Philmont Scout Ranch 2018 Public Summary Audit Report

Transcription

1 Introduction Philmont Scout Ranch 2018 Public Summary Audit Report The Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, New Mexico has demonstrated continued conformance with the SFI Standard and Rules, Section 2 Forest Management Standard, according to the NSF certification process. The Scout Ranch suffered a devastating 30,000 acre wildfire in May 2018, followed by heavy rains in July. Forest management efforts are currently focused on repairing damage, fireproofing remaining areas used by the Scouts and working toward thinning and stand treatments to reduce the risk of future wildfire, insect and disease and other damaging agents. Forest management on Philmont Scout Ranch continues to focus on protecting and enhancing Philmont s watersheds, water quality and wildlife habitats and on maintaining Philmont s programs to deliver its internationally recognized Scouting and High Adventure Programs. Other objectives include protecting Philmont s recreational and educational assets and improving the health and productivity of the forests. Philmont s forest management program also provides demonstration of sustainable forestry practices for visiting Scouts and Scouting leaders, forestry educators and the general public. A new set of SFI Objectives was adopted for the Ranch in September of (SFI Objectives) The Philmont Scout Ranch is physically located on the high plains in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range of northeastern New Mexico. It is the Boy Scouts of America s largest high adventure base camp. Other resource management includes a working ranch including cattle, horses, burros, bison and Hereford cows. The ranch covers a portion of the Beaubien and Miranda land grant of Colfax County. It encompasses approximately 151,177 total acres with approximately 90,000 acres of forest or woodland. Approximately 11,000 acres are included in a long-term lease where Philmont retains management responsibility. The lack of markets and qualified logging contractors significantly impacts the ability of the foresters to plan and execute timber harvests and other timber stand treatments. There are no sawmills or other forest products facilities within a reasonable hauling distance from the ranch. The foresters are using seasonal employees to conduct thinning and sanitation harvests and are utilizing a portable sawmill to produce rough lumber for use in building projects on the Philmont Scout Ranch. Firewood is one of the few markets available, and for only certain species. The audit was performed Scott Berg, Lead Auditor, on November 6, Mr. Berg fulfills the qualification criteria for conducting audits contained in SFI Standards and Rules, Section 9 - Procedures and Auditor Qualifications and Accreditation. Several of the SFI Section 2 Forest Management Standard requirements were outside of the scope of Philmont Scout Ranch s SFI program and were excluded from the scope of the SFI Certification Audit including: Indicator Afforestation programs are not conducted. Performance Measure 5.2 Clearcut harvests are not conducted. Performance Measure 5.3 Clearcut harvests are not conducted, therefore green-up requirements are not applicable. Indicator Research on genetically engineered trees is not conducted. Indicator New Mexico does not have a formal logger training program. There are no qualified loggers or certified loggers. Performance Measure New Mexico does not have a SFI Implementation Committee or formal logger training program. Indicator New Mexico does not have a SFI Implementation Committee. Objective 13 Philmont Scout Ranch is not responsible for public land management. This document is the property of NSF International. Page 1 of 7

2 Audit Process The audit was governed by a formal Audit Plan which was updated during the Readiness Review conference call and was designed to enable the Lead Auditor to efficiently determine conformance with the applicable and selected SFI requirements. The Audit Plan provided for the review of objective evidence of conformance consisting of documents & records, interviews of responsible personnel and on-site inspections of ongoing and completed forest practices. During the audit, the Lead Auditor reviewed a sample of the written documentation assembled to provide objective evidence of conformance. The Lead Auditor selected field sites for inspection based upon the risk of environmental impact, likelihood of occurrence, special features, and other criteria outlined in the NSF protocols. The Lead Auditor interviewed employees within the organization to confirm that the SFI Forest Management Standard was understood and actively implemented. The possible findings of the audit included conformance, major non-conformance, minor non-conformance, opportunities for improvement, and practices that exceeded the basic requirements of the SFI Forest Management Standard. Overview of Audit Findings The Philmont Scout Ranch was found to be in continued conformance with the SFI Forest Management standard. NSF determined that there were two minor non-conformances and four notable practices that exceed the basic requirements of the SFI. Exceed basic requirement findings: 1. SFI Requirement: SFI Performance Measure 4.1, Indicator 1. Program to incorporate the conservation of wildlife biodiversity, including species, wildlife habitats and ecological community types at stand and landscape levels. Finding. The emphasis on maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitat and biodiversity exceeds the basic requirements SFI. 2. SFI Requirement: SFI Objective 6.1. Identify Special Sites and manage them in a manner appropriate for their unique features. Finding: The program to identify and protect special natural heritage and cultural sites exceeds the basic requirements of the SFI. 3. SFI Requirement: SFI Objective 12, Performance Measure 12.2, Program Participants shall support and promote, mechanisms for public outreach, education and involvement related to sustainable forest management. Finding: The Philmont Demonstration Forest reaches 10,000 Scouts every year with quality outdoor education involving forestry, flora and fauna, mountaineering and a range of other outdoor adventure activities. These exceptional activities exceed the basic requirements of the SFI. 4. SFI Requirement: SFI Objective 7, Performance Measure 7.1, Indicator 1.c. Exploration of markets for underutilized species and low-grade wood and alternative markets. Finding: The forestry team has installed a Wood-Mizer to utilize and cut raw wood materials for construction projects on the ranch. They were conducting thinning, fire proofing certain high investment areas such as camps and buildings, and then using the lumber for rebuilding structures lost during the recent wildfires. Workers are trained in equipment usage, safety practices and wood utilization. These in-woods manufacturing projects exceed the basic requirements of the SFI. Minor Nonconformances CAR # 1 SFI Requirement: SFI Performance Measure 2.4, Indicators 1) Program to protect forests from damaging agents, 2) Management to promote healthy and productive forest conditions to minimize the susceptibility to damaging agents. Finding: Minor Non-conformance. While progress is being made to address the forest health issues, reduce stand density and fuel loadings and utilize excess material; the forest still faces significant forest health challenges, particularly from future potential wildfire. The current program as implemented is not sufficiently effective in reducing the incidence and severity of future wildfire. This document is the property of NSF International. Page 2 of 7

