• 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.1. The area on which the activity takes place is covered by an afforestation plan of a duration of at least five years, or the minimum period prescribed in national law, developed prior to the start of the activity and continuously updated, until this area matches the definition of forest as set out in national law or where not available, is in line with the FAO definition of forest.

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    Performance Measure 1.4. Certified Organizations shall not afforest in locations which negatively impact ecologically important natural communities, threatened and endangered species, or native natural communities which could be at risk of becoming rare.

    Indicator 1. Any afforestation activity must include an evaluation of the proposed site to determine the presence of: a. ecologically important natural communities, or b. threatened and endangered species, or c. native natural communities that could be at risk of becoming rare.

    Indicator 2. Afforestation shall not occur on that location if the evaluation determines a negative impact to: a. ecologically important natural communities, or b. threatened and endangered species, or c. native natural communities which could be at risk of becoming rare.

    1

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.1 The afforestation plan contains all elements required by the national law relating to environmental impact assessment of afforestation.

    OBJECTIVE 11. LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

    Performance Measure 11.1. Certified Organizations shall comply with applicable federal, provincial, state, and local forestry and environmental laws and regulations.

    Indicator 1. Access to relevant laws and regulations.

    Indicator 2. System to achieve compliance with applicable federal, provincial, state, or local laws, and regulations.

    Indicator 3. Demonstration of commitment to legal compliance through available regulatory action information.

    1

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.2. Preferably through the afforestation plan, or if information is missing, through any other document, detailed information is provided on the following points:

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.2 (a) description of the area according to its gazetting in the land registry;

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.2 (b) site preparation and its impacts on pre-existing carbon stocks, including soils and above-ground biomass, in order to protect land with high carbon stock (3);

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    Performance Measure 2.3. Certified Organizations shall implement practices that protect and maintain forest and soil productivity and soil health.

    Indicator 1. Process to identify soils vulnerable to compaction, and use of appropriate methods, including the use of soil maps where available, to avoid excessive soil disturbance.

    Indicator 2. Use of erosion control measures to minimize the loss of soil and impacts to site productivity.

    Indicator 3. Post-harvest conditions conducive to maintaining site productivity (such as: retained down woody debris and minimized skid trails).

    Indicator 4. Retention of vigorous trees during partial harvesting, consistent with scientific silvicultural standards for the area.

    Indicator 5. Practices that address harvesting and site preparation to protect soil productivity and soil health.

    Indicator 6. Road construction, skidding layout, and harvest plans designed to minimize impacts to soil productivity and soil health.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.2 (c) management goals, including major constraints

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    Performance Measure 2.3. Certified Organizations shall implement practices that protect and maintain forest and soil productivity and soil health.

    Indicator 1. Process to identify soils vulnerable to compaction, and use of appropriate methods, including the use of soil maps where available, to avoid excessive soil disturbance.

    Indicator 2. Use of erosion control measures to minimize the loss of soil and impacts to site productivity.

    Indicator 3. Post-harvest conditions conducive to maintaining site productivity (such as: retained down woody debris and minimized skid trails).

    Indicator 4. Retention of vigorous trees during partial harvesting, consistent with scientific silvicultural standards for the area.

    Indicator 5. Practices that address harvesting and site preparation to protect soil productivity and soil health.

    Indicator 6. Road construction, skidding layout, and harvest plans designed to minimize impacts to soil productivity and soil health.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.2 (d) general strategies and activities planned to reach the management goals, including expected operations over the whole forest cycle;

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    Performance Measure 2.3. Certified Organizations shall implement practices that protect and maintain forest and soil productivity and soil health.

    Indicator 1. Process to identify soils vulnerable to compaction, and use of appropriate methods, including the use of soil maps where available, to avoid excessive soil disturbance.

    Indicator 2. Use of erosion control measures to minimize the loss of soil and impacts to site productivity.

    Indicator 3. Post-harvest conditions conducive to maintaining site productivity (such as: retained down woody debris and minimized skid trails).

    Indicator 4. Retention of vigorous trees during partial harvesting, consistent with scientific silvicultural standards for the area.

    Indicator 5. Practices that address harvesting and site preparation to protect soil productivity and soil health.

    Indicator 6. Road construction, skidding layout, and harvest plans designed to minimize impacts to soil productivity and soil health.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.2 (e) definition of the forest habitat context, including main existing and intended forest tree species, and their extent and distribution;

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.2 (f) compartments, roads, rights of way and other public access, physical features including waterways, areas under legal and other restrictions;

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.2 (g) measures deployed to establish and maintain the good condition of forest ecosystems;

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    OBJECTIVE 3. PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER RESOURCES

    OBJECTIVE 4. CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

    OBJECTIVE 5. MANAGEMENT OF VISUAL QUALITY AND RECREATIONAL BENEFITS

    OBJECTIVE 9. CLIMATE SMART FORESTRY

    OBJECTIVE 10. FIRE RESILIENCE AND AWARENESS

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    Performance Measure 1.2. Certified Organizations shall not convert one forest cover type to another forest cover type unless an assessment has been conducted to determine ecological impacts and provide appropriate justification.

    Performance Measure 1.3. Certified Organizations shall not have within the scope of their certification to this SFI Standard, forest lands that have been converted to non-forest land use.

    Performance Measure 1.4. Certified Organizations shall not afforest in locations which negatively impact ecologically important natural communities, threatened and endangered species, or native natural communities which could be at risk of becoming rare.

    Performance Measure 2.1. Certified Organizations shall promptly reforest after final harvest.

    Performance Measure 2.2. Certified Organizations shall have a program to minimize chemical use required to achieve management objectives while protecting employees, neighbors, the public and the environment, including wildlife and aquatic habitats.

    Performance Measure 2.3. Certified Organizations shall implement practices that protect and maintain forest and soil productivity and soil health.

    Performance Measure 2.4. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect forests from damaging agents, such as environmentally or economically undesirable levels of wildfire, pests, diseases, and invasive species, to maintain and improve long-term forest health, productivity, and economic viability.

    Performance Measure 2.5. Certified Organizations that deploy improved planting stock, including varietal seedlings, shall use best scientific methods.

    Performance Measure 3.1. Certified Organizations shall meet or exceed all applicable federal, provincial, state and local water quality laws and meet or exceed best management practices.

    Performance Measure 3.2. Certified Organizations shall implement water, wetland, and riparian protection programs based on climate, soil type, terrain, vegetation, ecological function, harvesting system, state best management practices (BMPs), provincial guidelines and other applicable factors

    Performance Measure 4.1. Certified Organizations shall conserve biological diversity.

    Performance Measure 4.2. Certified Organizations shall protect threatened and endangered species, critically imperiled and imperiled species (Forests with Exceptional Conservation Values), and natural communities, and old-growth forests.

