FSC Family Forests Alliance - Recently Updated Pages

6. Engage American Tree Farm System

WarrenG — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:00:54 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 9

How this is important spreading certified Family Forests: ..............

Six-Month Goal: Discussions with American Forest Foundation and ATFS about opportunities to link efforts

Lead individual/organization: Katie Fernholz, Dovetail Partners

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)

R. Scott Berg

Strategy addresses what current barriers? Lack of links between FSC and other family forest efforts.

And/or builds on what opportunities? Expansion of controlled wood concept and application of controlled woods standard as an opportunity to engage family forest landowners.

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today?
…………..

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)?
…………….

To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?
By End of August 2007	Talk with ATFS about partnering on controlled wood opportunity. Also potential to participate in annual meeting – have Family Forest Alliance on the program	·Scott Berg	·
By End of 2007	explore memorandum of understanding with FSC-US	·	·
By Summer of 2008	·	·	·

Additional Action Plan Notes:

Family Forests Alliance Sets National Strategy

WarrenG — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:59:40 CDT

Welcome:

Forest certification is emerging as a tool for engaging more private landowners in stewardship. A July 19-21 planning meeting at The Johnson Foundation’s Wingspread Conference Center in Racine, Wisconsin focused on the potential for defining a common strategy for advancing family forest certification.

Through the links at the left, you are welcome to review the outline of the strategic plan that emerged through the discussions of the 38 conference attendees. And please let us know if you would like to contribute to this effort via the notice at the right or the contact below.

“Wingspread aims to convene stakeholders around the opportunities of sustainable business practices, responsible resource use, and conservation on private lands,” said Roger Dower, President of the Johnson Foundation.

The event, organized by the FSC Family Forests Alliance, brought together wood products companies, public agencies, non-profits, private interests, and landowner associations.

“This was an historic event for the FSC,” said Michael Conroy, consultant to the FSC International Center. “It brought together a strong interest and commitment from the industry with a common goal of increasing the supply of certified material from family forests.”

A key reason for holding the meeting was to respond to the demand for FSC certified paper and wood products, which is out-stripping supply in several markets.

“The organizing principle was to quickly and collaboratively advance the use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification as a tool for improving the management of private woodlands and bringing value to small forest landowners,” said Kathryn Fernholz, Secretariat for the Alliance and Executive Director of Dovetail Partners, a non-profit based in Minneapolis.

“It is in our long term interest to see that responsible forestry is happening on family forests, and this market demand offers a great opportunity,” said Craig Liska, Vice President of Sustainability for Verso Paper, the first Founding Sponsor of the FSC Family Forests Alliance.

The certification of family forests has been trailing certification on other ownerships for several reasons. With the growth in market demand, the conference participants recognize that investments are needed to overcome obstacles and build capacity.

“This lays the groundwork for the future participation of the small landowner in emerging markets, including ecosystem services,” said conference participant Karl Dalla Rosa, National Program Manager for the Forest Stewardship Program of the USDA Forest Service.

“We really haven’t had this level of interest and engagement in the past, and this window of opportunity may not come along very often. The FSC needs to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Scott Berg, Principal with R.S. Berg & Associates, Inc.

The national agenda resulting from the meeting forms the action plan of the FSC Family Forests Alliance. The plan includes work around communications, providing resources to support certification efforts, and helping support strategic efforts by the Forest Stewardship Council, including a standards revision process.

“The conference participants have defined the need and opportunity,” says Fernholz. “The input that we have been given from a national group of committed individuals is of immeasurable value to the Alliance, and this is the start of an exciting time.”

