The DNR Division of Forestry was recently re-certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) for its forest-industry chain of custody program, a designation it’s earned every year since 2009.
This program, which assists small businesses, allows manufacturers of wood products to guarantee to their customers that the wood use in making cabinets, furniture, moldings, veneers and other products was harvested sustainably. It also means that, by controlling the chain of custody of the timber, the producer verifies that only certified wood has entered the manufacturing process.
“Without the option of group certification, such as Indiana DNR’s, the challenges to obtaining individual certification may be too burdensome, and as a result, such companies would not be able to provide their customers with certified wood, said Tom Stodola, FCS auditor. “A few other states also offer group certification but none is as large as Indiana DNR’s.”
In 2017, $15 million of wood product was certified through this program.
It is the policy of DNR Forestry and all members of the FSC Group Chain-of-Custody Certificate to avoid using wood:
- From forest areas where traditional or civil rights are violated.
- From forest areas where high conservation values are threatened by management activities.
- From forests in which genetically modified trees are planted.
- That has been harvested illegally.
- That has been harvested from areas that have been converted from natural forest to plantations or non-forest uses.
“DNR is pleased to have earned this re-certification regarding our sustainable forestry practices,” said DNR director Cameron Clark. “We are committed to standards and practices that will ensure future generations of Hoosiers they will be able to enjoy our natural resources.”
The Indiana hardwood industry ships $7 billion worth of product and represents 2.4 percent of Indiana’s Gross Domestic Product. It is one of the largest agriculture sectors in the state. (FSC license code FSC-C002017).
Click here to read the audit report.