Midhurst/ August 11, 2010 – The County of Simcoe has attained Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, recognizing that the management of Ontario’s largest municipally-owned forest system meets the highest international standard.
FSC certification acknowledges conscientious land stewardship through the independent evaluation of forestry practices around the world.
“On behalf of Council, I congratulate our Forestry staff on this significant achievement,” stated County Warden Cal Patterson. “By attaining FSC Certification we are confirming to the public that our forest management practices achieve the highest possible standard and we are ensuring that the County will have continued access to all available markets for timber sales.”
Forestry staff initiated the certification process in April, 2010. The extensive review included three days of field audits, consultations with stakeholders and a public open house. The assessment report presents findings of an independent team of specialists representing the SmartWood Program of the Rainforest Alliance. Results confirm that the ecological, economic and social performance of the County’s forest management system meet the rigorous criteria established by the Forest Stewardship Council.
During the past six months, auditors interviewed staff, forest users, provincial government representatives,loggers, environmentalists and foresters. They also visited over 25 different forest tracts.
“Simcoe County has recognized the importance of healthy woodlands for decades and is regarded as a leader in municipal forestry,” stated County Forester Graeme Davis. “We are proud of our achievements and FSC certification is confirmation that we are doing a good job.”
Most of which were once considered ‘wastelands’, Simcoe County Forests today span over 30,000 acres with tracts ranging in size from seven to 3,500 acres. They provide a multitude of benefits including protection of wildlife habitat and water resources, public education and recreation, scientific research and revenue from timber sales.
In order to maintain forest health, improve timber values and achieve other objectives for the County Forests, approximately 1200 to 1500 acres are thinned annually. Each forest area identified in the operating plan is assessed by Forestry staff and treated according to good forestry practices. Timber identified for removal is sold to the highest bidder, resulting in revenues which are reinvested in forestry operations and the acquisition of additional forest lands. Further, much of the timber is processed locally which contributes to the local economy.
FSC acknowledges good forest managers around the world and has grown to include over 35 million hectares worldwide. Certification allows the County to use the FSC logo, an internationally recognized symbol that identifies the highest environmental and social standards for forest management. The County’s FSC License Code is FSC-C013174.
The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
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