190 likes | 356 Views
SFI Implementation Committees. The Forest Certification Systems & Processes Joann Meyer Cox Georgia-Pacific Eastern Region Environmental Manager. Presentation Goals. SFI Program SFI Implementation Committees (SIC) structure, responsibilities & activities North Carolina’s SIC.
E N D
SFI Implementation Committees The Forest Certification Systems & Processes Joann Meyer Cox Georgia-Pacific Eastern Region Environmental Manager
Presentation Goals • SFI Program • SFI Implementation Committees (SIC) • structure, responsibilities & activities • North Carolina’s SIC
Comprehensive system of principles, objective, performance measures & indicators to promote the practice of sustainable forestry. Represents 84% of paper production 50% of solid wood production 85% of structural panel production & 90% of industrial US timberlands. SFISM Program
What are SFI Implementation Committees (SICs)? • Promote SFI Standard at the local level • Ensure on-the-ground progress • Key focus areas are: • Education & training • Quality control • Communications • Reporting
Who are members of SICs? Resource professionals from AF&PA member companies and SFIS Program Licensee Others – Other SIC members may be approved by SIC members.
Who are members of SICs? SFIS Supporters – Selected organizations or stakeholder groups such as: • Forestry Association • Tree Farm Committee • Association of Consulting Foresters • Forest Landowners Association • State Division of Forest Resource • School of Forest Resources • State University Forestry Extension
SICs Responsibilities • Guided by Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the AF&PA. • Operate as an overall planning and steering committee in accordance with SIC By-Laws. • May establish subcommittees to work on specific aspects of mandate(s) from AF&PA.
SIC Operations • Found in Canada and USA. • Established in 38 states and 4 Canadian Provinces. • Often sponsored by State Forestry associations.
SIC Financial & Budgeting • Assessment provides operating funds. • May solicit additional funding and in-kind support from other appropriate sources who are aligned with the Principles and Objectives of the SFI Program.
National SIC Highlights • Promote SFI program recognition. • Developed radio spots, advertisement & brochures, workshops and wood tours • Promote quality control. • Established state/province level processes to address complaints/allegations of inconsistent practices . • Support education & training programs for loggers, landowners & foresters.
North Carolina’s SIC • Diverse groups of resource professional. • Leaders from state agencies, landowner associations, educational community as well as AF&PA members. • Stand alone committee operating under the “umbrella” of the North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA).
NC’s SIC Membership • Each AF&PA member company and Licensee operating in North Carolina • SFI Supporters: • NCFA, NC Tree Farm Committee, NC Chapter of the Association of Consulting Foresters, NC Forest Landowners Association, NC Division of Forest Resources, NCSU- Dept. of Forestry & Forestry Extension.
NC SIC Highlights Quality Control - Inconsistent Practices • Process to investigate and respond to reports of alleged inconsistent practices. • Recently created & filled Inconsistent Practice Monitor position. • Currently devising campaign to announce, advertise and promote the process to forestry community & general public.
NC SIC Highlights Education & Training - NC “ProLogger” • SFI includes wood producer training on • awareness of SFI, BMPs, regeneration, forest resource conservation & aesthetics, awareness of responsibilities under Endangered Species Act & measures to protect wildlife habitat, logging safety, OSHA, transportation issues, business mgt., public policy and outreach.
NC SIC Highlights Education & Training - NC “ProLogger” • NCFA established logger training program in 1993 - ProLogger. • Collaborated w/ NCFA to add a continuing education requirement with emphasis on water quality issues. • First 3-hr teleconference reached 230 individuals in 12 sites in western NC.
NC SIC Highlights Landowner Assistance Programs • SFI encourages two key messages. • Seek professional assistance to help manage forest. • Apply principles of sustainable forest management on their lands.
NC SIC Highlights Landowner Assistance Programs • Recently sanctioned • Facilitate creation of a County level landowner club • Wilkes County pilot project • Utilize an inter-agency planning group that develops a sustained forestry program tailored to meet needs of County landowners.
NC SIC Summary Common thread that unites the committee • Concern for the promotion and practice of sustainable forestry. Provides leadership and involves wide range of stakeholders to help expand responsible forest stewardship.