All of Tennessee’s 15 state forests are now certified to comply with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s forest management standards.
According to a Monday news release from the Agriculture Department’s Division of Forestry, the certification includes a third-party audit for forestry management practices. It assures that forests are managed sustainably.
It is essential for clean water, wildlife habitat, and market access. Tennessee state forests cover more than 168,000 acres.
Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher says, "Certification is a key tool in helping our forests remain healthy and productive for generations to come.”
