Here in Northeastern Ohio, summer has been full of reminders of the realities of climate change. We are experiencing weather extremes and seeing the effects on our forests. Every tree species in our area is under threat from one of more blights, including invasive plants and insects, fungal diseases, drought, and flooding. Hikes in the woods that used to be peaceful and invigorating are now increasingly tinged with anxiety, as we see our beautiful trees struggling all around us.

With our forests so embattled, it is now more important than ever that we do what we can to preserve and protect them for future generations.

You can help by making conscientious decisions when purchasing wood and wood products. Many people are familiar with FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certification, and you have likely seen the FSC logo on products you have purchased.

FSC certification centers around (1) ensuring that wood is sourced from forests that are actively managed with consideration for both the long-term health of natural eco-systems and environmental justice for all affected individuals and communities; and (2) ensuring that the journey that wood takes from the forest to the customer (called “chain of custody”) similarly considers the well-being of both planet and people. Purchasing FSC-certified wood products will avoid, for example:

Destroying habitats of rare, threatened, or endangered species.
Harvesting activities that pollute water sources.
Bio-diverse forests being converted to mono-culture plantations.
Wood harvested illegally or in violation of human rights.
Wood being harvested from sites of cultural, spiritual, or economic significance to indigenous peoples.

You should absolutely look for FSC certification and make purchasing decisions based on it.

But also keep in mind that FSC certification is expensive and not all smaller suppliers will be able to afford the time and costs associated with pursuing and maintaining it. Your local sawmill may very well meet the same qualifications as FSC-certified suppliers, but not be legally able to display the familiar FSC logo. And purchasing from your local supplier has the added advantage of reducing the fossil fuel consumption required to transport the wood long distances from forest to retail location.

When in doubt, ask your supplier about their forest management and chain of custody practices and how they work to ensure healthy forests for future generations.

Here at Ogonek Custom Hardwoods, we work directly with Ohio landowners from whom we purchase logs, advising them on forest management best practices and assisting with implementation of those best practices. We do our own harvesting and conduct it in compliance with best practices as well. Our “chain of custody” is very short … it’s just us! When you purchase wood from Ogonek Custom Hardwoods, you can feel confident that you are supporting the long-term health and sustainability of our native forests.

How Can I Be Sure My Wood is Responsibly Harvested?