[Greenbuilding] FSC certification

[Dave Boyt]

Greetings, Greenbuilders:

How important is FSC certified wood to you and your clients?  I manage a tree farm and small sawmill in southwest Missouri, and am looking into the economics of certification.  This would make little, if any difference in the actual management of the tree farm, as we already meet or exceed most requirements-- so the question is purely one of economics.  Better prices might make it possible to purchase additional land that could also be managed for sustainable forestry (instead of poultry houses and 5 acre "McMansions").

How important is buying locally to you and your clients?  Out our way, it is more a matter of "buy cheap", so making FSC certification worthwhile would mean shipping to a more earth friendly part of the country.  I'd appreciate any and all help with this informal market survey.

By the way, I drive a 50 mpg Geo Metro with nearly 200,000 miles, and still running strong.  It has a hitch for a light trailer.

Thanks!

Dave Boyt
Pottershop Hollow Tree Farm
dboyt at netins.net