 |
|
|
|
Baxter State Park Land Applauded for Good Forest ManagementJuly 26, 2001 The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) announced today that more than 29,000 acres of forestland in Baxter State Park is SmartWood-certified for forest management that is an "outstanding model of sustainable forestry" and balances the needs of people and wildlife. Working with the Rainforest Alliance's SmartWood program, NWF performs forest certification assessments under the internationally-recognized Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) system in the northeastern United States. "The certification of Baxter demonstrates that its forestlands are managed to the highest standards of wildlife and forest conservation, while providing wood products for the people of Maine," said Eric Palola, NWF's Northeast Natural Resource Center director. "So many of Maine's forests are under siege from over-harvesting, fragmentation, or new development. Baxter State Park's commitment to sustainable forestry is a model from which all New England landowners can learn." Baxter State Park's 29,587-acre Scientific Forest Management Area was created by Governor Percival Baxter as an area "that will be available for both recreation and scientific forest management" and should be "a showplace for those interested in forestry...an example and inspiration to others." The forest management area comprises 14 percent of Baxter State Park's 204,733 acres, and its management is based on the trust notes that established the Park in 1955. The Park is held in trust for the people of the state of Maine. "Our forest management activities involve forest managers, harvesting contractors, biological researchers, and a volunteer advisory committee of forestry experts," said Jensen Bissell, resource manager at Baxter State Park's Scientific Forest Management Area. "All of these individuals are guided by the foresight and vision of Governor Baxter." "My great-uncle understood that there's no reason forest ecosystems can't maintain their biological diversity, supply recreational opportunities, and maintain a steady supply of timber products when managed in the right way," said Rupert White, grand-nephew to Gov. Baxter. "SmartWood certification tells us we're on the right track." The Scientific Forest Management Area had to meet more than 50 rigorous SmartWood program criteria, which are used to certify forests that are managed for long-term ecological, social, and economic health. For example, forest managers must show that they protect streams and wetlands and conserve fragile or uncommon wildlife, including endangered species, when undertaking management activities. NWF organized and led the four-member team of independent SmartWood auditors who spent a week assessing the Baxter's forest management activities through site visits, consultation with stakeholders familiar with the Park's forest management programs, and review of management plans and maps. "The Natural Resources Council of Maine congratulates Baxter State Park on its FSC certification as an outstanding model of sustainable forestry," said Council spokesperson Judy Berk. "This evaluation confirms that Baxter State Park's forest management protects water quality, provides Mainers with recreational opportunities, considers habitat needs for Northern Forest wildlife such as black bear, marten and moose, and still generates a significant wood harvest." The Council, Maine's leading state-wide environmental advocacy group, is a partner with NWF in promoting sustainable forestry. Back to Forestry News: Recent SmartWood Certifications. Read more about our sustainable forestry program.
|
