Nationally, companies such as Home Depot and Lowe's have stated preferences for FSC-certified wood. However, there is currently not enough supply to meet demand. This is where DNR and the 1.2 million acres that were recently assessed come into the picture. By becoming FSC-certified, DNR can stimulate new markets here in Washington state, multiplying benefits among local communities and manufacturers. In doing so, Washington will join New York, Pennsylvania and Minnesota as states that promote healthy forests, prosperous communities and robust markets through FSC-certification.
True sustainability requires measured steps along carefully chosen pathways.
The state of Washington has embarked upon one such path and now has the opportunity to seize a leadership role and define the direction of this statewide issue. By agreeing to meet the conditions of FSC certification, the state can take a positive step toward forest management that supports sustainability. David Ford is the president and CEO of the Certified Forest Products Council, a nonprofit organization that works to conserve, protect and restore the world's forests by promoting responsible forest products buying practices.