The FSC Family Forests Alliance has been created to provide a national mechanism for bringing together individuals and organizations committed to promoting responsible forest stewardship through FSC standards. By creating a forum for communication, cooperation, and information sharing, participants in the Alliance can pursue issues of common interest, learn from one another, and enlarge the community of landowners and small businesses practicing responsible forestry. For more information: http://www.familyforestsalliance.org

The Core Alliance Team

Katie Fernholz, Ian Hanna, Harry Groot, John Gunn, Alyx Perry, Don Arnosti, Paul Catzanaro & Warren Gaskill

1. Secure & Extend Value of FSC Family Forests Alliance

WarrenG — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 07:26:14 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 25 on this and related actions

How this is important spreading certified Family Forests: The FSC Family Forest Allaince emerged organically over the past year from groups and associations which have been working to extend certfied forestry to private woodland owners. In its development and through a key planning conference at the Johnson Foundation's Wingspread Center in July 2007, the value of this central organizing value was confirmed. A number of areas of action were identified that the Alliance can lead, while supporting and encouraging the work of the Forest Stewardship Council. In its formation, the Alliance has been supported by grants; to establish itself, it needs a stable stream of funding that recognizes its value. The Alliance also has opportunities to diversify its members and partnerships and to engage additional organizations and individuals who are stakeholders in family forest certification.

Two-Year Goal: Implement membership fee structure and growth plan for a stable revenue stream; build member & partner services, relationships and benefits.

Lead individual/organization: Katie Fernholz, Dovetail Partners

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)
- Alliance members and partners (existing and future)
- Sustainable Woods Network

Potential members/partners for the Alliance to engage:

Landowner groups
National Network of Forest Practitioners
Logger assocations
Buyer groups
Consumer campaigns
Hunting and fishing groups
Forest products industry members

And/or builds on what opportunities? Expanding market for FSC certified products and increased interest by private forest landowners in better on-the-ground practices.

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today?

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)? Financial strength (evaluate value/beneift). Expanded membership and partnerships (both formal and informal).
To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?

By End of 2007	Evaluate cost/benefit ratio	Impartial assessor
	Confirm Alliance membership categories and goals. Seek further funding opportunities	Alliance members and partners	·
By Summer of 2008	·Implement fee options Seek continuing funding opportunities.	·	·

Additional Action Plan Notes: Sustainable Woods Network. Already has capacity to accumulate reports on available certified pulp and other wood product availability from private woodland owner groups across US. Can broaden its reach and scope in concert with Alliance and its partners.

10. Engage Demand Side Partners of 'Pull' of FSC Family Forest Products

WarrenG — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 07:23:50 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 3

How this is important spreading certified Family Forests:.

Two-Year Goal: …….

Lead individual/organization:

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)

Southern Forest Network (engaged with Southeast groups)

Strategy addresses what current barriers? ………..

And/or builds on what opportunities?Success of demand campaigns; business community interest is sustainability policies; more opportunities to engage companies in mutually beneficial way

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today?Southeast- Dogwood Alliance making an increasing number of FSC-based "demands" in campaigns and working with FSC-US & Southern Forests Network to explore carbon market opportunities

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)? More demand campaigns include FSC sourcing agreements; increase in number of companies that adopt FSC sourcing policies

To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?
By End of August 2007	· Identify campaign groups	·	·
By End of 2007	· Engage campaign groups Assess potential campaign opportunities	·	·
By Summer of 2008	· Actively partnering with campaign groups	·	·

Additional Action Plan Notes:

9. Confirm Useful Group Management Certification Web Tool

WarrenG — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 07:21:47 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 3

How this is important spreading certified Family Forests: Make management and coordination of landowner certification detail much more efficient, saving time and money.

Two-Year Goal: Develop web-based system for group member management, record keeping, reporting & FMPs.

Lead individual/organization: ?????, ??????

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)

Peter Farrell, New England Forestry Consultants
Ian Hanna, Northwest Natural Resource Group
Southern Forest Network

Strategy addresses what current barriers? Group admin, landowner's burden

And/or builds on what opportunities?

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today? State management programs, Minnesota?

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)? Group staff time, landowner time, landowner evaluation, participation.

To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?
By End of August 2007	·Engage partners Fundrasing ID goals/needs	·Alliance	·
By End of 2007	·Draft for review & test Field test	·	·
By Summer of 2008	·Implemented Training	·	·

Additional Action Plan Notes:

8. Align Carbon Credit Market w/FSC

WarrenG — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 07:19:04 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 7

How this is important spreading certified Family Forests: Carbon credits has opportunity to provide a regular income to private family forest owners.