    Performance Measure 4.3. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect ecologically important sites in a manner that takes into account their unique qualities.

    Performance Measure 4.4. Certified Organizations shall apply knowledge gained through research, science, technology, field experience and the results of monitoring of the effectiveness of conservation-related programs to manage wildlife habitat and contribute to the conservation of biological diversity.

    Performance Measure 5.1. Certified Organizations shall manage the impact of harvesting on visual quality

    Performance Measure 5.2. Certified Organizations shall manage the size, shape, and placement of clearcut harvests.

    Performance Measure 5.3. Certified Organizations shall adopt a green-up requirement or alternative methods that provide for visual quality.

    Performance Measure 5.4. Certified Organizations shall support and promote recreational opportunities for the public.

    Performance Measure 9.1 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address the climate change risks to forests and forest operations and develop appropriate adaptation objectives and strategies. Strategies are based on best scientific information.

    Performance Measure 9.2 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address opportunities to mitigate the effects associated with its forest operations on climate change.

    Performance Measure 10.1 On the forests they own or manage, Certified Organizations shall limit susceptibility to undesirable impacts of wildfire, promote healthy and resilient forest conditions through management techniques, actions and/or policies, and support restoration of forests following wildfire damage.

    Performance Measure 10.2 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving government agencies, SFI Implementation Committees, Project Learning Tree, or other partners, engage in efforts to raise awareness of and take action towards benefits of fire management and minimization of undesirable impacts of wildfire.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.2 (h) consideration of societal issues (including preservation of landscape, consultation of stakeholders in accordance with the terms and conditions laid down in national law);

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    OBJECTIVE 14. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND LANDOWNER OUTREACH

    OBJECTIVE 15: PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    Performance Measure 14.1. Certified Organizations shall support and promote efforts by consulting foresters, state, provincial and federal agencies, state or local groups, professional societies, conservation organizations, Indigenous Peoples and governments, community groups, sporting organizations, labor, universities, extension agencies, the American Tree Farm System® and/or other landowner cooperative programs to apply principles of sustainable forest management.

    Performance Measure 14.2. Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees support and promote, at the state, provincial or other appropriate levels, mechanisms for public outreach, education and involvement related to sustainable forest management.

    Performance Measure 14.3. Certified Organizations shall, individually and/or through cooperative efforts including SFI Implementation Committees, establish, at the state, provincial, or other appropriate levels, procedures to address concerns raised by loggers, consulting foresters, employees, unions, stakeholders, the public or other Certified Organizations regarding management that appears inconsistent with the SFI standards principles and objectives.

    Performance Measure 15.1. Certified Organizations with forest management responsibilities on public lands shall participate in the development of public land planning and management processes.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.2 (i) assessment of forest related risks, including forest fires, and pests and diseases outbreaks, with the aim of preventing, reducing and controlling the risks and measures deployed to ensure protection and adaptation against residual risks;

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    OBJECTIVE 10. FIRE RESILIENCE AND AWARENESS

    Performance Measure 2.4. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect forests from damaging agents, such as environmentally or economically undesirable levels of wildfire, pests, diseases, and invasive species, to maintain and improve long-term forest health, productivity, and economic viability.

    Indicator 1. Program to protect forests from damaging agents.

    Indicator 2. Management to promote healthy and productive forest conditions to reduce susceptibility to damaging agents.

    Indicator 3. Participation in, and support of, fire and pest prevention and control programs.

    Performance Measure 10.1 On the forests they own or manage, Certified Organizations shall limit susceptibility to undesirable impacts of wildfire, promote healthy and resilient forest conditions through management techniques, actions and/or policies, and support restoration of forests following wildfire damage.

    Indicator 1. Program to evaluate the risk of undesirable impacts of wildfire and the role of fire on the forests they own or manage.

    Indicator 2. Use of stand and landscape level management techniques, actions and/or policies to promote forest health and resilience, and to mitigate the likelihood of undesirable impacts of wildfire, such as, prescribed fire, cultural burning, thinning, or hazardous fuel reduction where appropriate based on risk.

    Indicator 3. Use of management techniques to address wildfire damage, mitigate negative impacts to water and soils, and to promote forest restoration and future forest resilience.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.2 (j) assessment of impact on food security;

    The SFI Standards and the SFI Program does not have a direct role in food security. There are numerous federal, state and provincial agencies, laws and regulations regarding food security in the United States and Canada. SFI Certified Organizations must follow all of these laws and regulations that any of their operations might impact.

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.2 (k) all DNSH criteria relevant to afforestation.

    See DNHS criteria below.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.3. When the area becomes a forest, the afforestation plan is followed by a subsequent forest management plan or an equivalent instrument, as set out in national law or, where national law does not define a forest management plan or equivalent instrument, as referred to in the FAO definition of ‘forest area with long-term forest management plan’ (4). The forest management plan or the equivalent instrument covers a period of 10 years or more and is continuously updated.

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    Indicator 1. Forest management planning at a level appropriate to the size and scale of the operation, including: a. a long-term resources analysis; b. a periodic or ongoing forest inventory; c. a land classification system; d. biodiversity at landscape scales; e. soils inventory and maps, where available; f. access to and use of growth-and-yield modeling capabilities; g. up-to-date maps or a geographic information system (GIS); h. recommended sustainable harvest levels for areas available for harvest; and i. consideration of non-timber issues such as recreation, tourism, pilot projects and economic incentive programs to promote water protection, carbon storage, bioenergy feedstock production, or biological diversity conservation, or to address climate-induced ecosystem change.

    Indicator 2. Documented current harvest trends fall within long-term sustainable levels identified in the forest management plan.

    Indicator 3. A forest inventory system and a method to calculate growth and yield is used to determine annual and/or periodic harvest levels.

    Indicator 4. Periodic updates of forest inventory and recalculation of planned harvests to account for changes in growth due to productivity increases or decreases, including but not limited to: improved data, long-term drought, fertilization, climate change, changes in forest land ownership and tenure, or forest health.

    Indicator 5. Documentation of forest management (such as: planting, fertilization and thinning) consistent with assumptions in harvest plans.

    Indicator 6. Assessment of the local or regional social, environmental, and economic effects of forest management operations contained in the forest management plan.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.4. Information is provided on the following points that are not already documented in the forest management plan or equivalent system: (a) management goals, including major constraints (5);

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.4 (b) general strategies and activities planned to reach the management goals, including expected operations over the whole forest cycle;

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.4 (c) definition of the forest habitat context, including main existing and intended forest tree species, and their extent and distribution;

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.4 (d) definition of the area according to its gazetting in the land registry;

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.4 (e)      compartments, roads, rights of way and other public access, physical features including waterways, areas under legal and other restrictions;

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.4 (f) measures deployed to maintain the good condition of forest ecosystems;

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    OBJECTIVE 3. PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER RESOURCES

    OBJECTIVE 4. CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

    OBJECTIVE 5. MANAGEMENT OF VISUAL QUALITY AND RECREATIONAL BENEFITS

    OBJECTIVE 9. CLIMATE SMART FORESTRY

    OBJECTIVE 10. FIRE RESILIENCE AND AWARENESS

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    Performance Measure 1.2. Certified Organizations shall not convert one forest cover type to another forest cover type unless an assessment has been conducted to determine ecological impacts and provide appropriate justification.

