Forest Certification
The FSC promotes
responsible forest management globally by certifying forest products
that meet the most rigorous standards in the world. The organization
brings industry, environmentalists, and community groups together to
promote practical solutions that meet its diverse stakeholders? needs.
The organization was founded in 1993 by environmental groups, the
timber industry, foresters, indigenous peoples and community groups from
25 countries.
The FSC in the United States is backed by 14 major environmental organizations (the Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, Sierra Club and others) and by major businesses (Home Depot, Lowes, Anderson Windows).
The FSC standards encourage environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests. FSC's Principles and Criteria are the basis for defining responsible forestry and for evaluating and accrediting certifiers.
Consumers purchasing products bearing the FSC label can be assured that their wood product comes from a forest that has been responsibly managed to FSC standards.
The FSC US office is located in Washington, D.C, and has a national presence through the work of its volunteer board with three representatives each from the economic, social and environmental chambers. It also works through its regional standards coordinators, and FSC members located throughout the U.S.
Swanton Pacific Ranch periodically contacts SCS by phone or e-mail to inform the certifier of disputes over tenure and use rights keeping the certifier updated on any resolutions or agreements that have been made.