Two-Year Goal: Widespread use of combined assessment.

Lead individual/organization: Ian Hanna, Northwest Natural Resouce Group

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)

Southern Forests Network

Strategy addresses what current barriers? Unrealized carbon markets.
And/or builds on what opportunities? Enabling family forest owners to further profit from FSC certification.

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today?
Pacific Forest Trust

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)?
Landowner engagement, carbon sales

To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?
By End of August 2007	·Fundraising	·Northwest Natural Resource Group Smartwood TCNF	·
By End of 2007	·Pilot sale		·
By Summer of 2008	·Fully functional program.	·	·

Additional Action Plan Notes: Explore possibility of adding carbon credit information to Sustainable Woods Network reporting site (as an addition to other forest products from private woodland owners).

As the pilots develop, explore possibility of Alliance partner (e.g., the Pinchot Institute) writing up various carbon/cert joint assessment pilot experiences/lessons learned for Journal of Forestry or other publication.

7. Advance Area Group Certification Pilots

WarrenG — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 15:49:21 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 9

How this is important spreading certified Family Forests: Demonstrates feasibilty and flexibilty.

Two-Year Goal: Two pilots complted with certification results.

Lead individual/organization: Alan Haney, Wisconsin Family Forests

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)

Strategy addresses what current barriers? High costs to landowners; complex administration.

And/or builds on what opportunities? Community collaboration.

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today?
In Wisconsin with pilots in Door County and in the Baraboo Bluff, and with Stora Enso. And in Maine with small group project.

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)?
Certification; Number of landowner participants who opt in.

To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?
By End of August 2007	·Confirmation of pilots	·WI Family Forests; WI DNR	·
By End of 2007	·Complete pilots	·	·
By Summer of 2008	·Apply for certification.	·	·

Additional Action Plan Notes:

5. Establish FSC Regional Resource Forums

WarrenG — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 15:47:07 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 11

How this is important spreading certified Family Forests:

Two-Year Goal: Quarterly meetings & communication networks established in four regions of the country.

Lead individual/organization: Ian Hanna, Northwest Natural Resource Group

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)

Ryan Temple & National Community Forestry Business Alliance.

Southern Forest Network

Strategy addresses what current barriers? Supply chain communication

And/or builds on what opportunities? Inadequate communications with supply chains.

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today?
SFI state implementation meetings

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)?
# of forums, # of attendees

To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?
By End of August 2007	·Fast track Pacific Northwest Forum	·SNW	·
By End of 2007	·Identify 3 additional regions	·CFRC Dovetail TCNF SFN MN DNR WI DNR	·
By Summer of 2008	·Four Forums functioning	·	·

Additional Action Plan Notes:

4. Confirm Ramp-Up Plan for Post Standards Upgrade

WarrenG — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 15:45:53 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 14

How this is important spreading certified Family Forests: When the FSC Family Forest Standards are updated, there will be a strong, pent-up interest on a variety of partners to employ them. Confirming the plan now for this time is important for a efficient and effective ramp-up.

One-Year Goal: A Formal scoping by a certification body by mid 2008 (Pilot Testing of Revised Family Forest Standards)

Lead individual/organization: John Gunn, Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)

Verso Paper
SAPPI
NewPage
The Nature Conservancy
Maine Forest Service
WI DNR

Strategy addresses what current barriers? Inability to cost-effectively meet larger group certification needs.

And/or builds on what opportunities? Ability of FSC standards to meet large groups of private woodland owners.

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today?
…………..

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)? Uptake of FSC by "Supergroups"

To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?
By End of August 2007	·	·	·
By End of 2007	·Initial Meeting with Maine Forest Service, TCNF, and key industrial partners. Meeting would communicate other activities of the Alliance, discuss FSC Standards Revision Process, and the role the MFS could have during this process to identify potential barriers to certification.	·Verso Paper NewPage SAPPI Maine Forest Service	·
By Summer of 2008	Bring in support from state Chapter of TNC (facilitated by Fran Price) and other key ENGOs. Develop outreach strategy for "Super-groups", especially other states considering certification for their forest tax law programs.	·	·

Additional Action Plan Notes:

3. Proactive Communications w/ Key Partners

WarrenG — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 15:44:39 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 17

How this is important spreading certified Family Forests: There are many organizations concerned about status of FSC Family Forests Certification improvements. Communications to key players are important to let them know the work of the Alliance, results of the Wingspread planning and how they can be involved in the updates and benefit from them once done.