    Performance Measure 1.3. Certified Organizations shall not have within the scope of their certification to this SFI Standard, forest lands that have been converted to non-forest land use.

    Performance Measure 1.4. Certified Organizations shall not afforest in locations which negatively impact ecologically important natural communities, threatened and endangered species, or native natural communities which could be at risk of becoming rare.

    Performance Measure 2.1. Certified Organizations shall promptly reforest after final harvest.

    Performance Measure 2.2. Certified Organizations shall have a program to minimize chemical use required to achieve management objectives while protecting employees, neighbors, the public and the environment, including wildlife and aquatic habitats.

    Performance Measure 2.3. Certified Organizations shall implement practices that protect and maintain forest and soil productivity and soil health.

    Performance Measure 2.4. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect forests from damaging agents, such as environmentally or economically undesirable levels of wildfire, pests, diseases, and invasive species, to maintain and improve long-term forest health, productivity, and economic viability.

    Performance Measure 2.5. Certified Organizations that deploy improved planting stock, including varietal seedlings, shall use best scientific methods.

    Performance Measure 3.1. Certified Organizations shall meet or exceed all applicable federal, provincial, state and local water quality laws and meet or exceed best management practices.

    Performance Measure 3.2. Certified Organizations shall implement water, wetland, and riparian protection programs based on climate, soil type, terrain, vegetation, ecological function, harvesting system, state best management practices (BMPs), provincial guidelines and other applicable factors

    Performance Measure 4.1. Certified Organizations shall conserve biological diversity.

    Performance Measure 4.2. Certified Organizations shall protect threatened and endangered species, critically imperiled and imperiled species (Forests with Exceptional Conservation Values), and natural communities, and old-growth forests.

    Performance Measure 4.3. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect ecologically important sites in a manner that takes into account their unique qualities.

    Performance Measure 4.4. Certified Organizations shall apply knowledge gained through research, science, technology, field experience and the results of monitoring of the effectiveness of conservation-related programs to manage wildlife habitat and contribute to the conservation of biological diversity.

    Performance Measure 5.1. Certified Organizations shall manage the impact of harvesting on visual quality

    Performance Measure 5.2. Certified Organizations shall manage the size, shape, and placement of clearcut harvests.

    Performance Measure 5.3. Certified Organizations shall adopt a green-up requirement or alternative methods that provide for visual quality.

    Performance Measure 5.4. Certified Organizations shall support and promote recreational opportunities for the public.

    Performance Measure 9.1 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address the climate change risks to forests and forest operations and develop appropriate adaptation objectives and strategies. Strategies are based on best scientific information.

    Performance Measure 9.2 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address opportunities to mitigate the effects associated with its forest operations on climate change.

    Performance Measure 10.1 On the forests they own or manage, Certified Organizations shall limit susceptibility to undesirable impacts of wildfire, promote healthy and resilient forest conditions through management techniques, actions and/or policies, and support restoration of forests following wildfire damage.

    Performance Measure 10.2 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving government agencies, SFI Implementation Committees, Project Learning Tree, or other partners, engage in efforts to raise awareness of and take action towards benefits of fire management and minimization of undesirable impacts of wildfire.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.4 (g) consideration of societal issues (including preservation of landscape, consultation of stakeholders in accordance with the terms and conditions laid down in national law);

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    OBJECTIVE 6. PROTECTION OF SPECIAL SITES

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    Performance Measure 1.2. Certified Organizations shall not convert one forest cover type to another forest cover type unless an assessment has been conducted to determine ecological impacts and provide appropriate justification.

    Performance Measure 6.1. Certified Organizations shall have a program to identify special sites and manage and protect them in a manner appropriate for their unique features.

    Indicator 1. Use of information such as existing natural heritage data, expert advice or stakeholder consultation, or consultation with Indigenous Peoples in identifying or selecting special sites for protection.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.4 (h) assessment of forest related risks, including forest fires, and pests and diseases outbreaks, with the aim of preventing, reducing and controlling the risks and measures deployed to ensure protection and adaptation against residual risks;

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    OBJECTIVE 10. FIRE RESILIENCE AND AWARENESS

    Performance Measure 2.4. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect forests from damaging agents, such as environmentally or economically undesirable levels of wildfire, pests, diseases, and invasive species, to maintain and improve long-term forest health, productivity, and economic viability.

    Indicator 1. Program to protect forests from damaging agents.

    Indicator 2. Management to promote healthy and productive forest conditions to reduce susceptibility to damaging agents.

    Indicator 3. Participation in, and support of, fire and pest prevention and control programs.

    Performance Measure 10.1 On the forests they own or manage, Certified Organizations shall limit susceptibility to undesirable impacts of wildfire, promote healthy and resilient forest conditions through management techniques, actions and/or policies, and support restoration of forests following wildfire damage.

    Indicator 1. Program to evaluate the risk of undesirable impacts of wildfire and the role of fire on the forests they own or manage.

    Indicator 2. Use of stand and landscape level management techniques, actions and/or policies to promote forest health and resilience, and to mitigate the likelihood of undesirable impacts of wildfire, such as, prescribed fire, cultural burning, thinning, or hazardous fuel reduction where appropriate based on risk.

    Indicator 3. Use of management techniques to address wildfire damage, mitigate negative impacts to water and soils, and to promote forest restoration and future forest resilience.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.4 (i) all DNSH criteria relevant to forest management.

    See below

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.5.          The activity follows the best afforestation practices laid down in national law, or, where no such best afforestation practices have been laid down in national law, the activity complies with one of the following criteria:

    N/A

    N/A

    N/A

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.5 (a)      the activity complies with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 807/2014 (6);

    N/A

    N/A

    1

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.5 (b) the activity follows the “Pan-European Guidelines for Afforestation and Reforestation with a special focus on the provisions of the UNFCCC” (7).

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    Performance Measure 1.4. Certified Organizations shall not afforest in locations which negatively impact ecologically important natural communities, threatened and endangered species, or native natural communities which could be at risk of becoming rare.

    Indicator 1. Any afforestation activity must include an evaluation of the proposed site to determine the presence of: a. ecologically important natural communities, or b. threatened and endangered species, or c. native natural communities that could be at risk of becoming rare.

    Indicator 2. Afforestation shall not occur on that location if the evaluation determines a negative impact to: a. ecologically important natural communities, or b. threatened and endangered species, or c. native natural communities which could be at risk of becoming rare.

