Domtar Corporation and The Nature Conservancy recently announced that they have partnered to help private landowners maintain and sustainably manage their forested land through a program called Working Woodlands.
The Nature Conservancy will cooperate with Working Woodlands landowners to develop sustainable forest management plans that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council(TM), a nonprofit group devoted to ensuring the highest standards of responsible forest management. In addition to generating FSC(R) certified forest products, the certified lands are also managed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure that more carbon is stored in the forest.
The Conservancy then works with Blue Source, one of the world's leading greenhouse gas offset developers, to market and sell the landowners' forest carbon credits. In return, landowners agree to manage the forest sustainably for at least 60 years.
"Working Woodlands is an innovative approach to help forest owners manage their properties for ecological health, productivity and better economic return," said Lewis Fix, Domtar Vice-President, Brand Management and Sustainable Product Development. "The program marks the first time private landowners can gain access to markets that will help them sustain healthy, diverse, rich forests. We are excited to team with The Nature Conservancy and help show how proper forestry practices lead to sustainable and renewable paper and wood products that consumers can feel good about using."
