Hancock Land Hancock Land
  September 3, 2010
 Casco
Bridgton
Otisfield
Poland
Naples
Sebago

 

 Raymond
Peru
Land Management
 Ecological Forestry and Forest Certification:
Hancock Land Company is nationally recognized as a leader in promoting multiple-use native forest systems. The core of our business processes is managing our land base to high environmental standards and sustainable forest management principles, prioritizing native biological diversity and other ecological considerations. Hancock Land Company’s forests have been independently certified as meeting Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards, as managed under the Integrated Forest Managment group certificate. The FSC is recognized globally for certifying forest management that meets the most rigorous standards in the world. FSC standards require environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable forest management. (For more information on the FSC visit www.FSCUS.org or contact Integrated Forest Managment at www.ifmgt.com)
FSC FSC Trademark © 1996 Forest Stewardship Council A.C. SW-FM/COC-000183 The FSC Trademark identifies products which contain wood from well managed forests certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council.

Through the Forest Certification Process...

    We have added value to our forest products, and have gained an edge over non-certified competitors.

    We project a more positive, environmentally responsible image made possible through our certification.

    We have improved and continue to refine company practices. Our harvest operations are better organized and controlled than our competitors because of our higher standards.

Ecological Forestry Philosophy
Maintenance of ecological pattern and process through the practice of Ecological Forestry ensures an adaptable ecosystem capable of providing a continuous flow of forest products by guarding against timber shortfall, fluctuating markets, insect outbreak, and climate change.


Hancock Land Company Ecological Forestry Principles:

Management of the forest system is viewed at multiple temporal and spatial scales, where the forest is managed for diverse structure and composition across the ownership landscape, a diversity of species and age classes are included in management decisions. Organisms dependent on diverse forest structure and composition are considered in management decisions.

Globally and regionally unique natural areas (forested and non-forested) are protected.

Silvicultural systems are designed to promote the development of high quality and high value forest products.

Annual harvest levels are based upon the removal of volume required to achieve silvicultural objectives.

Natural regeneration silvicultural systems employing long rotations (defined by biological maturity) are the preferred mechanism for regenerating the forest.

Soil and water quality are protected through meeting or exceeding Recognized Best Management Practices.

The use of chemicals is minimized or alternatives sought in all aspects of silvicultural systems.

  
 Environmental, Economic and Social Benefits of Forest Stewardship Council’s "well-managed" forestry:
 
 Environmental: FSC "well-managed" forests are harvested in a manner which enhances the long-term health of the forest. The use of clear-cutting techniques and biocides is minimized, unique habitats are preserved, and harvesting near water is carefully monitored to minimize erosion. "Well-managed" forestry preserves the integrity of the forest ecosystem for future generations.

Economic: Business interests are an integral part of the FSC program. From the forest owner’s perspective, "well-managed" forestry is a profitable endeavor because it sustains the value of a forest indefinitely. From the retailer’s perspective, the use of materials from an FSC "well-managed" forest differentiates its products, showing customers a strong commitment to conservation of the world’s forests.

Social: FSC standards take into account the needs of the indigenous peoples and aims to help the local economies where forests are located.

Copyright 2002
Hancock Land