VicForests has successfully extended its certification to the Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) to include community forestry operations in western Victoria, Australia, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.
Nathan Trushell, Acting CEO VicForests, said that this is the first time VicForests has sought certification for its community forestry operations.
There are nine criteria that forest managers must meet to receive certification including the need to protect biodiversity, maintain forest health, protect soil and water and to maintain and enhance social and economic benefits.
VicForests is audited every nine months by accredited auditors in order to maintain its certification. The most recent surveillance audit took place in September 2016.
The auditors also commended VicForests staff for showing strong support for the certification process and actively improving practices both in the field and in their system. It was suggested that VicForests should improve on its documentation and procedures for assessing and recording risks.
VicForests is responsible for the sustainable harvest, regrowing and commercial sale of timber in Victoria.
