FSC Group Certification

FSC Group CertificationFSC Group Certification

An Introduction to Forest An Introduction to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Group Stewardship Council (FSC) Group

CertificationCertification

Why Should We Care About Why Should We Care About Certification?Certification?

Sustainability is a ‘Mega Trend’ for this century.Sustainability is a ‘Mega Trend’ for this century. Product Sourcing (Where, How, Who) is a very real Product Sourcing (Where, How, Who) is a very real

concern for the more affluent segment of the concern for the more affluent segment of the consumer market.consumer market.

Production to ‘Global Standards’ now occurs for Production to ‘Global Standards’ now occurs for almost every product found in the world marketplace.almost every product found in the world marketplace.

Southern foresters and landowners must adapt or our Southern foresters and landowners must adapt or our wood products companies and therefore landowners wood products companies and therefore landowners will get left behind by other areas of the world who will get left behind by other areas of the world who do ‘play the game’.do ‘play the game’.

Certification PathwaysCertification Pathways

FSC FSC (Worldwide)(Worldwide)

PEFC PEFC (Worldwide)(Worldwide)

SFI (North America) SFI (North America)

ATFS ( United States)ATFS ( United States)

Certified Acres by Region 2011Certified Acres by Region 2011

RegionRegion Total Total Forest Ac.Forest Ac.

SFI SFI CertifiedCertified

Tree Farm Tree Farm CertifiedCertified

FSC FSC CertifiedCertified

Minn., Minn., Wis., Mich.Wis., Mich.

52.2 mil52.2 mil 16.0 mil16.0 mil 3.6 mil3.6 mil 17.0 mil17.0 mil

Maine, NH, Maine, NH, New YorkNew York


La., Ark., La., Ark., Miss.Miss.


Ga., SC, Ga., SC, NCNC

56 mil56 mil 4.7 mil4.7 mil 3.4 mil3.4 mil 17,320 ac 17,320 ac total !!!total !!!

Who is the Forest Stewardship Who is the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)?Council (FSC)?

Established in 1993 in response to concerns about global Established in 1993 in response to concerns about global deforestation especially tropical hardwoods.deforestation especially tropical hardwoods.

World Wildlife Fund (UK) unhappiness with the Earth World Wildlife Fund (UK) unhappiness with the Earth Summit of 1992 in Rio. Summit of 1992 in Rio.

Disappointment with world wide governments to reach Disappointment with world wide governments to reach consensus led to an independent, non-governmental, not-for-consensus led to an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit type structure.profit type structure.

Worldwide with a Democratic structured General Assembly. Worldwide with a Democratic structured General Assembly. (Environmental, Social, Economic chambers, equal (Environmental, Social, Economic chambers, equal representation between Northern & Southern Hemispheres)representation between Northern & Southern Hemispheres)

FSC has few employees. It sets standards and authorizes FSC has few employees. It sets standards and authorizes certifiers. Landowners hires Certifiers or 3rd Party Auditors.certifiers. Landowners hires Certifiers or 3rd Party Auditors.

361 million acres certified worldwide.361 million acres certified worldwide.

Structural Differences Between Structural Differences Between FSC vs. SFI (PEFC)FSC vs. SFI (PEFC)

The people ‘behind the scenes’The people ‘behind the scenes’ for each certifying for each certifying scheme. ( scheme. ( environmentalenvironmental groups [ groups [FSCFSC] vs. ] vs. industryindustry groups [groups [SFISFI] or ] or hardwoodhardwood industry [ industry [FSCFSC] vs. ] vs. softwoodsoftwood industry [ industry [SFISFI]]

Focus of the standardsFocus of the standards ( (socialsocial [ [FSCFSC] vs. ] vs. industrialindustrial forestry [forestry [SFISFI], ], naturalnatural forests [ forests [FSCFSC] vs. ] vs. planted planted forests [forests [SFISFI]]

Brand recognitionBrand recognition, what is the marketplace asking , what is the marketplace asking for. FSC holds a 2 to 1 advantage in COC certificates for. FSC holds a 2 to 1 advantage in COC certificates or ‘end users worldwide vs. PEFC.’or ‘end users worldwide vs. PEFC.’