    1

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.6.          The activity does not involve the degradation of land with high carbon stock (8).

    OBJECTIVE 4. CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

    Performance Measure 4.1. Certified Organizations shall conserve biological diversity.

    Indicator 1. Program to incorporate the conservation of biological diversity, including native species, wildlife habitats and ecological community types at stand and landscape levels, through the use of best scientific information including the incorporation of research results.

    Indicator 2. Development of criteria and implementation of practices, as guided by regionally based best scientific information, to retain stand-level wildlife habitat elements such as snags, stumps, mast trees, down woody debris, den trees and nest trees.

    Indicator 3. Program to individually and/or through cooperative efforts such as SFI Implementation Committees, support diversity of native forest cover types and age or size classes that enhance biological diversity, by incorporating the results of analysis of documented diversity at landscape and ownership/ tenure levels, to ensure the contribution of the managed area to the diversity of conditions that promote biodiversity.

    Indicator 6. Identification and protection of non-forested wetlands, including bogs, peatlands, fens and marshes, and vernal pools that are ecologically important.

    Indicator 8. Consider the role of natural disturbances, including opening size, structural retention, the use of prescribed or natural fire where appropriate, and forest health threats in relation to biological diversity when developing forest management plans.

    Performance Measure 4.2. Certified Organizations shall protect threatened and endangered species, critically imperiled and imperiled species (Forests with Exceptional Conservation Values), and natural communities, and old-growth forests.

    Indicator 1. Program to protect threatened and endangered species.

    Indicator 2. Program to locate and protect known sites of flora and fauna associated with viable occurrences of critically imperiled and imperiled species and ecological communities, defined as Forests with Exceptional Conservation Value. Programs for protection may be developed independently and/ or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees and may include Certified Organization managers, cooperation with other stakeholders, or use of easements, conservation land sales, exchanges, or other conservation strategies.

    Indicator 3. Support of and participation in programs for the conservation of old-growth forests in the region of ownership or forest tenure.

    Performance Measure 9.2 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address opportunities to mitigate the effects associated with its forest operations on climate change.

    Indicator 1. Based on best scientific information, Certified Organizations shall identify and address opportunities to enhance the climate benefits associated with forest management operations on the forests they own or manage via effective implementation of the SFI 2022 Forest Management Standard requirements such as: a. Objective 2 – Forest Health and Productivity; Objective 10 – Fire Resilience and Awareness; and/or other silvicultural or operational practices to enhance the climate benefits associated with their forest operations.

    Indicator 2. Based on best scientific information, Certified Organizations shall identify and address opportunities to enhance ecosystem resilience for the forests they own or manage via effective implementation of the SFI 2022 Forest Management Standard requirements including: a. prompt reforestation or planned natural reforestation as per Indicator 2.1.1; b. adequate regeneration and appropriate actions to correct understocked areas, and c. evaluation for afforestation of areas that are not ecologically important, and d. protection of desirable or planned advanced regeneration during harvest and the retention of vigorous trees during partial harvest.

    2

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.7.          The management system associated with the activity in place complies with the due diligence obligation and legality requirements laid down in Regulation (EU) No 995/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council (9).

    OBJECTIVE 11. LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

    Performance Measure 11.1. Certified Organizations shall comply with applicable federal, provincial, state, and local forestry and environmental laws and regulations.

    Indicator 1. Access to relevant laws and regulations.

    Indicator 2. System to achieve compliance with applicable federal, provincial, state, or local laws, and regulations.

    Indicator 3. Demonstration of commitment to legal compliance through available regulatory action information.

    Performance Measure 11.2. Certified Organizations shall comply with all applicable social laws at the federal, provincial, state, and local levels in the country in which the Certified Organization operates.

    Indicator 1. Written policy demonstrating commitment to comply with social laws, such as those covering civil rights, equal employment opportunities, gender equality, diversity inclusion, anti-discrimination and anti-harassment measures, workers’ compensation, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, workers’ and communities’ right to know, prevailing wages, workers’ right to organize, and occupational health and safety.

    Indicator 2. Forestry enterprises will respect the rights of workers and labor representatives in a manner that encompasses the intent of the International Labor Organization (ILO) core conventions.

    1

  • 1) Information is provided on the following, documented in an afforestation plan and subsequent forest management plan or equivalent document:

    1.8. The afforestation plan and the subsequent forest management plan or equivalent instrument provide for monitoring that ensures the correctness of the information contained in the plan, in particular as regards the data relating to the involved area.

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    2

  • Climate Benefit Analysis

    2.1.          For areas that comply with the requirements at forest sourcing area level to ensure that carbon stocks and sinks levels in the forest are maintained or strengthened over the long term in accordance with Article 29(7), point (b), of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 the activity complies with the following criteria:

  • Climate Benefit Analysis

    (a)      the climate benefit analysis demonstrates that the net balance of GHG emissions and removals generated by the activity over a period of 30 years after the beginning of the activity is lower than a baseline, corresponding to the balance of GHG emissions and removals over a period of 30 years starting at the beginning of the activity, associated to the business-as-usual practices that would have occurred on the involved area in the absence of the activity;

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    OBJECTIVE 4. CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

    Performance Measure 2.1. Certified Organizations shall promptly reforest after final harvest.

    Performance Measure 2.2. Certified Organizations shall have a program to minimize chemical use required to achieve management objectives while protecting employees, neighbors, the public and the environment, including wildlife and aquatic habitats.

    Performance Measure 2.3. Certified Organizations shall implement practices that protect and maintain forest and soil productivity and soil health.

    Performance Measure 2.4. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect forests from damaging agents, such as environmentally or economically undesirable levels of wildfire, pests, diseases, and invasive species, to maintain and improve long-term forest health, productivity, and economic viability.

    Performance Measure 2.5. Certified Organizations that deploy improved planting stock, including varietal seedlings, shall use best scientific methods.

    Performance Measure 4.1. Certified Organizations shall conserve biological diversity.

    Performance Measure 4.2. Certified Organizations shall protect threatened and endangered species, critically imperiled and imperiled species (Forests with Exceptional Conservation Values), and natural communities, and old-growth forests.

    Performance Measure 4.3. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect ecologically important sites in a manner that takes into account their unique qualities.

    Performance Measure 4.4. Certified Organizations shall apply knowledge gained through research, science, technology, field experience and the results of monitoring of the effectiveness of conservation-related programs to manage wildlife habitat and contribute to the conservation of biological diversity.

    1

  • Climate Benefit Analysis

    (b)      long-term climate benefits are considered demonstrated by proof of alignment with Article 29(7), point (b), of Directive (EU) 2018/2001.

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    OBJECTIVE 4. CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

    Performance Measure 2.1. Certified Organizations shall promptly reforest after final harvest.

