Iisaak recently became the first Tree Farm License in British Columbia to be certified to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards .   First Nations majority ownership combined with the implementation of the Clayoquot Sound Scientific Panel recommendations and the support of environmental groups and the local communities within the context of UNESCO’s newest Biosphere reserve make Iisaak a truly unique forest tenure holder.  These unique qualities will serve to set a precedent for a new model of forest management locally, regionally and internationally.  

 FSC Trademark © 1996  Forest Stewardship Council A.C. Certification Registration Code: 

SW -FM/COC-146

What is Forest Stewardship Council Certification?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit, independent and internationally recognized organization that accredits and monitors independent forest product certifiers.  FSC assures consumers that certification labels are consistent and reliable, and that practices adhere to an international set of principles as well as locally developed forest management standards.   

What’s the difference between FSC and other types of certification?  

FSC certification is conducted by independent, credible, non-governmental organizations.  Accreditation ensures that certifiers are independent from the timber trade, that they are qualified to make accurate forest assessments, their standards are consistent with international principles, and their assessments are conducted in a reliable and consistent manner.  For more information about the Forest Stewardship Council and its 10 Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Forest Management visit their Website at:

http://www.fscoax.org/principal.htm  

Who is SmartWood?  

Iisaak has contracted SmartWood to certify the management of Tree Farm License 57.  SmartWood is an independent, non-governmental organization accredited by  FSC as a forest management certification body.   SmartWood is experienced in certifying forest management practices in tropical, temperate, and boreal forest types according to the FSC 10 Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Forest Management.  

Why buy FSC certified wood?  

Forest certification is a voluntary, market driven, conservation strategy designed to allow consumers to distinguish timber products produced by sustainable, socially acceptable forest practices.

The FSC logo provides consumers with the assurance that the wood they use comes from forests that are managed in a way that protects forest ecosystems, recreation values, water quality, wildlife habitat and other values in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. By buying FSC certified wood products consumers can choose to support companies who practice careful forest management.  

“Certified forests are among the best managed forests on earth.”

Conservation-based forestry is also designed to meet local and global social and economic needs.  In order to achieve these goals, Iisaak will maximize the value of the timber harvested rather than the volume.  

Iisaak expects to achieve a greater return on its products in recognition of high standards and enhanced resource protection.  Through the protection of the forest resource Iisaak will develop opportunities for markets in:

• botanical forest products

• under valued species

• carbon

• biodiversity

• eco-tourism

• recreation

Iisaak is currently developing opportunities for investment in environmental values such as carbon and biodiversity to support our conservation efforts.