Implementation on the GroundImplementation on the GroundFSC vs. Tree Farm or SFIFSC vs. Tree Farm or SFI

Because FSC was developed with the third-world Because FSC was developed with the third-world tropical forests in mind, it places more emphasis on tropical forests in mind, it places more emphasis on the social aspects of forest management. Ie. outside the social aspects of forest management. Ie. outside stakeholders, benefits to the community, labor.stakeholders, benefits to the community, labor.

Monitoring is a major component of the FSC system.Monitoring is a major component of the FSC system. Proof of sustainability, ie. allowable cut Proof of sustainability, ie. allowable cut

determination and implementation is very important. determination and implementation is very important. Volumes grown and harvested must be reported.Volumes grown and harvested must be reported.

True ‘Plantation Forestry’ is ‘tricky’ with FSC, cover True ‘Plantation Forestry’ is ‘tricky’ with FSC, cover type conversion not allowed in many cases.type conversion not allowed in many cases.

Why FSC Group Certification?Why FSC Group Certification? Because of the cost to hire third-party auditors, Group Because of the cost to hire third-party auditors, Group

Membership is the only cost effective means for a Membership is the only cost effective means for a small landowner to become certified.small landowner to become certified.

The Group Manager and his personnel are available The Group Manager and his personnel are available to offer advice and make recommendations to aid in to offer advice and make recommendations to aid in compliance with FSC principles and criteria.compliance with FSC principles and criteria.

Recordkeeping and auditing is managed at the group Recordkeeping and auditing is managed at the group level saving landowners/managers time.level saving landowners/managers time.

Potential exists in marketing efforts as small Potential exists in marketing efforts as small landowners combined in a Group may act as a type of landowners combined in a Group may act as a type of Cooperative with possible ‘branding’ power. Cooperative with possible ‘branding’ power.

Key Certification TerminologyKey Certification Terminology Certifying BodyCertifying Body – Organization accredited by FSC to – Organization accredited by FSC to

perform audits of Forest Management/COC and issue perform audits of Forest Management/COC and issue FSC CertificatesFSC Certificates – Certificate is authorization number. – Certificate is authorization number.

COC (Chain-of-Custody)COC (Chain-of-Custody) – Mechanism to track forest – Mechanism to track forest products through different stages of production ie. products through different stages of production ie. from origin to end use.from origin to end use.

Group EntityGroup Entity – Legally authorized organization that – Legally authorized organization that holds FSC certificate on behalf of Group Members.holds FSC certificate on behalf of Group Members.

Group ManagerGroup Manager – Person appointed by Group Entity to – Person appointed by Group Entity to supervise and act on behalf of the Group.supervise and act on behalf of the Group.

Group MemberGroup Member – Landowner that consents in writing – Landowner that consents in writing to FSC Principles and Group Procedures.to FSC Principles and Group Procedures.

StandardsStandards - The complete set of FSC Principles, - The complete set of FSC Principles, Criteria and Indicators that are used to assess Forest Criteria and Indicators that are used to assess Forest Management practices.Management practices.