    Performance Measure 2.2. Certified Organizations shall have a program to minimize chemical use required to achieve management objectives while protecting employees, neighbors, the public and the environment, including wildlife and aquatic habitats.

    Performance Measure 2.3. Certified Organizations shall implement practices that protect and maintain forest and soil productivity and soil health.

    Performance Measure 2.4. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect forests from damaging agents, such as environmentally or economically undesirable levels of wildfire, pests, diseases, and invasive species, to maintain and improve long-term forest health, productivity, and economic viability.

    Performance Measure 2.5. Certified Organizations that deploy improved planting stock, including varietal seedlings, shall use best scientific methods.

    Performance Measure 4.1. Certified Organizations shall conserve biological diversity.

    Performance Measure 4.2. Certified Organizations shall protect threatened and endangered species, critically imperiled and imperiled species (Forests with Exceptional Conservation Values), and natural communities, and old-growth forests.

    Performance Measure 4.3. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect ecologically important sites in a manner that takes into account their unique qualities.

    Performance Measure 4.4. Certified Organizations shall apply knowledge gained through research, science, technology, field experience and the results of monitoring of the effectiveness of conservation-related programs to manage wildlife habitat and contribute to the conservation of biological diversity.

    1

  • Climate Benefit Analysis

    2.2          For areas that do not comply with the requirements at forest sourcing area level to ensure that carbon stocks and sinks levels in the forest are maintained or strengthened over the long term in accordance with Article 29(7), point (b), of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 the activity complies with the following criteria:

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    OBJECTIVE 4. CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

    Performance Measure 2.1. Certified Organizations shall promptly reforest after final harvest.

    Performance Measure 2.2. Certified Organizations shall have a program to minimize chemical use required to achieve management objectives while protecting employees, neighbors, the public and the environment, including wildlife and aquatic habitats.

    Performance Measure 2.3. Certified Organizations shall implement practices that protect and maintain forest and soil productivity and soil health.

    Performance Measure 2.4. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect forests from damaging agents, such as environmentally or economically undesirable levels of wildfire, pests, diseases, and invasive species, to maintain and improve long-term forest health, productivity, and economic viability.

    Performance Measure 2.5. Certified Organizations that deploy improved planting stock, including varietal seedlings, shall use best scientific methods.

    Performance Measure 4.1. Certified Organizations shall conserve biological diversity.

    Performance Measure 4.2. Certified Organizations shall protect threatened and endangered species, critically imperiled and imperiled species (Forests with Exceptional Conservation Values), and natural communities, and old-growth forests.

    Performance Measure 4.3. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect ecologically important sites in a manner that takes into account their unique qualities.

    Performance Measure 4.4. Certified Organizations shall apply knowledge gained through research, science, technology, field experience and the results of monitoring of the effectiveness of conservation-related programs to manage wildlife habitat and contribute to the conservation of biological diversity.

    1

  • Climate Benefit Analysis

    (a)      the climate benefit analysis demonstrates that the net balance of GHG emissions and removals generated by the activity over a period of 30 years after the beginning of the activity is lower than a baseline, corresponding to the balance of GHG emissions and removals over a period of 30 years starting at the beginning of the activity, associated to the business-as-usual practices that would have occurred on the involved area in the absence of the activity.

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    OBJECTIVE 4. CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

    Performance Measure 2.1. Certified Organizations shall promptly reforest after final harvest.

    Performance Measure 2.2. Certified Organizations shall have a program to minimize chemical use required to achieve management objectives while protecting employees, neighbors, the public and the environment, including wildlife and aquatic habitats.

    Performance Measure 2.3. Certified Organizations shall implement practices that protect and maintain forest and soil productivity and soil health.

    Performance Measure 2.4. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect forests from damaging agents, such as environmentally or economically undesirable levels of wildfire, pests, diseases, and invasive species, to maintain and improve long-term forest health, productivity, and economic viability.

    Performance Measure 2.5. Certified Organizations that deploy improved planting stock, including varietal seedlings, shall use best scientific methods.

    Performance Measure 4.1. Certified Organizations shall conserve biological diversity.

    Performance Measure 4.2. Certified Organizations shall protect threatened and endangered species, critically imperiled and imperiled species (Forests with Exceptional Conservation Values), and natural communities, and old-growth forests.

    Performance Measure 4.3. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect ecologically important sites in a manner that takes into account their unique qualities.

    Performance Measure 4.4. Certified Organizations shall apply knowledge gained through research, science, technology, field experience and the results of monitoring of the effectiveness of conservation-related programs to manage wildlife habitat and contribute to the conservation of biological diversity.

    1

  • Climate Benefit Analysis

    (b) the projected long-term average net GHG balance of the activity is lower than the long-term average GHG balance projected for the baseline, referred to in point 2.2, where long term corresponds to the longer duration between 100 years and the duration of an entire forest cycle.

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    OBJECTIVE 4. CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

    Performance Measure 2.1. Certified Organizations shall promptly reforest after final harvest.

    Performance Measure 2.2. Certified Organizations shall have a program to minimize chemical use required to achieve management objectives while protecting employees, neighbors, the public and the environment, including wildlife and aquatic habitats.

    Performance Measure 2.3. Certified Organizations shall implement practices that protect and maintain forest and soil productivity and soil health.

    Performance Measure 2.4. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect forests from damaging agents, such as environmentally or economically undesirable levels of wildfire, pests, diseases, and invasive species, to maintain and improve long-term forest health, productivity, and economic viability.

    Performance Measure 2.5. Certified Organizations that deploy improved planting stock, including varietal seedlings, shall use best scientific methods.

    Performance Measure 4.1. Certified Organizations shall conserve biological diversity.

    Performance Measure 4.2. Certified Organizations shall protect threatened and endangered species, critically imperiled and imperiled species (Forests with Exceptional Conservation Values), and natural communities, and old-growth forests.

    Performance Measure 4.3. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect ecologically important sites in a manner that takes into account their unique qualities.

    Performance Measure 4.4. Certified Organizations shall apply knowledge gained through research, science, technology, field experience and the results of monitoring of the effectiveness of conservation-related programs to manage wildlife habitat and contribute to the conservation of biological diversity.

    1

  • Climate Benefit Analysis

    2.3. The calculation of climate benefit complies with all of the following criteria: (a) the analysis is consistent with the 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (10). The climate benefit analysis is based on transparent, accurate, consistent, complete and comparable information, covers all carbon pools impacted by the activity, including above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass, deadwood, litter and soil, relies on the most conservative assumptions for calculations and includes appropriate considerations about the risks of non-permanence and reversals of carbon seques­ tration, the risk of saturation and the risk of leakage.

    OBJECTIVE 9. CLIMATE SMART

    Performance Measure 9.1 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address the climate change risks to forests and forest operations and develop appropriate adaptation objectives and strategies. Strategies are based on best scientific information.

