and its results, click the appropriate link below:

• Lessons Learned Final Report (Full version) [.pdf]
• Lessons Learned Executive Summary [.pdf]
• Summary of Results [.pdf]
• Appendix [.pdf]
• FAQs [.pdf]
• U.S. Forest Service
  

PROJECT LEADER: Will Price , Program Director