Types of FSC Group StructuresTypes of FSC Group Structures Type I = Shared Management responsibilities between Manager Type I = Shared Management responsibilities between Manager

& Member.& Member. Type II = Manager in charge of all members’ management.Type II = Manager in charge of all members’ management. Consulting Forester ModelConsulting Forester Model – The consultant forms the Group – The consultant forms the Group

and actively manages his clients’ lands. (Type II)and actively manages his clients’ lands. (Type II) Industry ModelIndustry Model – A primary wood products manufacturer funds – A primary wood products manufacturer funds

a CFM type program where company foresters and/or contract a CFM type program where company foresters and/or contract consultants are Group Managers. Usually assists in land consultants are Group Managers. Usually assists in land management. (May be Type I but usually Type II)management. (May be Type I but usually Type II)

Association ModelAssociation Model – Trade association, Government Agency or – Trade association, Government Agency or Conservation Org. acts as Group Manager, may or may not Conservation Org. acts as Group Manager, may or may not actively assist in landowner management. (May be Type I or II)actively assist in landowner management. (May be Type I or II)

GreenLink ModelGreenLink Model – Independent Group Manager assists – Independent Group Manager assists Landowners and Consultants but does not actively manage Landowners and Consultants but does not actively manage individual landowner properties. (Type I)individual landowner properties. (Type I)

Can Your Clients Lands Qualify for FSC?Can Your Clients Lands Qualify for FSC?YesYes NoNo

If they manage for the If they manage for the long term.long term.

If you have professional If you have professional maps and planning.maps and planning.

If their lands have If their lands have diversity of cover types diversity of cover types and ages.and ages.

If you and they keep good If you and they keep good records.records.

If both of you do not mind If both of you do not mind change, new thinking.change, new thinking.

If they like to cut out and If they like to cut out and get out. get out.

If you or they fly by the If you or they fly by the seat of your pants.seat of your pants.

If they prefer to clearcut If they prefer to clearcut tracts wall to wall and tracts wall to wall and plant loblolly on all soils.plant loblolly on all soils.

If you and they hate to If you and they hate to document what you do.document what you do.

If you think mgmt. If you think mgmt. standards are pointless. standards are pointless.

How to Form a FSC GroupHow to Form a FSC Group

General RequirementsGeneral Requirements1.1. Must be a Legal Entity authorized to do Must be a Legal Entity authorized to do

business.business.2.2. Comply with Legal Obligations, fees, taxes Comply with Legal Obligations, fees, taxes

etc.etc.3.3. Written Public Policy Commitment to FSC Written Public Policy Commitment to FSC

Principles & Criteria.Principles & Criteria.4.4. Group Entity must design training needs and Group Entity must design training needs and

communication strategy necessary to communication strategy necessary to implement.implement.

Group Formation - ContinuedGroup Formation - Continued

Defined ResponsibilitiesDefined Responsibilities1.1. Document division of responsibilities between Document division of responsibilities between

Group Entity and Group Members (planning, Group Entity and Group Members (planning, monitoring, harvesting, marketing etc.)monitoring, harvesting, marketing etc.)

2.2. Group Entity has to appoint Group ManagerGroup Entity has to appoint Group Manager

3.3. Group Entity and staff must demonstrate Group Entity and staff must demonstrate knowledge of Group Procedures and FSC knowledge of Group Procedures and FSC standards.standards.

Group Formation - ContinuedGroup Formation - Continued ProceduresProcedures - - Must be written for:Must be written for:1.1. Organizational structureOrganizational structure2.2. Designation of Responsibilities.Designation of Responsibilities.3.3. Rules regarding eligibilityRules regarding eligibility4.4. Withdrawal/SuspensionWithdrawal/Suspension5.5. Corrective Action Process (CAR)Corrective Action Process (CAR)6.6. Procedures for accepting New MembersProcedures for accepting New Members7.7. Complaints ProcessComplaints Process Also must have Internal Control systems, Define Also must have Internal Control systems, Define

Personnel requirements, and evaluation process for Personnel requirements, and evaluation process for applicants.applicants.

