The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) is developing an accreditation program to support the Sustainable Forestry Board’s Sustainable Forest Initiative. The program is a comprehensive set of principles, objectives and performance measures developed by professional foresters, conservationists and scientists. It combines the perpetual growing and harvesting of trees with long-term protection of wildlife, plants, soil and water quality. The 2005–2009 SFI standard requires a commitment to promoting conservation of natural areas identified as biodiversity hotspots and major tropical wilderness areas. Program participants have agreed to work with governments, conservation organizations and others to ensure their harvesting procedures strengthen efforts to thwart illegal logging.

“ANAB is pleased to be able to meet the needs of the North American forestry industry by offering this new program,” says Robert H. King Jr., ANAB president. “Our accreditation program supports the SFI goal of spreading sustainable forestry management practices as broadly as possible.”

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