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International Paper's Approach to Responsible Fiber Procurement in US Forestland
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2023 / International Paper Company Originally publishe...
About this update from Imaginear Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"International Paper’s Approach to Responsible Fiber Procurement in US ForestlandNORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2023 / International Paper CompanyOriginally published in International Paper's 2022 Sustainability ReportForSite™ is an innovative mapping tool used by our Fiber Supply team to verify and track the fiber they are sourcing. This system guides our responsible fiber procurement on noncertified forestland in the U.S. It ensures that conservation approaches, similar to those practiced on third-party certified lands, are incorporated in forest management and harvest practices on non-certified lands.This system uses GIS technology to display and organize a variety of spatial data - critical information that our fiber supply team uses to make informed decisions prior to the fiber entering our supply chain. ForSite™ data includes an array of environmental and spatial attributes, including:Rare, threatened and endangered speciesPriority forest types and landscapesSoil types, topography and hydrologySatellite imagery updated weeklyOptimized delivery locationBy knowing the exact location of the direct fiber we purchase, we ensure not only that our fiber is derived from sustainably managed forests, but also that it is delivered to the most cost-effective facility location.Using ForSite™ technology, we have:23MIdentified 23 million acres where we can apply pre-harvest due diligence to ensure that purchased fiber is sourced responsibly25KMade on-the-ground improvements to over 25,000 acres of forestland since 202095%Mapped every non-certified location of purchased open market fiberForSite in UseIP recognized that our industry needed to improve our practices in order to assure consumers and customers that active forest management is sustainable. The implementation of ForSite™ has changed IP's procurement strategy. We now screen every non-certified tract through ForSite™ prior to purchase to determine whether additional due diligence is required before we accept timber from that tract. Our staff has access to this data both in the office and in the field.Outcome:Gopher Tortoise burrow locations were located, buffered, and protected prior to the forest thinning treatment. The final result was habitat improvement for the tortoise and the landowner was able to accomplish their management ...