Group Formation - ContinuedGroup Formation - Continued Informed Consent ProcessInformed Consent Process1.1. Prospective Members need access to FSC standardsProspective Members need access to FSC standards2.2. Explanation of Certifying Body process.Explanation of Certifying Body process.3.3. Explanation of ‘Right of Access’ to members Explanation of ‘Right of Access’ to members

personal records.personal records.4.4. Explanation of Public Information Requirement.Explanation of Public Information Requirement.5.5. Member’s obligations, also group manager’s.Member’s obligations, also group manager’s.6.6. Cost of membership.Cost of membership. This understanding or consent must be This understanding or consent must be

acknowledged in writing through a formal ‘Consent acknowledged in writing through a formal ‘Consent Declaration or Member Agreement.’Declaration or Member Agreement.’

Additional Group RequirementsAdditional Group Requirements

Record KeepingRecord Keeping Define Group Size and Area of WorkDefine Group Size and Area of Work Internal Monitoring Requirements and Internal Monitoring Requirements and

Control SystemsControl Systems Chain of Custody (COC) ProceduresChain of Custody (COC) Procedures

How are the FSC Principles How are the FSC Principles analyzed for compliance?analyzed for compliance?

1.1. Each Each Principle Principle has numerous has numerous CriteriaCriteria that are used that are used to judge whether a Principle is being met.to judge whether a Principle is being met.

2.2. For each For each CriteriaCriteria, then there are , then there are IndicatorsIndicators or or specific variables that tell whether a specific variables that tell whether a CriteriaCriteria is met is met in a regional context and that also specifically states in a regional context and that also specifically states desired management outcomes.desired management outcomes.

3.3. Finally a Finally a VerifierVerifier is an example of a way in which a is an example of a way in which a forest management condition can be assessed to forest management condition can be assessed to determine whether an determine whether an IndicatorIndicator has been met. has been met.

Example of a Principle being met.Example of a Principle being met. Principle #5Principle #5 – – Benefits from the ForestBenefits from the Forest (Forest (Forest

Management operations shall encourage the efficient use of Management operations shall encourage the efficient use of the forests multiple products and services to ensure economic the forests multiple products and services to ensure economic viability and a wide range of environmental & social benefits.) viability and a wide range of environmental & social benefits.) Focus is on making efficient use of harvested resources and Focus is on making efficient use of harvested resources and maintaining the capacity of the forest to provide long-term maintaining the capacity of the forest to provide long-term economic, social and environmental benefits.economic, social and environmental benefits.

Criterion 5.6Criterion 5.6 – – The rate of harvestThe rate of harvest of forest products of forest products shall not exceed levels which can be permanently shall not exceed levels which can be permanently sustained.sustained.

Indicator 5.6aIndicator 5.6a – Sustained Yield harvest level documented in – Sustained Yield harvest level documented in management plan. management plan. VerifierVerifier – Mgmt plan, is info correct? – Mgmt plan, is info correct?

Indicator 5.6bIndicator 5.6b – Average annual harvest levels, over 10 year – Average annual harvest levels, over 10 year rolling periods, do not exceed calculated sustained yield. rolling periods, do not exceed calculated sustained yield. VerifierVerifier – Audit of yearly activity reports to calculate harvest – Audit of yearly activity reports to calculate harvest levels. levels.

Management Plan RequirementsManagement Plan Requirements(Appropriate to Scale)(Appropriate to Scale)

Management ObjectivesManagement Objectives Description of forest resources; land use and Description of forest resources; land use and

ownership status, socio-economic conditions, profile ownership status, socio-economic conditions, profile of adjacent landsof adjacent lands

Detailed stand maps including protected sites.Detailed stand maps including protected sites. Calculation of growth, annual harvest rates, species Calculation of growth, annual harvest rates, species

selectionselection Silvicultural systems and harvest method Silvicultural systems and harvest method

justification.justification. Provisions for monitoring growth and activities.Provisions for monitoring growth and activities. Environmental safeguards required, ex. BMP’s.Environmental safeguards required, ex. BMP’s. Plans for identifying and protecting rare,threatened or Plans for identifying and protecting rare,threatened or

endangered species. Also protection of cultural sites.endangered species. Also protection of cultural sites.

