Forest Certification

Forest Certification is a means of assuring and verifying that forest products are derived from an environmentally sound, sustainable sources. This certification is awarded by a process of third party, independent auditing programs that evaluate environmental, economic, and social aspects of land management.

Washburn County was awarded certificates of sustainability from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (certificate NSF-SFIS-1Y943-S1) and the Forest Stewardship Council (certificate SCS-FM/COC-083G-o) in 2005. Under these two separate programs, Washburn County has committed to the following:

1. Sustainable Forestry Principles – To practice sustainable forestry to meet the present needs of society without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their anticipated needs. In doing so, Washburn County will integrate the reforestation, managing, growing and harvesting of trees for forest products with the conservation of air and water quality, soil, ecosystem diversity, wildlife, recreation and aesthetics
2. Responsible Practices – To employ practices that are economically, environmentally and socially responsible.
3. Forest Health and Productivity – to protect forests from pests, diseases, wildfire and other damaging agents.
4. Unique Sites – To manage areas of biological, geographical, cultural or historical significance in such a way as to preserve their unique qualities.
5. Legal Compliance – to comply with applicable laws and regulations
6. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement – To continually seek improvement in the management of the Forest.