    Indicator 1. Based on best scientific information, Certified Organizations shall identify climate change risks and prioritize them based on the likelihood, nature, severity of their expected impact to their forest lands or forest tenures.

    Indicator 2. Certified Organizations shall develop an adaptation plan to address priority climate change risks, via effective implementation of the SFI 2022 Forest Management Standard requirements for potential adaptive management including: a. periodic updates of forest inventory and recalculation of planned harvests as appropriate to account for changes in growth due to productivity increases or decreases, including improved data, long-term drought, fertilization, climate change, or forest health; b. access to growth and yield modeling capabilities; c. documented harvest trends within long-term sustainable levels identified in the forest management plan, and d. appropriate research, testing, evaluation, and deployment of improved planting stock, including varietal seedlings.

    Indicator 3. Certified Organizations shall document how their adaptation plan objectives and strategies fit within broader regional climate adaptation strategies and plans, where they exist.

    Indicator 4. Certified Organizations shall report annually to SFI Inc. their progress towards achieving climate change adaptation strategies and plans.

    Performance Measure 9.2 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address opportunities to mitigate the effects associated with its forest operations on climate change.

    Indicator 1. Based on best scientific information, Certified Organizations shall identify and address opportunities to enhance the climate benefits associated with forest management operations on the forests they own or manage via effective implementation of the SFI 2022 Forest Management Standard requirements such as: a. Objective 2 – Forest Health and Productivity; Objective 10 – Fire Resilience and Awareness; and/or other silvicultural or operational practices to enhance the climate benefits associated with their forest operations.

    Indicator 2. Based on best scientific information, Certified Organizations shall identify and address opportunities to enhance ecosystem resilience for the forests they own or manage via effective implementation of the SFI 2022 Forest Management Standard requirements including: a. prompt reforestation or planned natural reforestation as per Indicator 2.1.1; b. adequate regeneration and appropriate actions to correct understocked areas, and c. evaluation for afforestation of areas that are not ecologically important, and d. protection of desirable or planned advanced regeneration during harvest and the retention of vigorous trees during partial harvest.

    Indicator 3. Based on best scientific information, Certified Organizations shall develop a program to identify and address greenhouse gas emissions within their operational control.

    Indicator 4. Certified Organizations shall report annually to SFI Inc. their measures to mitigate climate change associated with forest operations.

    1

  • Climate Benefit Analysis

    (b) the business as-usual practices, including harvesting practices, are ones of the following: (i) the management practices as documented in the latest version of the forest management plan or equivalent instrument before the start of the activity, if any; (ii) the most recent business-as-usual practices prior to the start of the activity; (iii) the practices corresponding to a management system ensuring that carbon stocks and sinks levels in the forest area are maintained or strengthened over the long term as set out in Article 29(7), point (b), of Directive (EU) 2018/2001.

    OBJECTIVE 9. CLIMATE SMART

    Performance Measure 9.1 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address the climate change risks to forests and forest operations and develop appropriate adaptation objectives and strategies. Strategies are based on best scientific information.

    Performance Measure 9.2 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address opportunities to mitigate the effects associated with its forest operations on climate change.

    1

  • Climate Benefit Analysis

    (c) the resolution of the analysis is proportionate to the size of the area concerned and values specific to the area concerned are used.

    OBJECTIVE 9. CLIMATE SMART

    Performance Measure 9.1 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address the climate change risks to forests and forest operations and develop appropriate adaptation objectives and strategies. Strategies are based on best scientific information.

    Performance Measure 9.2 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address opportunities to mitigate the effects associated with its forest operations on climate change.

    2

  • Climate Benefit Analysis

    (d) emissions and removals that occur due to natural disturbances, such as pests and diseases infestations, forest fires, wind, storm damages, that impact the area and cause underperformance do not result in non-compliance with Regulation (EU) 2020/852, provided that the climate benefit analysis is consistent with the 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories regarding emissions and removals due to natural disturbances.

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    Performance Measure 1.2. Certified Organizations shall not convert one forest cover type to another forest cover type unless an assessment has been conducted to determine ecological impacts and provide appropriate justification.

    Performance Measure 1.4. Certified Organizations shall not afforest in locations which negatively impact ecologically important natural communities, threatened and endangered species, or native natural communities which could be at risk of becoming rare.

    Performance Measure 2.1. Certified Organizations shall promptly reforest after final harvest.

    Performance Measure 2.2. Certified Organizations shall have a program to minimize chemical use required to achieve management objectives while protecting employees, neighbors, the public and the environment, including wildlife and aquatic habitats.

    Performance Measure 2.3. Certified Organizations shall implement practices that protect and maintain forest and soil productivity and soil health.

    Performance Measure 2.4. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect forests from damaging agents, such as environmentally or economically undesirable levels of wildfire, pests, diseases, and invasive species, to maintain and improve long-term forest health, productivity, and economic viability.

    1

  • 3) Guarantee of permanence

    3.1.          In accordance with national law, the forest status of the area in which the activity takes place is guaranteed by one of the following measures:

  • 3) Guarantee of permanence

    3.1 (a)      the area is classified in the permanent forest estate as defined by the FAO (11);

    Afforested lands become part of an organization's forest inventory and are managed in accordance with all the requirements of the SFI 2022 Forest Management Standard.

    2

  • 3) Guarantee of permanence

    3.1 (b)      the area is classified as a protected area;

    Afforested lands become part of an organization's forest inventory and are managed in accordance with all the requirements of the SFI 2022 Forest Management Standard.

    See F53

  • 3) Guarantee of permanence

    3.1 (c)      the area is the subject of any legal or contractual guarantee ensuring that it will remain a forest.

    Afforested lands become part of an organization's forest inventory and are managed in accordance with all the requirements of the SFI 2022 Forest Management Standard.

    See F53

  • 3) Guarantee of permanence

    3.2. In accordance with national law, the operator of the activity commits that future updates to the afford­ estation plan and the subsequent forest management plan or equivalent instrument, beyond the activity that is financed, will continue to seek the climate benefits as determined in point 2. Besides, the operator of the activity commits to compensate any reduction in the climate benefit determined in point 2 with an equivalent climate benefit resulting from the conduct of an activity that corresponds to one of the forestry activities defined in this Regulation.

    Afforested lands become part of an organization's forest inventory and are managed in accordance with all the requirements of the SFI 2022 Forest Management Standard.

    2

  • 4) Audit

    3.2 Within two years after the beginning of the activity and every 10 years thereafter, the compliance of the activity with the substantial contribution to climate change mitigation criteria and the DNSH criteria are verified by either of the following:

  • 4) Audit

    3.2 (a)      the relevant national competent authorities;

    N/A

  • 4) Audit

    3.2 (b)      an independent third-party certifier, at the request of national authorities or the operator of the activity.

