Forest landowners in the South Sound have a new resource for learning about sustainable forest management and methods for diversifying income.  Landowners can receive a free on-site consultation to learn about Northwest Certified Forestry, a program of the Northwest Natural Resource Group, a conservation and rural economic development organization.

Northwest Certified Forestry is offering consultations to small woodland owners who own forestland within 60 miles of Olympia.  The site visits are intended to help landowners answer basic forest management questions and learn how membership in Northwest Certified Forestry can benefit them.

"We realize there are a lot of folks out there who own small amounts of forestland who have questions about improving wildlife habitat, marketing their forest products, forest certification, and carbon credits," said Denise Pranger, Executive Director for the Northwest Natural Resource Group.  "One of our strengths is our ability to connect landowners to the information and resources they need to optimally manage their land."

About Northwest Certified Forestry
Northwest Certified Forestry is a regional membership program that helps forest landowners optimize the income potential of conservation-based forestry.  NCF's membership is characterized by landowners who are pursuing innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to forest management.

Northwest Certified Forestry also helps landowners market their wood products to a quickly growing network of local wood products manufacturers and lumberyards that specialize in locally produced forest products that are certified to the high standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

"The green building industry is rapidly expanding in both the residential and commercial sectors," said Ian Hanna, Program Director for Northwest Certified Forestry.  "Architects and builders are increasingly seeking FSC certified wood products for their green-built homes and buildings.  One of Northwest Certified Forestry's core goals is to help supply wood products from local FSC certified small woodland owners."

Free Consultation Offer
Landowners who own more than 20 acres of forestland within 60 miles of Olympia can contact Northwest Certified Forestry's South Sound office to request a free consultation.

NCF's South Sound Director, Kirk Hanson, will meet with landowners at their property to discuss NCF's suite of services which include: FSC certification, forest products marketing, forest management planning, identifying government and non-government conservation funding sources, referrals to high quality consulting foresters and loggers, and carbon credit market development.  Kirk can also answer landowners’ general forest management questions.

To arrange a free site visit, contact Kirk Hanson at: 360-316-9317, or by e-mail at kirk@nnrg.org. For more program information, visit the website at www.nnrg.org.