Two-Year Goal: …….

Lead individual/organization: Katie Fernholz, Dovetail Partners (on behalf of the Alliance)

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)

Warren Gaskill, Rapid Improvement Associates

Strategy addresses what current barriers? Ignorance of and misinformation about FSC certification. Lack of awareness of the activities of the Alliance and the potential impacts and benefits of FSC's Standards Review Process.

And/or builds on what opportunities? Widespread interest in forestry exemplified by FSC P&C.

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today?
…………..

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)?
Increased demand for group and Family Forest Certification. Adoption and application of the outcomes of the FSC's Standards Review Process, including by other national initiatives developing streamlined SLIMFs standards.

To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?
By End of August 2007	·Press release re Wingspread Conference	·Alliance core organizers	Target: 31 July 2007
By End of 2007	·continuing press releases highlighting successes of participating partners updates regarding FSC-US Family Forest Program developments and accomplishments	Alliance FSC-US	·
By Summer of 2008	information regarding the rollout of the FSC's Family Forst Program	·	·

Additional Action Plan Notes:

2b. Include Mixed Scale Groups in Standards

WarrenG — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 15:43:28 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 0

How this is important spreading certified Family Forests: Applies Family Forest Standards on small properties (<1000 hectares) within a group that also has large properties (>1000 hectares).

Two-Year Goal: Guidance on this issue included within FSC Family Forest Standards & Policies

Lead individual/organization:

FSC-US
FSC-IC
Standards Review Committee(s)

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)

Strategy addresses what current barriers? Applying SLIMF policies at the property level rather than the group level

And/or builds on what opportunities? Apply SLIMF benefits & standards on smaller properties in group.

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today?Columbia Forest Products, The Nature Conservancy (examples of groups with both small and large certified properties)

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)?
…………….

To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?
By End of August 2007	·Ties to completion of the Family Forest Standards process.	·	·
By End of 2007	·	·	·
By Summer of 2008	·	·	·

Additional Action Plan Notes:

2a. Mobilize Pulp Industry Support for Speeding Standards Upgrade

WarrenG — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 15:42:02 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 5

How this is important spreading certified Family Forests: Pulp industry is a key sector with a current high need for FSC certified fiber from private woodland owners. They have strong interest in getting this process up to speed quickly.

One-Year Goal:Implement support/benefits from pulp industry to FSC to get Family Forest Standards ratified in the short term.

Lead individual/organization:

Industry
Customers
Buyer Groups

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)

FSC Members (e.g., Economic Chamber)

Strategy addresses what current barriers? FSC process paralysis
And/or builds on what opportunities? Urgency in paper industry for near-term supply

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today? Controlled wood is model for FSC trying to address barriers in its standards and expand opportunities.

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)? Updated standards and documents are implemented.

To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?
By End of August 2007	·ID key paper industry partners. Inventory to assess potential pull.	·Current Alliance Members	·
By End of 2007	·Meeting with FSC economic chamber	·Appropriate FSC and paper industry players.	·
By Summer of 2008	·	·	·

Additional Action Plan Notes:

2. Expedite Improved Family Forest Indicators

WarrenG — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 15:40:41 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 21 on this & related actions

How this is important spreading certified Family Forests: Current standards are being revised by FSC-US to make the Family Forest Indicators more useful and their use less complex. The update is essential if there is any hope of extending FSC standards to significantly more private woodland owners across the country. Currently, it is not known just how long it will take to complete this upgrade. But there is an as yet unconfirmed estimate that $148,000 can get the task completed in four to six months.

Two-Year Goal: Increase number of groups that are FSC certified because functional Family Forests standards and guidance documents are in place and being used.

