Responsible forest management is managing a living organism. The intention is that this organism shall continue to grow and live, not die or be damaged. However, there are challenges in being "green".

To help users, specifiers and purchasers locate forest products that are of a legal origin from a truly sustainably managed forest, a number of traceable processes have developed but it's a veritable jungle. Many of these certification plans have developed as alternatives to FSC, which, by some industry sectors, is regarded as being too stringent. FSC is the only certificate which is used and recognized worldwide. Refer to Newsletter - Vol. 1 - Feature Story: Growing Green.

The easiest way for the consumer to navigate through the reams of information is self-education. The article: Footprints in the Forest, February 2004 - compiled by FERN is a clear report on forest certifications.

Consider the reality when planning forest product purchases:

1. Seasonal Changes in Availability. Weather has a major influence on harvest; often limiting accessibility. Logging operations are now taking into consideration animal and bird breeding seasons.

2. Scarcity of the More Popular Species. Natural forest are typically a mix of species, and since only a certain percentage of any given species can be harvested, availability of the more popular can be limited.

3. Use of Lesser Known Species. With a natural mix of species in forests, and a decrease in harvest of the popular species, the lesser known species (LKS) become of interest; utilizing more species becomes invaluable to the harvester.

4. Delivery Times and Limited Stocks. Delays are common. Delivery time from forest to consumer does vary, and is often up to 8-10 months. As importers typically stock a significantly lower quantity of certified species, difficulties with supply should be expected.

5. Higher Prices. The economics of short supply of the 'less available' popular species translates into higher prices. Certified suppliers are caught between a rock and a hard place when buyers end up placing more emphasis on price over product.

To successfuly obtain forest products from a truly sustainably managed forest follow these three simple steps:

1. Plan well in advance.

2. Specify FSC-certified products.

3. Be flexible.