Forest Regeneration Practices: How Regional Certification Standards Compare

Abstract

A review of standards for forest regeneration in 11 regional certification schemes reveals some slight shifts from current local practices. Although forest management in much of the United States is already incorporating many of the practices the standards seek to promote certification under these schemes would likely result in more natural regeneration and maintenance of a greater diversity of species. Except in special cases, there would be less need for genetic engineering and more attention to local seed collection and seed zoning, and thus a need for better seed certification. Economic consequences for industrial forestry might include some forgone opportunities.