Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 2 : Fall 2010 | Page 31

many years. Along with 19 other landowners and several
other Wood Processing and Corporate members, resources
are provided to address important forest sustainability
issues in the State. An advisory board determines the most
important priorities to be addressed. Some of the specific
areas of research pursued in the past few years include:

•Assessing biodiversity contribution of

watercourse zones

•Assessing risk and impact of future spruce

budworm outbreaks in Maine forests

•Strategies for improving hardwood regeneration

•Pine marten habitat

•Studying relationships between Snowshoe hare,

lynx and forest harvesting

•Monitoring headwater stream temperatures

in areas where harvesting has been

conducted

Every year the company’s forest practices
are audited by independent experts in
accordance with the 75 criteria of the
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). This
is an independent forest certification
program that measures responsible
forest management. The SFI seal of
approval certifies that forest lands are
promptly re-generated and measures
are taken to protect water quality,
wildlife habitat, and species at
risk.

ployees

Irving Em

FALL & WINTER 09 Growing Commitment 29