Lead individual/organization: Ian Hanna & Karen Steer, FSC-US Board , (Don/CFRC)

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)

FSC-US Board
FSC International
Jeff Campbell, Ford Foundation
Family Forests Alliance
Mark Adams, CCSFCo-op
Fran Price, TNC
WI DNR

Strategy addresses what current barriers? Cost, irrelevant indicators for FF; complexity.

And/or builds on what opportunities? Standards Review Process is already moving.

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today? American Tree Farm System, Wisconsin's Managed Forest Law, Community-Based Management Systems.

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)? Assessment/audit cost reduction; lower admin costs for groups; increase number of acres and landowners in FSC; success in supergroup adoption.

To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?
By End of August 2007	ID tech committee members Fund process to complete in 4-6 months (~$148,000) Follow up with Jeff Campbell re: funding for landowner/rural voices to participate (CFRC will do this)	·FSC US Family Forests Alliance Committed funders. State landowner service programs. Pulp industry in need of private woodland certified fiber.	·
By End of 2007	·Draft completed Submit proposed NTFP indicators Field testing planned	·FSC-US * CFRC/FFA	·
By Summer of 2008	·Field testing completed Stakeholder input Evaluate field test	·FSC-US Other industry, NGO groups	·

Additional Action Plan Notes:

1d. Develop Position Papers on Key Tools & Innovations

WarrenG — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 15:39:17 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 0

How this is important spreading certified Family Forests:

Two-Year Goal: The development of position and/or issue papers regarding key tools, innovations, barriers or opportunities related to the advancement of family forest certification.

Lead individual/organization: Katie Fernholz, Dovetail Partners (on behalf of the Alliance)

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)

Alliance partners

Strategy addresses what current barriers? Lack of process for initiating change and action to support key tools and innovations.

And/or builds on what opportunities? Informing others; spread of innovations.

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today?
FSC-US

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)? Position papers developed (e.g., addressing controlled wood status for complementary systems).

To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?
By End of August 2007		·	·
By End of 2007	· ·Draft position	· ATFS Green Tag (NWOA) Master Logger Industry FSC-US	·
By Summer of 2008	·Review & finalize	·	·

Additional Action Plan Notes:

1b. Complete MOU between FSC-US & Alliance

WarrenG — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 15:37:21 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 5

How this is important spreading certified Family Forests: The voice and role of the FSC Family Forests Alliance can serve as a central communications hub for working private woodland owner groups across the country, providing them with a variety of services and quickening their learning pace. The efforts of the Alliance can help support the broader efforts of the FSC-US. The development of a shared agreement regarding roles and responsibilities for the two entities would help maximize the mutual benefit.

One-Year Goal: Memorandum of understanding is complete.

Lead individual/organization: Katie Fernholz, Dovetail Partners (on behalf of the Alliance)

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)

FSC-US

Strategy addresses what current barriers? Absence of structural collaboration

And/or builds on what opportunities? Builds upon capacities of both organizations.

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today?
…………..

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)? Establishment of agreement.

To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?
By End of August 2007	·Discuss possibilities with directdor of FSC-US	·FSC-US Alliance	·
By End of 2007	·	·	·
By Summer of 2008	·	·	·

Additional Action Plan Notes:

1a. Web Available Resources for Group Certification

WarrenG — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 14:49:33 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 13

How this is important for spreading certified Family Forests: Captures best practices/lessons learned and makes available to many others.

Two-Year Goal: Develop links to existing materials (template management plans, monitoring guides, etc.) that can be made available at Alliance website. (Future work may include identifying gaps in existing materials and the development of new resources.)

Lead individual/organization:

FSC Family Forests Alliance

Dovetail Partners (web host)

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)

Alliance members and partners

Strategy addresses what current barriers? Lack of access to best practices information.

And/or builds on what opportunities? Alliance as a clearing house for best practices on group certficiation.

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today? Community Forestry Resource Center.

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)? Website resource center is up and running and regularly updated; Certification metrics; # of participants.

