Certification Process

NNRG works to make our certification process as streamlined and user friendly as possible. We encourage applicants to seek a comprehensive understanding of the issues involved before moving forward. Please take the time to read all sections of this website that relate to Northwest Certified Forestry, and feel free to consult with a staff member at 360-379-9421.

The certification process begins with submitting a Membership Application. After reviewing the application, the Program Director will call to discuss your specific situation and the likelihood of a successful certification assessment.

If certification appears likely, you will be asked to submit your management plan for approval. If you haven’t completed a management plan for your property, NNRG can provide referrals to appropriate agencies or private service providers. NNRG also provides management plan templates that contain all the elements necessary for FSC compliance.

Following management plan approval, you’ll receive an assessment visit where your forest conditions and management are assessed against a standard checklist. Based on the visit you may receive preconditions, which must be fulfilled prior to becoming certified, and/or conditions, which must be fulfilled within a required timeframe, but allow the certification to go forward.

If your operation is successfully certified you’ll be able to sell logs with an FSC claim. Under certain conditions your certificate can also extend to include your own value-added products such as lumber, flooring, or firewood, or non-timber forest products such as floral greens or mushrooms. Each year thereafter you’ll receive a monitoring visit from an approved NNRG monitor.

      What is FSC Certification?

      Benefits & Fees

      FSC Market Information

      Membership Application