Forest Certification

  • Michigan's state forests are sustainably

    Michigan’s state forests are sustainably and responsibly managed: two independent organizations say so. Forest certification is a means for evaluating and confirming the quality of forest management against sets of agreed-upon standards. It also involves tracking and labeling wood-based and non-timber forest products, and assuring consumers these products come from responsibly managed sources.

    The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) have standards to help ensure forests are managed responsibly for present and future generations. Both standards require continuous improvement in forest management while protecting the environment and providing social and economic benefits. 

    FSC logo

     
  • Acres certified in Michigan
  • Forest Management Certificates

  • How it works (audit process):

    Every year, auditors from FSC and SFI visit the state forest and evaluate on-the-ground activities such as cutting, planting and burning. They interview DNR staff and asses our management activities against the two separate certification standards. If we’re not measuring up, they will issue corrective action requests to bring the practices into conformance with the standards. 

    Every five years, FSC and SFI conduct more comprehensive audits to renew our certification.

    We also audit ourselves annually to ensure that our practices are in accordance with our policies and procedures - and therefore the certification standards - and that we are committed to improving our forest management.

  • Learn more about forest management
  • Areas with high conservation values
  • Audit Results
  • Monitoring Reports
  • Sustainable Forestry Research PDF icon

  • How can you help?

    When you buy a forest product – whether it’s lumber, paper or napkins – look for the FSC or the SFI logo to ensure it comes from a responsibly managed forest. Chain-of-custody certification tracks the wood all the way from the forest to you. When you buy chain-of-custody certified wood products, you’re using a renewable resource and rewarding responsible forest practices. 

  • Inconsistent Practices Hotline

    If you believe our forest management practices are not consistent with responsible forest management, please call 1-800-474-1718 to report your concerns.

    If you have questions about forest certification, please contact kintighk@michigan.gov.