An article in today’s Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce mentions the “green certification” that DNR earned for its management of about 145,000 acres of forestland. The certification by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) essentially tripled the amount of FSC-certified acres in Washington. Timber and other products with that designation must be harvested in a way that balances the biodiversity and ecological processes of the forest with productivity. Another third-party, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, certifies all of the 2.1 million acres of DNR-managed forested state lands on both sides of the Cascades.
As more consumers seek out certified lumber products, “green certification” can open new markets for DNR’s timber purchasers. In a Seattle Times column a couple of years ago, the Seattle Audubon Society and Washington Environmental Council explain the benefits of the FSC designation and urge DNR to apply for additional acres.
DNR manages about 3 million acres (about 2 million in forest) to raise revenue for state trust beneficiaries, including construction of public schools and universities.
