News

First forestry environmental verification

Michigan’s first woodland was recently verified with the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program.

Warren Suchovsky, Certified Master Logger from Stephenson in the Western U.P., says verification in the Forest, Wetland and Habitat System takes into consideration both environmental and economic aspects of land management.  “This will encourage better management by the owners of private and non-industrial lands throughout the state.”

He tells Brownfield he’s had a management plan in place since the late 1960s and the verification process fell in line with his environmental goals.  “Take a look at your forestland and try to figure out why the heck you own in the first place? What do you hope to accomplish with it?  What values does it return to you?”

Suchovsky says he hopes the program will give recognition to the economic value of woodlots and their benefits of clean air, clean water, and diverse wildlife and plant communities.

AUDIO: Interview with Warren Suchovsky