The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) is working on-the-ground with local partners to expand ATFS certified forest acreage in North Carolina. Some of North Carolina’s preeminent forest companies have joined together to support the state’s sustainably managed family-owned forests.
The partnership comes at a critical time when threats to private forestland are growing. As much as 34 million acres of forestland could be lost in the United States during the next 50 years, according to a U.S. Forest Service assessment. These losses are projected to be the greatest in the South—as much as eight percent of the region’s forestland could disappear, primarily a result of increasing development and urbanization trends. The data is from the most current U.S. Forest Service Resources Planning Act Assessment.
Thanks to the contributions of the companies involved, an outreach campaign is now being conducted to inform Forest Stewardship Program participants about the opportunities and benefits associated with ATFS certification. Through ATFS certification, North Carolina’s family forest landowners are better recognized for their stewardship, both on-the-ground and in the marketplace. Tree Farm certification opens up market opportunities and resources to woodland owners, while the forest products industry gains more access to sustainably grown, certified fiber. Additional benefits to ATFS certification include invitations to landowner workshops, field tours, and webinars.
“The American Forest Foundation applauds the commitment of these partners,” said Tom Martin, President and CEO of the American Forest Foundation. “North Carolina’s forest products industry contributes 67,500 jobs to the economy. The expansion of the certified family forest base supports local jobs in the green economy and also serves as a source of sustainable local wood for building and other materials. This is a win for family forest owners, for our partners in the forest products sector, and for their customers who want more certified fiber.”
From The Digital Journal: https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1449866