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