Tembec’s five-million-acre forest certification is the largest in Canadian history

Approximately four times the size of Prince Edward Island province, the Gordon Cosens Forest is the largest FSC-certified forest in Canada, one of the largest in the world, and the first boreal (northern) forest to be certified in North America. This forest is located in the clay belt of North Eastern Ontario, a region dominated by extensive publicly-owned black spruce forests. It is managed by Tembec under a Sustainable Forest License granted by the Government of Ontario.

“In January 2001, Tembec and World Wildlife Fund Canada signed an historic accord addressing sustainable forest management. I am extremely pleased to report that we are moving toward the achievement of our common goal,” said Tembec’s President and CEO, Frank A. Dottori. “Certifying the Gordon Cosens Forest, a five-million acre public land, is a remarkable accomplishment, but it is just the beginning. By 2005, Tembec intends to obtain certification of all 32 million acres of Canadian forest under its management. In doing so, Tembec is going beyond regulatory requirements and is making a significant contribution toward protected spaces and the advancement of forest management practices.”

The Gordon Cosens audits were conducted by the SmartWood program of the Rainforest Alliance, which to date has certified 20 million acres of forests and agricultural crops worldwide. SmartWood evaluated Gordon Cosens Forest management against more than 150 criteria developed in Northern Ontario by environmental, Aboriginal, business and community stakeholders. Many forest users were interviewed or completed surveys as well. “FSC brings key players to the table, giving them a voice to find solutions. Tembec will continue to dialogue with environmental groups, First Nations and other stakeholders country-wide to find common ground on forest issues such as protection of endangered forests, aboriginal rights and forestry practices,” said Dottori.

To obtain certification of the Gordon Cosens Forest, Tembec underwent an in-depth audit to prove that practices maintained in that forest meet FSC’s high standards for environmental protection and social responsibility. The FSC certificate now allows Tembec to use the FSC logo on products derived from the Gordon Cosens Forest. A growing number of major retailers such as Home Depot and IKEA give preference to products bearing this endorsement.

“Tembec’s certificate is an exemplary win-win situation for both the forest and business,” said Monte Hummel, President, World Wildlife Fund Canada. “Consumers around the world increasingly want to be assured that the products they buy have the least possible impact on the environment. The Gordon Cosens Forest certification will generate a range of FSC-certified wood and paper products allowing consumers to make an environmentally-friendly choice. Tembec is making good on a ground-breaking commitment to change the way forestry is practiced in Canada today. Its 32-million acre pledge will bring WWF closer to its goal of 75 million FSC-certified acres by 2005.”

“We congratulate the staff and management of Tembec on achieving FSC certification,” said Jerry Ouellette, Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources. “Our government is committed to the highest standards in sustainable forestry, ensuring our forests are here for now and future generations.”

In pursuing FSC certification, Tembec has worked with Wildlands League, a chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society to define its commitments to improving boreal forestry. “Tembec’s commitment to progressive forestry is a significant development in forest conservation,” said Chris Henschel, Director of the Forests Program at Wildlands League. “This commitment is a challenge and an example to other companies and to governments in Canada. Forestry and conservation are both achievable.”

Several facilities including Columbia Forest Products’ plywood mill in Hearst, Tembec’s softwood lumber sawmills in Kapuskasing, Opasatika and Hearst, and Tembec’s newsprint mill in Kapuskasing use wood fibre from the Gordon Cosens Forest. The Company committed to the FSC system because it is supported by Aboriginal people, environmental groups, labour unions and business. Tembec’s list of FSC-certified products already include hardwood flooring and paperboard, but with the FSC certification of the Gordon Cosens Forest, it will also soon include lumber and newsprint as well. “Tembec’s customers can be assured that the products they buy from us are the results of good forest management and practices,” added Mr. Dottori.

“This is a watershed event for Tembec, SmartWood and the Forest Stewardship Council,” said Robert Beer, Director of SmartWood. “It represents tangible proof that Tembec is committed to responsible forest management, demonstrating its stewardship by undergoing an FSC assessment process that is transparent and public, subject to review by all interested stakeholders. We know this certification will attract attention because Tembec is a leader in changing the way large industrial companies manage their forest resources.”