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Aitkin SWCD Forestry Services Grow Logging Demo August 16th August 11, 2008 - (Aitkin, MN ) – The Aitkin County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) recently completed the first annual audit of its forest certification program. The program has continued to grow since it was started in 2006. “We’ve doubled the membership in the program since the initial group signed-up, and members are now able to market everything from certified pulpwood and sawlogs to balsam boughs and burls,” says Dennis Thompson, Aitkin SWCD Forester. The opportunity to certify non-timber forest products such as burls for wood turning, balsam boughs, natural Christmas trees, and spruce tops was recently added to the program. “Some landowners may not have a timber harvest planned for their land, but are interested in other products they can market. Now our program can help them responsibly manage non-timber forest products to the same high standards,” says Thompson. The program was started with support from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) and a grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “The opportunities offered by the Aitkin SWCD are unique in the state, and I hope landowners in Aitkin County continue to sign up for the program,” says Katie Fernholz, Executive Director of Dovetail Partners and project partner. The Aitkin SWCD, Minnesota Forestry Association (MFA), and the Northwoods Forestry Cooperative are hosting a logging demonstration on Saturday, August 16th. Landowners are welcome to come learn about responsible and low-impact logging techniques. For more information about the certification program or logging workshop, contact Dennis Thompson at the Aitkin SWCD, 218-927-6565. |
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