Forest certification is a way for a landowner to obtain independent 3rd-party documentation that their forestland is managed in such a way that ensures forest sustainability. Forest certification is a topic of increasing interest among forest landowners. Payments for ecosystem services (ex. carbon credits) and how timber is marketed may depend on whether the forest is certified and the certification process.

In 1998, at a conference in Montreal, the United Nations developed criteria and indicators by which sustainable forests could be independently verified, now known as the “Montreal Process.” These criteria included:

1. Conservation of biological diversity
2. Maintenance of productive capacity of forest systems
3. Maintenance of forest ecosystem health and viability
4. Conservation and maintenance of soil and water resources
5. Maintenance of forest contribution to global carbon cycles
6. Maintenance and enhancement of long-term multiple socioeconomic benefits to meet the
               needs of societies
7. Legal, institutional, and economic framework for forest conservation and sustainable
               management

Within each criterion are many indicators that can be measured to demonstrate trends for and against sustainability. Forest certification programs are based on these criteria and indicators. The two certification programs for family forest owners most accepted in the United States are the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) which is endorsed by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). ATFS is focused more on the certification of family forest land (usually smaller tract acreages), while SFI is more concerned with much larger acreages. Family forest land certified by ATFS is accepted by the SFI certification system. The FSC has a Family Forest Standard as well.

Because both standards used by ATFS and FSC were developed on the criteria and indicators of the Montreal Process, there are many similarities between the two. However, how each certification system interprets the criteria and indicators also reflects several differences. A comparison of the ATFS and FSC certification systems is outlined in the following table.

Click here to view Comparison of the ATFS and FSC Certification Systems

Although there are several differences between the certification systems of ATFS and FSC, and regardless of the system, the concept of a commitment to sustainable forestry is sound, particularly in a global marketplace where customers prefer independent verification of sustainable practices and development.

The process of certification involves contacting an accredited inspector who will review your forest management plan and walk your property to ensure that management activities correlate with the criteria and indicators of the certification system chosen. Proceed to the next section to determine how to get started.