Green Tier/Master Logger Charter Reinforces Focus on Sustainability

The Wisconsin Master Logger Certification (WIMLC) Program and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) both look forward to the benefits of the Green Tier Charter they signed on April 25, 2012 at the 4th Annual Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA) Spring Celebration and Membership Meeting.

"WIMLC is pleased that our members' professionalism and voluntary dedication to excellence beyond compliance is being recognized through the Charter," stated Mark Huempfner, GLTPA Vice President and Wisconsin Certified Master Logger. Mark and Jeff Bean, Chairman of the Wisconsin Master Logger Committee, were the signatories for the Green Tier Charter along with DNR Secretary, Cathy Stepp.

The Wisconsin Master Logger Program has been a part of GLTPA since its formation in 2007 through the merger of the Wisconsin Professional Loggers Association (WPLA), Wisconsin-Michigan Timber Producers Association and the Forest Industry Safety and Training Alliance. WPLA was the original parent organization of WIMLC.

The DNR knows the relationship with the logging industry is important. Loggers play a key role in feeding Wisconsin's $18 billion forest products industry. A strong, vibrant, professional logging force helps grow this industry. The DNR has the opportunity to recognize the certified master loggers who are upholding business practices that are good for the environment.

"I am pleased to highlight these industry leaders by welcoming the WI Master Loggers into the Green Tier program through this Charter, " said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. "These business people understand that good environmental practices can go hand in hand with economic success."

The WIMLC Program will also be assigned a single point of contact within the department who will provide assistance, serve as a resource and facilitate discussions with DNR.

Green Tier is a voluntary program administered by the DNR. Under this program, the DNR works with groups who conduct their business with beyond compliance efforts and continually look for ways to improve. Currently there are 57 participants with 188 facilities, and five active charters. Charters are legal contracts that help business sectors, regions, supply chains, or other creative groupings of organizations establish and meet environmental objectives.

The WIMLC Program currently represents 55 loggers from across Wisconsin that are committed to sustainable harvesting practices. These dedicated professionals practice environmentally sound forestry approaches. They ensure that timber is harvested to guarantee Wisconsin's working forests continue to regenerate for current and future generations.

As part of their commitments in the Charter, Wisconsin Certified Master Loggers will continue to do their work based on two sets of existing guidelines. The Wisconsin Woody Biomass Harvesting Guidelines and the Wisconsin Best Management Practice for Water Quality Guidelines, will help ensure healthy forests, rich soils and clean water. There is commitment from both parties to continue to pursue collaborative ideas to increase benefits to the Wisconsin Certified Master Loggers and the environment.

If you would like to learn more about the Master Logger Green Tier Charter, please visit http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/GreenTier/participants/WIMasterLogger.html and www.timberpa.com or http://www.wimlc.com/