To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?
By End of August 2007	·Develop outline for website that can link to existing resources from established group certificate managers	·Dovetail Partners (web host) and Alliance Core Organizers	·31 Aug 2007
By End of 2007	·Establish website with existing resources and identify gaps in existing information	·Dovetail Partners (web host)	·31 Dec 2007
By Summer of 2008	·Identify opportunities to develop additional resources to address gaps	·Alliance members and partners	·1 June 2008

Additional Action Plan Notes: Dovetail Partners has incorporated these tasks into staff and intern work plans.

Photos from Wingspread

WarrenG — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 15:44:44 CDT

1. 2007 Farm Bill

WarrenG — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 14:45:04 CDT

Strategy Target: In the federal 2007 Farm Bill, strengthen support for financial incentives that effectively advance sustainable forestry practices among private woodland owners.

Highlights . . .

July 27, 2007: House passes Farm Bill legislation

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Democratic-controlled House passed legislation Friday that combines billions in aid for farmers with money for low-income nutrition programs, defying a veto threat from President Bush over the bill's largesse to crop producers.
The measure, passed on a vote of 231-191, devotes more money to conservation, renewable energy, nutrition and specialty crop programs than in the past but leaves in place -- and in some cases increases -- subsidies to producers of major crops such as corn and soybeans at a time of record-high prices. It reflected a delicate straddle for Democrats writing their first farm bill in a decade, who struggled to balance the needs of first-term, farm-state lawmakers against the demands of liberals seeking more money for environmental and nutrition programs.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the measure ''signals change and shows a new direction in our farm policy,'' but it fell well short of the changes many in her party had demanded.
''More needs to be done, but we have gone in the right direction for change and for reform,'' Pelosi said in a nearly 15-minute speech in which she defended her support for the measure, which has earned her barbs from some environmental and anti-hunger activists.
Democrats rallied around the bill, however, after debate turned bitterly partisan over a tax measure included to finance some $4 billion in food stamp and other nutrition programs. The plan would impose new taxes on certain multinational companies with U.S. subsidiaries.
Democrats said they were closing a loophole and cracking down on foreign tax-dodgers, while Republicans called it a massive tax hike that would affect manufacturers that provide millions of jobs in their districts. The spat sapped the farm bill of much of its customary bulletproof regional appeal, turning many rural Republicans against the measure.
All but 19 Republicans opposed it, leaving Democrats well short of the margin they would need to override a veto.
''This is an unprecedented move to use a farm bill as a vehicle to increase taxes,'' said Rep. Adam Putnam of Florida, the No. 3 Republican. ''We could have put the House imprint on the farm bill, and now it is veto bait, and that is a tragedy.'' The legislation aims to ban subsidies to farmers whose income averages more than $1 million a year, down from the current limit of $2.5 million. It also would stop farmers from collecting payments for multiple farm businesses. Still, it includes about $42 billion in assistance to farmers.
It came after Democrats quashed a rebellion from one of their own, Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., who teamed with conservative GOP budget hawks and urban and suburban Democrats on an amendment to wean farmers from government payments. It would have imposed stricter income limits on farmers, barring subsidies to those making an average of $250,000 or more annually, and would have steered more money to conservation, nutrition, specialty crop and rural development programs.
The amendment lost on a lopsided vote, but Pelosi credited it with creating the pressure to invest more farm bill resources in nontraditional programs. ''I had high hopes that this Congress -- given market conditions and our commitment to a new direction for this country -- would have the stomach to reform these outdated and unfair policies,'' Kind said in a statement. But he said his efforts had prompted increases for conservation and nutrition programs, and made ''some modest inroads'' on curbing subsidies.
It wasn't enough for some Democrats -- 14 of them joined Republicans in voting against the bill -- but that was a strong showing reflecting a last-minute scramble by party leaders to sweeten the measure for waverers.
They shored up nutrition funding and added $840 million for an international food aid program to earn the votes of anti-hunger activists including Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Mass. Black lawmakers including Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., were swayed by the inclusion of $100 million for settlement of Clinton administration racial discrimination claims by black farmers.
The overall measure was a huge victory for farmers, who got much of what they asked for in a year when they sometimes feared their priorities would be trumped by Democrats' talk of overhauling the way agricultural money is allocated. It includes a long-sought deal to require country-of-origin labeling for meats and other foods, breathing new life into a five-year-old law that has been delayed repeatedly by opposition from food retailers and meatpackers. The bill would soften penalties for violating the rule, which is to go into effect next year.
The tax provision posed a dilemma for many farm-state Republicans, who were loath to vote for what their party and the Bush administration derided as a tax increase but eager to support an agriculture bill championed by their farmers. Some, like Reps. Dennis Rehberg of Montana, and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, waited until the Democrats gained the votes necessary for passage to cast their votes in support of the bill. The day before, Rehberg said he strongly opposed the measure.
The measure also directs the Agriculture Department to investigate which estates have received payments on behalf of dead farmers and recoup the money. The department sent $1.1 billion in farm payments to more than 170,000 dead people over a seven-year period, congressional investigators reported this week. The current farm law expires Sept. 30. The Senate is due to begin its consideration of the legislation in September.