    SFI carried forests are subject to an annual external third-party audits as per SFI Section 10

    2

  • 4) Audit

    3.2 In order to reduce costs, audits may be performed together with any forest certification, climate certification or other audit.

    N/A

    see F59

  • 4) Audit

    3.2 The independent third-party certifier may not have any conflict of interest with the owner or the funder, and may not be involved in the development or operation of the activity.

    N/A

    Auditor conflict of interest addressed in SFI Section 10 and ISO 17021 which is a normative reference for SFI Section 10.

    2

  • 5) Group Assessment

    3.2 The compliance with the criteria for substantial contribution to climate change mitigation and with DNSH criteria may be checked: (a) at the level of the forest sourcing area (12) as defined in Article 2, point (30), of Directive (EU) 2018/2001; (b) at the level of a group of holdings sufficiently homogeneous to evaluate the risk of the sustainability of the forest activity, provided that all those holdings have a durable relationship between them and participate in the activity and the group of those holdings remains the same for all subsequent audits.

    N/A

    SFI requirements for group certification are addressed in SFI Section 10, Appendix 2

    2

  • DNSH 2

    Climate change adaptation. The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix A to this Annex.

    OBJECTIVE 9. CLIMATE SMART FORESTRY

    Performance Measure 9.1 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address the climate change risks to forests and forest operations and develop appropriate adaptation objectives and strategies. Strategies are based on best scientific information.

    Performance Measure 9.2 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address opportunities to mitigate the effects associated with its forest operations on climate change.

    1

  • DNSH 3

    Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources. The activity complies with the criteria set out in Appendix B to this Annex. Detailed information referred to in point 1.2. (k) includes provisions to comply with the criteria set out in Appendix B to this Annex.

    OBJECTIVE 3. PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER RESOURCES

    Performance Measure 3.1. Certified Organizations shall meet or exceed all applicable federal, provincial, state and local water quality laws and meet or exceed best management practices.

    Performance Measure 3.2. Certified Organizations shall implement water, wetland, and riparian protection programs based on climate, soil type, terrain, vegetation, ecological function, harvesting system, state best management practices (BMPs), provincial guidelines and other applicable factors.

    1

  • DNSH 4

    Transition to a circular economy. N/A

    N/A

    N/A

    N/A

  • DNSH 5

    Pollution prevention and control. The use of pesticides is reduced and alternative approaches or techniques, which may include non-chemical alternatives to pesticides, are favored, in accordance with Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (13), with exception of occasions where the use of pesticides is needed to control outbreaks of pests and of diseases.

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    Performance Measure 2.2. Certified Organizations shall have a program to minimize chemical use required to achieve management objectives while protecting employees, neighbors, the public and the environment, including wildlife and aquatic habitats.

    1

  • DNSH 5

    The activity minimizes the use of fertilizers and does not use manure. The activity complies with Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (14) or national rules on fertilizers or soil improvers for agricultural use.

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    Performance Measure 2.2. Certified Organizations shall have a program to minimize chemical use required to achieve management objectives while protecting employees, neighbors, the public and the environment, including wildlife and aquatic habitats.

    Indicator 1. Pest management shall be implemented through the use of integrated pest management.

    Indicator 2. Minimized chemical use required to achieve management objectives.

    1

  • DNSH 5

    Well documented and verifiable measures are taken to avoid the use of active ingredients that are listed in Annex I, part A, of Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 (15) of the European Parliament and of the Council (16), the Rotterdam Convention on the prior informed consent procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade (17), the Minamata Convention on Mercury (18), the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (19), and of active ingredients that are listed as classification Ia (‘extremely hazardous’) or Ib (‘highly hazardous’) in the WHO Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard (20). The activity complies with the relevant national law on active ingredients.

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    Performance Measure 2.2. Certified Organizations shall have a program to minimize chemical use required to achieve management objectives while protecting employees, neighbors, the public and the environment, including wildlife and aquatic habitats.

    Indicator 4. Use of pesticides registered for the intended use and applied in accordance with label requirements.

    Indicator 5. The World Health Organization (WHO) type 1A and 1B pesticides shall be prohibited, except where no other viable alternative is available.

    Indicator 6. Use of pesticides banned under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2001) shall be prohibited.

    1

  • DNSH 5

    Pollution of water and soil is prevented and cleaning up measures are undertaken when pollution occurs.

    OBJECTIVE 11. LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

    Performance Measure 11.1. Certified Organizations shall comply with applicable federal, provincial, state, and local forestry and environmental laws and regulations.

    Indicator 1. Access to relevant laws and regulations.

    Indicator 2. System to achieve compliance with applicable federal, provincial, state, or local laws, and regulations.

    Indicator 3. Demonstration of commitment to legal compliance through available regulatory action information.

    2

  • DNSH 6

    Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems. In areas designated by the national competent authority for conservation or in habitats that are protected, the activity is in accordance with the conservation objectives for those areas.

    OBJECTIVE 11. LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

    Performance Measure 11.1. Certified Organizations shall comply with applicable federal, provincial, state, and local forestry and environmental laws and regulations.

    Indicator 1. Access to relevant laws and regulations.

    Indicator 2. System to achieve compliance with applicable federal, provincial, state, or local laws

    2

  • DNSH 6

    There is no conversion of habitats specifically sensitive to biodiversity loss or with high conservation value, or of areas set aside for the restoration of such habitats in accordance with national law.

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    OBJECTIVE 11. LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

    Performance Measure 1.2. Certified Organizations shall not convert one forest cover type to another forest cover type unless an assessment has been conducted to determine ecological impacts and provide appropriate justification.

    Performance Measure 1.4. Certified Organizations shall not afforest in locations which negatively impact ecologically important natural communities, threatened and endangered species, or native natural communities which could be at risk of becoming rare.

    Performance Measure 11.2. Certified Organizations shall comply with all applicable social laws at the federal, provincial, state, and local levels in the country in which the Certified Organization operates.

    2

  • DNSH 6

    Detailed information referred to in points 1.2(k) (Afforestation plan) and 1.4(i) (Forest management plan or equivalent system) include provisions for maintaining and possibly enhancing biodiversity in accordance with national and local provisions, including the following:

    N/A

    N/A

    N/A

  • DNSH 6

    (a) ensuring the good conservation status of habitat and species, main­ tenance of typical habitat species;

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    OBJECTIVE 4. CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

    Performance Measure 1.1. Certified Organizations shall ensure that forest management plans include long-term harvest levels that are sustainable and consistent with appropriate growth-and-yield models.

    Performance Measure 4.1. Certified Organizations shall conserve biological diversity.

    Performance Measure 4.2. Certified Organizations shall protect threatened and endangered species, critically imperiled and imperiled species (Forests with Exceptional Conservation Values), and natural communities, and old-growth forests.

