When forest certification programs were first developing their standards, some of the leading forestry issues and concerns included chemical use, genetically modified organisms, endangered species, and clear cutting.    In recognition of these issues, each program made a concerted effort to ensure their standard offered guidance on addressing these concerns.   Many of these issues continue to be important, but over the years, new issues have also arisen.  

In 2003, the USDA Forest Service identified the “Four threats to the health of the nation's forests and grasslands [1] .”  The Four Threats identified by the USDA Forest Services are: Fire and Fuels, Invasive Species, Loss of Open Space, and Unmanaged Recreation. So, how well do the certification standards address the leading forestry issues land managers currently face in the United States?  

This Dovetail Report reviews the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Regional Standard for the Lake States-Central Hardwoods, [2] and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) 2005-2009 Standard in relation to these forest management priorities identified by the Forest Service for the forestlands of the United States. 

[1] http://www.fs.fed.us/projects/four-threats/index.shtml

[2] The FSC Lakes States-Central Hardwoods Standard applies to Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Kathryn has a B.S. degree in Forest Resources from the University of Minnesota and also studied at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, MN and Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Alaska.