What is GreenLink?What is GreenLink? GreenLink Forest Resources LLC was founded by GreenLink Forest Resources LLC was founded by

Chester Kearse Jr. to serve as the group entity or Chester Kearse Jr. to serve as the group entity or group manager for the GreenLink Forest Stewards group manager for the GreenLink Forest Stewards Group, a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified Group, a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified group.group.

The GreenLink Forest Stewards group offers cost The GreenLink Forest Stewards group offers cost effective FSC certification and chain-of-custody for effective FSC certification and chain-of-custody for small and medium size landowners.small and medium size landowners.

GreenLink offers truly ‘independent’ FSC Group GreenLink offers truly ‘independent’ FSC Group Certification because there is no direct affiliation Certification because there is no direct affiliation whatsoever with any industry, conservation, or whatsoever with any industry, conservation, or forestland management organization.forestland management organization.

How does GreenLink Function?How does GreenLink Function? GreenLink Forest Resources LLC is Group Manager and GreenLink Forest Resources LLC is Group Manager and

FSC Group Certificate holder. FSC Group Certificate holder. (SW-FM/COC 005677)(SW-FM/COC 005677)

Group manager acts only as the gatekeeper or liaison Group manager acts only as the gatekeeper or liaison with the Certifying Body (Smartwood) and FSC.with the Certifying Body (Smartwood) and FSC.

Landowner and/or resource professional are responsible Landowner and/or resource professional are responsible for their own individual forestland management.for their own individual forestland management.

Group manager informs, advises, and inspects to make Group manager informs, advises, and inspects to make sure standards are being met by landowners.sure standards are being met by landowners.

Group manager maintains the group records, pays for Group manager maintains the group records, pays for audits and provides the chain-of-custody to the members audits and provides the chain-of-custody to the members of the GreenLink Forest Stewards Group.of the GreenLink Forest Stewards Group.

What Landowners Does GreenLink What Landowners Does GreenLink Serve?Serve?

GreenLink is approved to operate in the Coastal Plain GreenLink is approved to operate in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions of Georgia, South Carolina and and Piedmont regions of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.North Carolina.

GreenLink is divided into 2 subsets for auditing and GreenLink is divided into 2 subsets for auditing and management purposes. 1) Small Family Forests management purposes. 1) Small Family Forests <1000 ha (2470acres) and 2) Large Landowner <1000 ha (2470acres) and 2) Large Landowner subset, 2470 acres up to 20,000 acres.subset, 2470 acres up to 20,000 acres.

Only ‘forested’ acres are certified on a property and Only ‘forested’ acres are certified on a property and each legal entity is considered a unique forest.each legal entity is considered a unique forest.

All forms of private ownership are eligible.All forms of private ownership are eligible. The forest must be a ‘working’ forest.The forest must be a ‘working’ forest. GreenLink reserves the exclusive right to determine GreenLink reserves the exclusive right to determine

membership.membership.

What Benefits does a Landowner Receive?What Benefits does a Landowner Receive? Inexpensive FSC Chain-of-Custody certification; may or may Inexpensive FSC Chain-of-Custody certification; may or may

not command a premium in the marketplace.not command a premium in the marketplace. Detailed record keeping archive by GreenLink. Harvest Detailed record keeping archive by GreenLink. Harvest

monitoring and management activity reports required yearly.monitoring and management activity reports required yearly. Third-party review by GreenLink personnel and independent Third-party review by GreenLink personnel and independent

FSC auditors; continuous improvement and peer reviewed FSC auditors; continuous improvement and peer reviewed back-up for land managers that is strictly confidential.back-up for land managers that is strictly confidential.

Access to a region specific forest management reference Access to a region specific forest management reference document that smaller landowners can refer to for detailed document that smaller landowners can refer to for detailed information regarding topics such as growth & yield, information regarding topics such as growth & yield, integrated pest management, silvicultural procedures, BMP’s, integrated pest management, silvicultural procedures, BMP’s, soil type determination, as examples.soil type determination, as examples.

