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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE POTLATCH RECEIVES 'WELL-MANAGED' CERTIFICATION OF IDAHO FORESTLANDS UNDER FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL PROGRAM Scientific Certification Systems completes multi-year evaluation of 670,000 acres of industrial forestlands for 'good wood' designation. SPOKANE, WASHINGTON, April 21, 2004 --/WORLD-WIRE/-- Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) and the Forest Stewardship Council-US (FSC) today announced that it has certified 670,000 acres of industrial forestlands owned by Potlatch Corporation located near Lewiston, Idaho. Certification was granted according to FSC's international rules for well-managed forests. Potlatch's lumber mills within the resource management area will also receive 'chain-of-custody' certification, ensuring that the certified wood can be tracked throughout the handling process. The evaluation team determined that Potlatch manages its Idaho forestlands on a sustained yield basis, and also has an active program for identifying and conserving areas that have special values such as old growth forests, rare plants, and culturally important sites. "Our company regards third-party certification of our management practices as a public demonstration of our long-standing commitment to managing our forestlands and their various resources to assure their sustainability for future generations," noted L. Pendleton Siegel, Chairman and CEO of Potlatch. "FSC certification also contributes significantly to our company's strategy of employing third-party certification to improve company earnings and add to shareholder value," he added. "We are extremely pleased that Potlatch has decided to obtain FSC certification of its forest holdings," said Roger Dower, President FSC-US. "By making this decision, Potlatch has established itself as a leader in responsible industrial forest Potlatch Achieves FSC Certification of Idaho Forestlands management. We look forward to Potlatch wood products coming into the market to meet the growing market demand for wood from well-managed forests." As an integral component of the evaluation process, consultations with key stakeholders took place prior to, concurrent with, and following the 6-day field audit of the Idaho forestlands. Upon completion of the fact-finding phase of the evaluation, the team assigned performance scores to multiple criteria to determine that certification was warranted. The evaluation team found, among other highlights, that Potlatch has a well-developed planning process, with clearly stated objectives, detailed procedures, responsibilities, and review timelines. In addition, Potlatch has a functioning Citizens Advisory Committee with broad representation of regional stakeholders. "Potlatch approached the evaluation process with a commitment to transparency and a willingness to move to the next level in forest certification. FSC certification confirms that Potlatch is practicing responsible forest management on its Idaho lands," said Dr. Robert Hrubes, SCS's Senior Vice President and a registered professional forester. The public summary portion of the certification report detailing all of the findings is available on the SCS website (http://www.scscertified.com). About SCS SCS is a private company founded by and under the leadership of scientists and leading practitioners, and recognized internationally for its third-party evaluation and certification programs. Founded in 1984, SCS offers third-party certification services that span a wide cross-section of the economy including forestry, fisheries, agricultural production, energy, consumer products, manufacturing and retailing, and the home improvement and construction sectors. For more information about SCS, visit the company's Web site at www.scscertified.com or call 510-452-8000. About FSC FSC is a nonprofit organization devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world's forests. FSC sets high standards that ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable way. Landowners and companies that sell timber or forest products seek certification as a way to verify to consumers that they have practiced forestry consistent with FSC standards. Independent certification organizations are accredited by FSC to carry out assessments of forest management to determine if standards have been met. There are currently 21-million acres of FSC-certified forestland in North America and 100- million acres globally. For more information, please visit www.fscus.org. CONTACTS: Jeff Stephens, Communications Director, Scientific Certification Systems 510-452-8003 or Katie Miller, Communications Director, Forest Stewardship Council - US 202-342-0414 |
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