GOVERNOR STRICKLAND AUTHORIZES CERTIFICATION FOR OHIO'S STATE FORESTS

COLUMBUS, OH - Governor Ted Strickland recently directed the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to begin the process of attaining third-party certification for Ohio's state forests, assuring the continued health of these woodlands while recognizing them as management models for the state's nearly 400,000 woodland owners.

"Since the early 1900s when our state first set aside land for the perpetual growing and harvesting of trees, state forests have provided unique recreational activities, as well as great beauty," Strickland said. "Our 20 state forests represent a great conservation story and we are working to further secure their future by affirming their good management through a third party certification process."

The ODNR Division of Forestry will seek certification through two internationally recognized organizations - the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The SFI integrates principles of environmental protection, while the FSC promotes responsible forest stewardship worldwide.

Third-party certification involves an audit process of current management practices and provides guidelines for internationally recognized standards of forest sustainability.

"We are confident that our historic and current forest management practices already comply with most standards of forest certification," said David Lytle, state forester and chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. "By attaining certification, however, we can demonstrate to Ohioans that our management approach meets or exceeds a rigorous set of standards, and that the Division is committed to conserving Ohio's forest resources for current and future generations. In addition, this new approach will allow the Division to look more closely at outcomes of forest management not only in the 20 individual state forests, but across the entire state forest system, as well."

An additional benefit of state forest certification is that it will provide greater access to third-party certified timber for the state's $15 billion wood products industry. Increasing the local supply of certified wood products will help Ohio's industry remain competitive as the global demand for wood from sustainably managed forests grows.

The harvesting, milling and manufacture of wood into paper, furniture and wood products employs more than 119,000 Ohioans and contributes $15 billion to the state's economy. Forest-based tourism and recreation create countless more jobs, add millions of dollars to the state's economy and enhances its overall quality of life.

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For Additional Information Contact:
Andy Ware, ODNR Division of Forestry
(614) 265-1089