. . . & Reports from Around the Country

Establishment of the 'Forests in Farm Bill Coalition' that includes 24 organizations working to ensure that the 2007 Farm Bill 'recognizes private forests are part of the rural landscape' and that the Farm Bill 'improves the effectiveness of programs for private forest conservation and management' and increases resources for these programs.

The Forestland Enhancement Program monies have beenvery important in getting small landowners involved in active forest management.

The Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition has assembled a private lands working group that is focusing on the Farm Bill. I do not know of the specific work they are doing, but know that they are making progress and are well-organized.

Alabama -- The Alabama Forestry Commission has provided a grant to Alabama TREASURE FOREST Association Al A&M University over $300,000 to assist us in making sure landowners are provided with information to move them toward sustainable

Minnesota -- The Minnesota Governor's budget proposal calls for a $1.5 million appropriation for the Minnesota DNR to bolster its private forest management program. The funds would be evenly split between 1) increased staffing of the DNR field force, 2) contracts with consultants to prepare management plans, and 3) cost sharing of practices on private land.

Wisconsin -- know that our that the Wisconsin Division of Forestry has worked with the National Association of State Foresters to strengthen the 2007 Farm Bill.

The proposed language for the 2007 Farm Bill is a good start...coupled with heightened public interest in environmental issues/solutions, the sustainability approach is probably as well positioned as it has been in a long time!

2007 Farm Bill-CRP but there are so many attachments with the money that few are signing up

Congress passed new incentives for landowners to donate permanent conservation easements on working forest lands.

We are currently using Conservation Reserve Program dollars to do tree plantings of old agricultural fields. We are also using EQIP money to remove invasive species from our forested land. I am aware of the healthy forests Reserve Program, but not active.

Some of the titles in the Farm Bill should be helpful, particularly if we can open up some of the traditional 'agriculture' titles to forestry.

I am not familiar with this farm bill but there needs to be an easier way for small landowners to find out about what financial help is out there , from any source.

Continued advocacy by the Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition on this front (Pacific NW consortium of community forestry interests)

Availability of cost-share monies seems to encourage landowners to proceed with aspects of their management plans that they would not do on their own. In Iowa, sales of state nursery seedlings have dropped considerably as has federal forestry money.

Ontario has a Managed Forest Incentive Program that allows for tax relief. This is needed for woodlot owners to reduce the costs of owning and managing a sustainable forest.

The administration has proposed several program changes in Title II-Conservation that might be applicable to forest landowners. EQIP is one that has been modified, but it has a very poor track record of supporting forest landowners.

The farm bills in the past have fallen drastically short of providing outreach to private landowners with information or programs that help them learn about and manage their forest land. The 2007 farm bill should focus on programs that empower forest landowners to manage their forests.

The Administration's Farm Bill proposals call for forestry to become a greater part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by subsuming the Forest Land Enhancement Program into EQIP. Also there is a proposal for comprehensive statewide plans for private forests.

There's a concerted effort by a coalition of forestry interests to advance this objective in the '07 Farm Bill. Needless to say, it's a big challenge. Lots of discussion about EQIP and its use for forest lands.

