Forest certification is an independent, voluntary process that verifies forests are managed to meet rigorous ecological, social, and economic standards. Third-party auditors assess management practices on-site, consult stakeholders, and review documentation before issuing or renewing certification.
The Maryland Forest Service holds dual certification on more than 200,000 acres of state forest under two internationally recognized systems: the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C016194) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®-00050). Certified lands include Savage River, Green Ridge, Potomac, Garrett, and Pocomoke State Forest, and the Chesapeake Forest Lands. Certification was first obtained in 2003 and is maintained through annual surveillance audits, with full recertification conducted on a five-year cycle.
FSC and SFI are independent standard-setting organizations. Standards are developed with input from environmental, social, and economic stakeholders and are updated periodically.
Legal Authority
Maryland's forest certification program operates under Executive Order 01.01.2004.21 and the Natural Resources Forest Preservation Act of 2013. Both direct the Department of Natural Resources to work with FSC and SFI to secure and maintain certification of state-managed forests.
Governor's Executive Order 01.01.2004.21
Independent auditors conduct FSC and SFI audits annually. Reports are made publicly available following each audit cycle. Recertification audits, conducted every five years, are noted below. Unless otherwise noted, each report reflects a surveillance audit.
Forest Stewardship Council Audit Reports
Sustainable Forestry Initiative Audit Reports
FSC certification requires compliance with the FSC Pesticide Policy (FSC-POL-30-001 V3-0). Beginning in 2021, all pesticide applications on FSC-certified DNR lands must conform to Environmental and Social Risk Assessments (ESRAs) developed by the Maryland Forest Service.
ESRAs identify approved pesticide formulations, specify mitigation strategies, and guide staff in developing management prescriptions. They apply at the management unit level. The FSC management unit includes Potomac, Garrett, Savage River, Green Ridge, and Pocomoke State Forests, and the Chesapeake Forest Lands. Major public utility corridors are excluded.
Staff applying pesticides on certified lands are required to review the relevant ESRA and follow the mitigation strategies it specifies.
Policy and Guidance Documents:
ESRAs by Pesticide:
Cultural Heritage
State forests contain sites of documented cultural and historical significance. Site types include pre-contact archaeological features, historic homesites, small family cemeteries, and areas of traditional use. These sites are identified through field inventory, historical research, and consultation with relevant agencies and communities. Identified sites are recorded in each forest's Sustainable Forest Management Plan. Management prescriptions are developed to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to these areas. Forestry operations in or near identified sites require review prior to implementation.
Indigenous Peoples
The Maryland Forest Service recognizes and respects the rights of Indigenous Peoples in the management of state forests. Compliance with FSC and SFI standards on certified lands is implemented through consultation with the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs and through the following practices:
- Recognizing and respecting traditional forest-related knowledge
- Identifying and protecting spiritually, historically, or culturally significant sites
- Addressing the use of non-timber forest products of value to Indigenous Peoples
- Responding to inquiries and concerns from Indigenous Peoples
Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs
Download Standards:
SFI® and FSC® Certification Certificates:
