Sustainability
An Obligation to the Environment
We have a moral obligation to care for the environment. This principle has guided us for more than a century. In fact, Port Blakely Tree Farms has set the standard for others to follow. Our research and engineering work on road building, maintenance, and water-quality protections helped shape regulatory standards in Washington State.
As part of our commitment, we have voluntarily entered into federal and state conservation agreements that enhance wildlife and fish habitat on over 55% of our forestland in Washington State. In addition, we support Washington's landmark Forests and Fish Law that protects salmon habitat and clean water on 60,000 miles of streams that flow through more than eight million acres of private forestland.
Sustainable Forestry Initiative
In 2002, our dedication to sustainable forestry was officially recognized when we earned a certification from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). An independent forestry certification system, SFI has identified 14 principles for sound forest stewardship in North America.
1. Sustainable Forestry
2. Forest Productivity and Health
3. Protection of Water Resources
4. Protection of Biological Diversity
5. Aesthetics and Recreation
6. Protection of Special Sites
7. Responsible Fiber Sourcing Practices in North America
8. Avoidance of Controversial Sources including Illegal Logging in Offshore Fiber Sourcing
9. Legal Compliance
10. Research
11. Training and Education
12. Public Involvement
13. Transparency
14. Continual Improvement
From these 14 principles, objectives and performance measures are identified and indicators of performance are defined. Businesses that participate in this program undergo annual third-party compliance audits.
See our 2010 SFI Audit Results. (PDF)
For more information visit www.sfiprogram.org.