Collins Celebrates Milestone as Kane Hardwood Division Completes 20 Years of FSC Forest Management Certification
Platinum Anniversary Confirmed by SCS Global Services
Leading third-party certifier SCS Global Services (SCS) announced today that the Collins Pennsylvania Forest managed by Kane Hardwood, a division of Collins, earned Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) Forest Management certification for another 5-year period, building upon 20 consecutive years of certification. The Collins Pennsylvania Forest, comprising 118,000 acres in the Allegheny Mountains of northern Pennsylvania, is one of the longest continuously certified forests under the FSC label.
The Collins Pennsylvania Forest maintains a rich diversity of natural resources and is home to some of the world’s finest black cherry hardwood. Other commercial species include red and white oak, soft and hard maple, ash, beech, yellow poplar and basswood trees. Kane Hardwood has managed this forest to ensure the vitality of its ecosystems and the well-being of surrounding communities. For two decades, SCS has confirmed Kane’s commitment to FSC’s principles and standards through annual on-site audits and inspections.
“Like the other divisions of Collins, Kane Hardwood has demonstrated an abiding commitment to the health of its forests and the welfare of its workers and community,” said SCS Executive Vice President Dr. Robert J. Hrubes. “We are pleased to reaffirm on this 20th anniversary that Kane Hardwood remains a model of exceptional leadership in responsible forestry.”
In their policies and practices, Kane Hardwood’s management team and staff of eight field foresters manifest responsible forestry practices as an essential part of the company’s mission. In addition to emphasizing post-harvest regeneration, biodiversity, and reduced herbicide use, Kane recognizes key relationships as a critical component of sustainability efforts. The company frequently collaborates on forest management techniques with researchers from the USDA Forest Service, Penn State University, and local NGOs. The forestry staff also works with stakeholders on silvicultural strategies in response to forest health concerns such as Beech Bark Disease, Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, and Emerald Ash Borer.
“Kane Hardwood values the Pennsylvania Forest not only for its commercial veneer and hardwood lumber products, but also for its water quality, recreational use, and wildlife habitat,” said Ned Karger, Lands Manager of the Kane Hardwood division. “Our foresters are personally responsible for selecting the sites to be harvested and oversight of all aspects of the harvesting. Careful planning and monitoring focuses on natural regeneration, balancing age classes, and long term sustainability.”
In addition to achieving high standards for biodiversity and environmental protection, Collins Kane Hardwood division remains one of the largest private employers in the region. Staff members are also actively involved in local civic organizations, such as Rotary Club, Kane Economic Development, and the Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum.
About SCS Global Services: SCS Global Services provides leadership world-wide in third-party sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. Programs span across industries, recognizing achievements in green building, manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, and many more. SCS was a founding member of the Forest Stewardship Council, and is one of the world’s most respected FSC Forest Management and Chain of Custody certifiers. FSC License Code: FSC-A000521. www.scsglobalservices.com
About Collins & Kane Hardwood: Collins was founded on July 28, 1855 in Pennsylvania by T.D. Collins. The 24 year-old Truman Doud (Teddy) Collins, along with four partners, bought 1,600 acres of virgin white pine and a steam sawmill near Kane, Pennsylvania. By 1860, Teddy had bought out his partners and the company is now the largest private landowner in Pennsylvania. In the late 1800s, Collins expanded operations westward beyond Pennsylvania. Today, Collins remains family-owned and manages additional FSC certified forests in California and Oregon. FSC License Code: FSC-C011312. http://www.CollinsWood.com/
Media Contact:
Kathryn Mullins
510.452.6387