The relationship between forest health and biodiversity cannot be understated and significantly impacts ecosystems and communities. In this episode of "Forest Matters,” NativState wildlife biologist Kevin Wood discusses the importance of biodiversity, species diversity, and habitat protection in sustainable forest management:

• How healthy forests support biodiversity

• The role of indicator species in monitoring ecosystem health

• The interconnectedness of species

• Examples of human impact on biodiveristy

• Forest Stewardship Council's (FSC) criteria for conservation

• How managing for biodiversity adds value to carbon credits

• How NativState helps landowners manage their forest for biodiversity and meet certification standards

Identifying High Conservation Value (HCV) forests is an essential part of sustainable forest management and a key requirement within the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification process. HCV areas help ensure that rare species, unique ecosystems, and important cultural sites are protected—strengthening both ecological integrity and long-term forest value.In this episode of Forest Matters, NativState Wildlife Biologist Kevin Wood explains what qualifies as High Conservation Value and why it matters for landowners participating in NativState’s forest carbon programs. Kevin walks through how HCVs are defined, how they’re evaluated, and what landowners can expect if an HCV is identified on their property.In addition to discussing the role of HCVs within FSC certification, Kevin covers:

• FSC’s Six Categories of High Conservation Value
• Threatened & Endangered Species and Their Habitats
• Rare Ecosystems such as Blackland Prairies
• Cultural and Indigenous Value Sites
• How HCVs Are Identified (data review, surveys, and agency consultation)
• What HCV Designation Means for Landowners
• Management and Monitoring Strategies to Protect Sensitive Areas

Episode Highlights0:49 – What Is High Conservation Value?2:11 – FSC’s HCV Criteria Overview3:52 – Threatened + Endangered Species Considerations4:50 – Rare Ecosystems and Where They Occur5:57 – Cultural and Indigenous Value Sites6:29 – How HCVs Are Identified9:19 – What Counts (and Doesn’t) as HCV10:11 – Project Example: River Species & Habitat Protection11:24 – What HCV Means for Landowners12:29 – Stream Buffers, Water Quality & Best Practices13:40 – Management Support & Monitoring Plans

Enrollment in a sustainable forestry program helps ensure that landowners receive the highest value for the carbon credits developed from their land. Landowners enrolled in one of NativState’s forest carbon credit programs participate in at least one of three sustainable forest certification programs, the cost of which NativState bears. In this episode of Forest Matters, NativState VP of Forestry Tim White talks specifically about the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification program.

Recognized globally since 1993, FSC certification is the most rigorous standard, preferred by global carbon buyers for its consistency. Therefore, carbon projects with FSC certification generate higher carbon credit prices and long-term off-take agreements, benefiting landowners.

Learn more about NativState’s Forest Carbon Program at ⁠⁠nativstate.com⁠⁠

Contact us: info@nativstate.com

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