Algoma and Northshore certified by the FSC

Jun 24, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. Domtar Inc. is pleased to announce that the Algoma and Northshore forests have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). These forests are managed by Clergue Forest Management Inc. and Northshore Forest Inc., respectively, and represent an important fiber supply for Domtar's Espanola mill and Nairn Centre sawmill in Northeastern Ontario. "These certifications significantly increase the amount of FSC fiber available to Domtar's mills, and will allow the corporation to continue to expand its line of FSC-certified products such as the environmentally and socially responsible EarthChoice papers," said Brian Nicks, director, sustainable forest management. The Algoma Forest contains 980,000 hectares of Crown land and the Northshore forest contains 1,080,000 hectares. Both are managed under the authority of Sustainable Forest Licenses (SFL) issued by the Ontario ministry of natural resources. Granted by SmartWood, an FSC-credited certifier and a program of the Rainforest Alliance, this certification is consistent with the ministry's objective to have all SFL holders certified to accepted performance standards by 2007. These latest certifications support Domtar's ongoing commitment to guarantee its customers, shareholders and the public that all forest operations under its direct and indirect care are well managed and sustainable. This approach is also in line with the vision of the boreal leadership council, of which Domtar is a founding member, to make Canada's boreal region the world's best-conserved forest ecosystem, while allowing the communities and businesses that depend on the forest to benefit from its resources. FSC certification promotes natural resource conservation, regeneration and sustainability, while balancing the interests of the forest products industry, governments, environmental organizations and Indigenous peoples. The FSC is an international, independent, not-for-profit organization made up of social, environmental and business representatives. It is the only forest products certification standard accepted and endorsed by environmental and conservation organizations, including the Rainforest Alliance, the World Wildlife Fund and ForestEthics. Domtar is the third largest producer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America. It is also a leading manufacturer of business papers, commercial printing and publication papers, and technical and specialty papers. Domtar manages according to internationally recognized standards 18 million acres of forestland in Canada and the United Sates, and produces lumber and other wood products. Domtar has more than 10,600 employees across North America. The company also has a 50% investment interest in Norampac inc., the largest Canadian producer of containerboard.