# Sustainability Conference Focuses FSC Forests plus Forest Products

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/11/sustainability-conference-focuses-fsc-forests-plus-forest-products/
- Published: 2012-11-26T16:07:39-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Old Fort, NC, October, 2012 – Participants in the Southeast Regional Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC®) Meeting gathered in Atlanta in October to discuss markets, forest
products, and forestland issues representing a broad array of stakeholder backgrounds.
The sustainability of forests and forest products were a primary focus of the 25
speakers who addressed a crowd of around 140 people. Some speakers detailed commitments
of their companies to address environmental concerns relating to their products 
and supply chains. Others spoke to supply, demand, and growth issues pertaining 
to “green” products. FSC standards and changing markets were also addressed.

On day two, participants including members from the World Wildlife Fund’s Global
Forest Trade Network, and individuals from Singapore, Portugal, and the United Kingdom,
traveled to the western North Carolina Mountains to tour forestland belonging to
former Congressman Charles Taylor. Taylor owns 351 acres of mixed yellow poplar 
and oak forest. The tour highlighted FSC forest management on a small, privately
held hardwood forest. Columbia Forest Products wrote the management plan for this
property and the timberland is managed by Columbia under FSC guidelines.

Even though the yellow poplar stand was recently harvested, the group enjoyed a 
walk through a forested landscape and witnessed how nature is already growing new
trees without having to plant them. The tour continued through a streamside management
zone where water quality is the highest management concern. The ridgetops are mostly
left intact to create a viewshed buffer to maintain aesthetics of mountains that
are visible for miles. The tour walked along skid roads that have been improved 
for access, or have been re-vegetated and closed off to vehicles. 

The primary management goals on Taylor’s property are to generate revenue by growing
timber; continue to improve the quality of the residual stand; and to maintain healthy,
vigorous forests that are more resistant to insects and wildfire. By managing forests
using the FSC guidelines, Taylor is also placing emphasis on water quality, wildlife
habitat, and keeping the landscape forested for generations to come.

Overall, Taylor’s property demonstrates that managing hardwood trees to generate
revenue can be accomplished while still maintaining forest cover and protecting 
the other values of the forest. In a few more years, the forest will be able to 
provide more trees for [sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/01/forest-friendly-wood/)
wood products, and again, and again. And if anyone wanders onto Taylor’s property,
tucked deep into the mountains, they will discover a forest where man and nature
work to sustain each other.

For more information about FSC or forest management plans for landowners contact
[cfpmarketing@cfpwood.com](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/11/sustainability-conference-focuses-fsc-forests-plus-forest-products/cfpmarketing@cfpwood.com).

Website address: [www.columbiaforestproducts.com/Landowners](https://www.columbiaforestproducts.com/resources/forestry/resources-for-landowners/)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
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