Potential Marketing Opportunities under the GreenLink Brand.Potential Marketing Opportunities under the GreenLink Brand.

What does membership cost?What does membership cost? One time initial enrollment, assessment and certification fee of One time initial enrollment, assessment and certification fee of

$1.00 per ‘forested’ acre.$1.00 per ‘forested’ acre. Annual management fee (currently $.35/acre) that is fixed for Annual management fee (currently $.35/acre) that is fixed for

a five-year period following enrollment.a five-year period following enrollment. Example: 650 acre tract has a GIS map showing 600 acres of Example: 650 acre tract has a GIS map showing 600 acres of

timberland and 50 acres of fields, pond and cabin. Therefore timberland and 50 acres of fields, pond and cabin. Therefore 600 acres are FSC certified.600 acres are FSC certified.

Year 1 – 600 acres X $1.35/acreYear 1 – 600 acres X $1.35/acre = $810= $810Year 2 – 600 acres X $.35/acreYear 2 – 600 acres X $.35/acre = $210= $210Year 3 – 600 acres X $.35/acreYear 3 – 600 acres X $.35/acre = $210= $210Year 4 – 600 acres X $.35/acreYear 4 – 600 acres X $.35/acre = $210= $210Year 5 – 600 acres X $.35/acreYear 5 – 600 acres X $.35/acre = $210= $210Total Cost over first 5 yearsTotal Cost over first 5 years =$1,650/5yrs/600ac.=$1,650/5yrs/600ac.Average Annual CostAverage Annual Cost =$.55/acre/year=$.55/acre/year

What Does the Group Manager Do?What Does the Group Manager Do?

Organizes and maintains the Group to FSC standardsOrganizes and maintains the Group to FSC standards Develops and maintains the procedures for Group Develops and maintains the procedures for Group

operation.operation. Maintains the records of the group and specifically Maintains the records of the group and specifically

archives the monitoring reports of individual archives the monitoring reports of individual members.members.

Assists and trains landowners and their forestry Assists and trains landowners and their forestry professionals with compliance issues.professionals with compliance issues.

Arranges and pays for third-party audits, group Arranges and pays for third-party audits, group certification.certification.

Assists in broad marketing efforts for the group.Assists in broad marketing efforts for the group. Monitors individual group member’s compliance.Monitors individual group member’s compliance.

What are the Landowner Responsibilities?What are the Landowner Responsibilities? Manage his/her property to FSC standards.Manage his/her property to FSC standards. Contact the Group Manager for clarification if Contact the Group Manager for clarification if

uncertainties arise about the appropriateness of a uncertainties arise about the appropriateness of a forest management practice.forest management practice.

Make their property and forest management records Make their property and forest management records ((non-proprietary information onlynon-proprietary information only) available to ) available to GreenLink and/or third-party auditor(s).GreenLink and/or third-party auditor(s).

Sign required membership participation documents.Sign required membership participation documents. Remit membership fees in a timely manner.Remit membership fees in a timely manner. Assess and formally report management activities on Assess and formally report management activities on

at least a yearly basis.at least a yearly basis.

In SummaryIn Summary

If your clients are a good Land Stewards, you do not If your clients are a good Land Stewards, you do not mind paperwork, and you welcome peer review of mind paperwork, and you welcome peer review of your forest management, then FSC certification may your forest management, then FSC certification may be something to consider.be something to consider.

It seems to be the way the world is going and our It seems to be the way the world is going and our paper companies need to source more and more FSC paper companies need to source more and more FSC wood fiber in a region with little currently available.wood fiber in a region with little currently available.

GreenLink Forest Stewards or other FSC Groups GreenLink Forest Stewards or other FSC Groups offer a cost effective way to obtain FSC certification. offer a cost effective way to obtain FSC certification.

Documents

FSC Group Certification