by Scott Davis, EOMF
Through the Forest Certification Program of the Eastern Ontario Model Forest, Renfrew County Forest has recently achieved Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification through SmartWood, an independent auditor. The FSC is an international, membership-based, non-profit organization that supports environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests.
Mark Richardson, General Manager of the EOMF outlined the importance of the certification: “Renfrew County Forest has a high use rate and is a forest that has many values – such values range from timber production and recreational enjoyment to hunting opportunities and nature appreciation for local residents. The Renfrew County Forest certification will complement a strong network of existing certified forests forming on the landscape of eastern Ontario.”
Renfrew County Forest is a 6,400 hectare county owned forest comprised of 51 tracts that include wetlands, natural forest, and a network of managed plantations. In 2000, Renfrew County took full responsibility for managing the forest through the Development and Property Department.
The County’s goal for the forest is to maintain a “working forest” that is managed properly to provide economic, social and recreational benefits to the residents of Renfrew County. Renfrew County Forestry Manager Jeff Muzzi views the County Forest certification as an important tool to implement sustainable forest management. ”Independent international standards are accountable and ensure credible forest management activities for the residents of the County. We felt it was important to demonstrate that Renfrew County Forest was being managed to a world class standard and could provide FSC certified wood to local mills that might lead to marketing opportunities for these facilities”.
For more information on the EOMF forest certification Program contact Scott Davis at (613) 258-8422 or sdavis@eomf.on.ca.
The recent Renfrew County Forest certification strengthens the network of certified forests in eastern Ontario. The EOMF certificate also includes two groups of private landowners, community forests and urban forests totaling nearly 40,000 hectares. The EOMF views this program as a framework that can be transferred and adopted to other parts of Ontario with similar landscapes.