Public opposition to certain harvesting and forest management practices continues to grow and become more sophisticated. This opposition, which initially focused on the management of public lands, is now equally focused on private management practices. It is becoming increasingly apparent that only those landowners who apply environmentally and scientifically sound practices, and communicate these practices effectively to the public, will be able to manage forestland profitably in the future.

Concern with the present management of forestland has spawned a large number of "sustainable forestry" initiatives. Several private organizations have developed certification criteria which would be imposed on any landowner seeking certification from a "green" third-party organization. Using an alternative approach, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has developed a group of sustainable forestry principles. AF&PA member organizations are responsible for developing management plans which apply these principles to their individual operations. Regional, state and local initiatives too numerous to mention here have been implemented, are under development, or are being considered. Many of these initiatives call for independent verification of "compliance" or progress toward a set of goals.

Internationally, under the ISO 14000 series standards on environmental management, a set of certification standards for sustainable forestry management are under consideration. Further, at least five international processes, including the Helsinki and Montreal Processes, have established differing groups of criteria and indicators of sustainable forestry. Some of these processes may soon have the force of international treaty law. Clearly, those individuals and corporations seeking recognition for responsible land management practices face a growing number of complex performance standards.

Interforest offers a group of services to landowners to help make sense of these complex and changing stewardship initiatives:

• Preparation for third-party certification.
  Interforest can review current land management practices and describe what changes, if any, would likely be necessary to achieve certification from one or more of the existing certification organizations. Interforest's knowledge of the various certification processes, and its understanding of the range of forest management systems employed by landowners can be invaluable to those considering third party certification. Certification reviews are performed by Interforest on a purely confidential basis.

• Development and implementation of forest stewardship plans.
  These plans can be tailored to comply with principles or certification criteria developed by third parties. Alternatively, Interforest can help develop principles and plans specific to your values and objectives.

• Communication of management practices to the public and customers.
  The effective communication of forestry practices is becoming as important as the practices themselves. Senior consultants are available to assist in the development and implementation of communication plans as part of the stewardship planning services offered by Interforest. Interforest has significant experience in public relations issues associated with land management. In addition, the principals and senior consultants of Interforest have a high degree of credibility with the public and many environmental organizations. Where appropriate, Interforest professionals can participate in the presentation of stewardship plans and audit results to specific interest groups.

• Verification of compliance with forest stewardship plans.
  Interforest offers independent and informed assessments of management practices in relation to a specified stewardship plan or set of principles. A written report would be prepared summarizing client practices which exceed the specified stewardship objectives, areas which are deficient relative to the stewardship plan, and suggested changes to existing forestry operations.

These services are designed to allow the landowner to regain control of the management of their forestland in a responsible and publicly acceptable manner. Specific stewardship planning services can be tailored to the individual needs of your organization. For further information on the stewardship services available from Interforest, please contact one of our representatives.