Alliance Background

kfernholz — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:46:34 CDT

http://www.familyforestsalliance.org

The FSC Family Forests Alliance has been created to provide a national mechanism for bringing together individuals and organizations committed to promoting responsible forest stewardship through FSC standards. By creating a forum for communication, cooperation, and information sharing, participants in the Alliance can pursue issues of common interest, learn from one another, and enlarge the community of landowners and small businesses practicing responsible forestry. Alliance Organizers:

Blue Ridge Forest Cooperative, Christiansburg, VA
Community Forestry Resource Center, Minneapolis, MN
Dovetail Partners, Minneapolis, MN

Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative, South Deerfield, MA
Northwest Natural Resource Group, Port Townsend, WA
Southern Forests Network, Asheville, NC
Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands, Hebron, ME

The four primary purposes of the FSC Family Forests Alliance are to:

Advocate for FSC policies, public policies, and procurement policies that better serve FSC-certified family forests.
Operate as a forum to share information and strategies for successful models of certification, forest management, policy development, and market development.
Provide more visible networks and membership opportunities for family forest owners who feel underserved by existing forest management models and landowner organizations.
Work collaboratively to develop new resources and tools for group certification programs.

Alliance Partners:

Cook County Sustainable Forestry Cooperative
Eastern Ontario Model Forest
The Forest Guild
Harrop-Procter Community Forest
Masconomo Forestry
National Wildlife Federation, Northeast Natural Resource Center
Northwoods Forestry Cooperative
Residents' Committee to Protect the Adirondacks
Scientific Certification Systems
Rainforest Alliance, SmartWood
Sustainable Northwest
Sustainable Woods Network
Vermont Family Forests
Wisconsin Family Forests

Alliance partners are individuals or organizations that support the purposes of the Alliance and are currently involved with or pursuing the development of an FSC certification program for family forestowners.Benefits of being a partner include receiving notices and updates from the Alliance about issues related to family forest certification, an opportunity to contribute to the four purposes of the Alliance, and access to the other partners inthe Alliance as resources for solutions to certification's technical challenges. Alliance Sponsors:

Verso Paper, Founding Sponsor
Fox Foundation, Founding Sponsor
NewPage Corporation, Founding Sponsor
Ford Foundation
Flintridge Foundation
Potlatch Corporation
The Johnson Foundation
Stora Enso US

For more information about the FSC Family Forests Alliance and becoming a partner or sponsor, please contact: Kathryn Fernholz, Executive Director of Dovetail Partners and Secretariat for the FSC Family Forests Alliance, info@dovetailinc.org , 612-333-0430.

1c. Develop Case Studies of Family Forests Certification

kfernholz — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 10:53:37 CDT

Priority votes received by Wingspread participants: 4

How this is important spreading certified Family Forests:.

Two-Year Goal: Develop up to 10 case studies that provide examples of family forest certification models that can be replicated and enhanced. The case studies would be made available through the Alliance.

Lead individual/organization: Katie Fernholz, Dovetail Partners (on behalf of the Alliance)

Supporting Partners: (please add name if want to play active role on moving this strategy forward)

Alliance partners

Strategy addresses what current barriers? Lack of information about existing models.

And/or builds on what opportunities? Potential for replication

A few example(s) of where model or elements are being practiced well today? Community Forestry Resource Center; Sustainable Woods Network

Key measures to track (to know a change is an improvement)? Development and distribution of information made available on Alliance website.

To move it quickly forward (through a test or to spread to other early adopters):

	Key Next Steps?	Involves Who?	Date Complete?
By End of August 2007	Develop framework	- Dovetail Partners (on behalf of the Alliance)	·
By End of 2007	·Drafts of up to 10 case studies	·	·
By Summer of 2008	·Distribute case studies	·	·

Additional Action Plan Notes:

Include actual or links to templates of various documents, organizing, policies…Look for commonalities: How is it delivered? Who administers it & how? What’s the cost? What are the underlying policies driving the entity? What are the enabling factors in their success? What problems have they had? Organize case studies by defining characteristics that indicate which audiences may find them most relevant.
Dovetail Partners (on behalf of the Alliance) has added the tasks associated with this action plan to its workplan for staff and interns.