In working to create a Legacy for the Moosehead Region, Plum Creek's ongoing commitment to land stewardship is perhaps best reflected by the size and scope of the proposed permanent conservation easements throughout the Plan Area.

These proposed easements will not only guarantee the preservation and protection of thousands of acres of woodlands, wildlife habitat and remote ponds — these easements will also preserve economic traditions, providing for the continuation of environmentally responsible timber management practices that lead to economic prosperity and sustainability.

But a working forest is only as good as its infrastructure and individual components.

Each part — whether it's the land's overall ecosystem, its wildlife, aquifers, soils, air quality or botanical resources — must be preserved within the framework of a balanced and responsible management approach in order to maintain the land's integrity, its aesthetics and its productive value.

And that's why Plum Creek continues seeking improvements to our timberland management methods.

Plum Creek's commitment as a responsible land steward includes incorporating SFI's core principles into our land management practices by:

• Only purchasing raw materials from qualified logging professionals, requiring woodlot inspection after harvesting activity to ensure the use of Best Management Practices and adequate reforestation measures.

• Developing Environmental Action Plans customized to the unique conditions and opportunities in each operational area.

• Working closely with state and federal agencies to ensure the protection of critical wildlife habitat areas, such as deer wintering areas and lynx habitat.

• Seeking independent SFI performance audits, including a 2002 audit of our land in Maine, by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, an internationally recognized and leading accounting and auditing firm.

Jack Ward Thomas, a member of the SFI Expert Review Panel, and former chief of the United States Forest Service, applauded Plum Creek's achievement in 1999 for becoming the first firm to request an independent, third-party audit of the company's sustainable forestry practices.

"Plum Creek's stewardship of its resources and good forest practices are commendable," Thomas said. "With the leadership of progressive companies like Plum Creek, the entire industry has made great strides in recent years."

When it comes to sustainable forestry, our goal is to meet today's need for wood and paper products while ensuring healthy and sustainable forests that provide jobs, economic opportunities and ecological balance far into the future.

Click here to learn more about Plum Creek's commitment to SFI