    2

  • DNSH 6

    (b) excluding the use or release of invasive alien species;

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    OBJECTIVE 4. CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

    OBJECTIVE 11. LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

    Performance Measure 2.4. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect forests from damaging agents, such as environmentally or economically undesirable levels of wildfire, pests, diseases, and invasive species, to maintain and improve long-term forest health, productivity, and economic viability.

    Performance Measure 4.1. Certified Organizations shall conserve biological diversity.

    Performance Measure 11.1. Certified Organizations shall comply with applicable federal, provincial, state, and local forestry and environmental laws and regulations.

    2

  • DNSH 6

    (c) excluding the use of non-native species unless it can be demonstrated that:

    (i) the use of the forest reproductive material leads to favourable and appropriate ecosystem conditions (such as climate, soil criteria and vegetation zone, forest fire resilience);

    (ii) the native species currently present on the site are not anymore adapted to projected climatic and pedo-hydrological conditions.

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    Performance Measure 2.1. Certified Organizations shall promptly reforest after final harvest.

    Indicator 1. Documented reforestation plans, including designation of all harvest areas for either natural, planted, or direct seeded regeneration and prompt reforestation, unless delayed for site-specific environmental or forest health considerations or legal requirements, through planting within two years or two planting seasons, or by planned natural regeneration methods within five years.

    Indicator 2. Clear criteria to judge adequate regeneration and appropriate actions to correct understocked areas and achieve acceptable species composition and stocking rates for planting, direct seeding, and natural regeneration.

    Indicator 3. Plantings of native or non-invasive naturalized tree species are preferred. In exceptional circumstances where exotic tree species are being planted, they should not increase risk to native ecosystems.

    2

  • DNSH 6

    (d) ensuring the maintenance and improvement of physical, chemical and biological quality of the soil;

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    Performance Measure 2.3. Certified Organizations shall implement practices that protect and maintain forest and soil productivity and soil health.

    Indicator 1. Process to identify soils vulnerable to compaction, and use of appropriate methods, including the use of soil maps where available, to avoid excessive soil disturbance.

    Indicator 2. Use of erosion control measures to minimize the loss of soil and impacts to site productivity.

    Indicator 3. Post-harvest conditions conducive to maintaining site productivity (such as: retained down woody debris and minimized skid trails).

    Indicator 4. Retention of vigorous trees during partial harvesting, consistent with scientific silvicultural standards for the area.

    Indicator 5. Practices that address harvesting and site preparation to protect soil productivity and soil health.

    Indicator 6. Road construction, skidding layout, and harvest plans designed to minimize impacts to soil productivity and soil health.

    2

  • DNSH 6

    (e) promoting biodiversity-friendly practices that enhance forests’ natural processes;

    OBJECTIVE 2. FOREST HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY

    OBJECTIVE 3. PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF WATER RESOURCES

    OBJECTIVE 4. CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

    OBJECTIVE 9. CLIMATE SMART FORESTRY

    OBJECTIVE 10. FIRE RESILIENCE AND AWARENESS

    Performance Measure 2.1. Certified Organizations shall promptly reforest after final harvest.

    Performance Measure 2.2. Certified Organizations shall have a program to minimize chemical use required to achieve management objectives while protecting employees, neighbors, the public and the environment, including wildlife and aquatic habitats.

    Performance Measure 2.3. Certified Organizations shall implement practices that protect and maintain forest and soil productivity and soil health.

    Performance Measure 2.4. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect forests from damaging agents, such as environmentally or economically undesirable levels of wildfire, pests, diseases, and invasive species, to maintain and improve long-term forest health, productivity, and economic viability.

    Performance Measure 2.5. Certified Organizations that deploy improved planting stock, including varietal seedlings, shall use best scientific methods.

    Performance Measure 3.1. Certified Organizations shall meet or exceed all applicable federal, provincial, state and local water quality laws and meet or exceed best management practices.

    Performance Measure 3.2. Certified Organizations shall implement water, wetland, and riparian protection programs based on climate, soil type, terrain, vegetation, ecological function, harvesting system, state best management practices (BMPs), provincial guidelines and other applicable factors

    Performance Measure 4.1. Certified Organizations shall conserve biological diversity.

    Performance Measure 4.2. Certified Organizations shall protect threatened and endangered species, critically imperiled and imperiled species (Forests with Exceptional Conservation Values), and natural communities, and old-growth forests.

    Performance Measure 4.3. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect ecologically important sites in a manner that takes into account their unique qualities.

    Performance Measure 4.4. Certified Organizations shall apply knowledge gained through research, science, technology, field experience and the results of monitoring of the effectiveness of conservation-related programs to manage wildlife habitat and contribute to the conservation of biological diversity.

    Performance Measure 9.1 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address the climate change risks to forests and forest operations and develop appropriate adaptation objectives and strategies. Strategies are based on best scientific information.

    Performance Measure 9.2 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving SFI Implementation Committees or other partners identify and address opportunities to mitigate the effects associated with its forest operations on climate change.

    Performance Measure 10.1 On the forests they own or manage, Certified Organizations shall limit susceptibility to undesirable impacts of wildfire, promote healthy and resilient forest conditions through management techniques, actions and/or policies, and support restoration of forests following wildfire damage.

    Performance Measure 10.2 Certified Organizations shall individually and/or through cooperative efforts involving government agencies, SFI Implementation Committees, Project Learning Tree, or other partners, engage in efforts to raise awareness of and take action towards benefits of fire management and minimization of undesirable impacts of wildfire.

    2

  • DNSH 6

    (f) excluding the conversion of high-biodiverse ecosystems into less biodiverse ones;

    OBJECTIVE 1. FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

    Performance Measure 1.2. Certified Organizations shall not convert one forest cover type to another forest cover type unless an assessment has been conducted to determine ecological impacts and provide appropriate justification.

    2

  • DNSH 6

    (g) ensuring the diversity of associated habitats and species linked to the forest;

    OBJECTIVE 4. CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

    Performance Measure 4.1. Certified Organizations shall conserve biological diversity.

    Performance Measure 4.2. Certified Organizations shall protect threatened and endangered species, critically imperiled and imperiled species (Forests with Exceptional Conservation Values), and natural communities, and old-growth forests.

    Performance Measure 4.3. Certified Organizations shall manage to protect ecologically important sites in a manner that takes into account their unique qualities.

    Performance Measure 4.4. Certified Organizations shall apply knowledge gained through research, science, technology, field experience and the results of monitoring of the effectiveness of conservation-related programs to manage wildlife habitat and contribute to the conservation of biological diversity.

    2

  • DNSH 6

    (h) ensuring the diversity of stand structures and maintenance or enhancing of mature stage stands and dead wood.

    OBJECTIVE 4. CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

    Performance Measure 4.1. Certified Organizations shall conserve biological diversity.

    2