3 CAR # 2 SFI Requirement: SFI Performance Measure 3.1, Indicator , Indicator 1) Program addressing management and protection of water during all phases of management, including the layout and construction of roads and skid trails to maintain water reach, flow and quality. Finding: Minor Non-conformance. Portions of the road system leading to Cimmaroncito are not adequately maintained. Water bars are insufficient in places, road ditches and water control structures are not maintained, roads are not sufficient crowned and water is running down the road surface and causing erosion and stream sedimentation. The NM BMPs require that roads be crowned to allow water to drain to both sides. Other roads are not sufficiently out-sloped to drain water off the road surface. Water bars are insufficient in places to angle water off the roads and into ditches. See Road Maintenance on page 68 of the NM Forest Practices Guidebook. General Description of Evidence of Conformity NSF s Lead Auditor used a variety of evidence to determine conformance. A general description of this evidence is provided below, organized by SFI Objective. Objective 1 Forest Management Planning To ensure forest management plans include long-term sustainable harvest levels and measures to avoid forest conversion. Objective 2 Forest Health and Productivity To ensure long-term forest productivity, carbon storage and conservation of forest resources through prompt reforestation, afforestation, minimized chemical use, soil conservation, and protecting forests from damaging agents. Summary of Evidence: The Philmont Ranch contains large areas of over mature trees, overstocked brush and trees, heavy fuel loadings and a very high potential for catastrophic wildfire. Progress is being made to thin stands, remove unmerchantable material and fireproof stands close to roads, buildings and other infrastructure. The task remains very large and current levels of efforts are not likely to be sufficient to address the forest health and fire hazard issues. There is a minor nonconformance to the SFI Forest Health and Productivity Objective that will need concerted attention over the next several years. Objective 3 Protection and Maintenance of Water Resources To protect the water quality of rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands and other water bodies through meeting or exceeding best management practices. Summary of Evidence: Field site observations of a range of sites were the primary sources of objective evidence. The Lead Auditor visited many field sites including roads, skid trails, landings, hiking trails and other management adjacent to water resources. The Lead Auditor reviewed forest management plans, state BMPs and the recently adopted SFI Objectives. Portions of certain roads, in particular the Cimmaroncito Road, are in need of maintenance. The lack of road maintenance, construction of water bars, crowning of the road surface and drainage contribute to a finding of minor nonconformance. Objective 4 Conservation of Biological Diversity To manage the quality and distribution of wildlife habitats and contribute to the conservation of biological diversity by developing and implementing stand- and landscape-level measures that promote a diversity of types of habitat and successional stages, and the This document is the property of NSF International. Page 3 of 7

4 conservation of forest plants and animals, including aquatic species, as well as threatened and endangered species, Forests with Exceptional Conservation Value, old-growth forests and ecologically important sites. Summary of Evidence: The Conservation Program is intended to conserve native wildlife and biodiversity and does an outstanding job of educating Scouts and other users of the High Adventure Camp. Hiking and adventure programs are heavily focused on physical fitness, resource conservation, protecting wildlife and promoting the principles of Scouting. The protection of wildlife, stand and landscape-level biodiversity are notable practices that exceed the basic requirements of the SFI Standard. Objective 5 Management of Visual Quality and Recreational Benefits To manage the visual impact of forest operations and provide recreational opportunities for the public.. Objective 6 Protection of Special Sites To manage lands that are geologically or culturally important in a manner that takes into account their unique qualities. Summary of Evidence: The Philmont Ranch does an excellent job of protecting important geologic and cultural sites, as well as old cemeteries. The focus on special sites, particularly Indian skinned trees, is a notable practice that exceeds the basic requirements of the SFI.. Objective 7 Efficient Use of Fiber Resources To minimize waste and ensure the efficient use of fiber resources. Summary of Evidence: This Objective was not originally on the list to audit. But field observations and interviews revealed that there is a lack of contractors to conduct forest management and harvesting. The Ranch is implementing a thinning and sanitation program, in conjunction with the use of a Wood Miser sawmill, that utilizes small material for use in reconstruction of Philmont facilities, including structures damaged in the 2018 wildfire. They also have a very active and effective safety training program for fellers and operators of the Wood Miser sawmill. This is a notable practice that exceeds the basic requirements of the SFI.. Objective 8 Recognize and Respect Indigenous Peoples Rights To recognize and respect Indigenous Peoples rights and traditional knowledge. Objective 9 Legal and Regulatory Compliance To comply with applicable federal, provincial, state and local laws and regulations. Objective 10 Forestry Research, Science and Technology To invest in forestry research, science and technology, upon which sustainable forest management decisions are based and broaden the awareness of climate change impacts on forests, wildlife and biological diversity. Summary of Evidence: Interviews indicated strong support for forestry research, including projects conducted on the Philmont Ranch by other entities. Interviews indicated that a visiting forest professor program is used to help educate This document is the property of NSF International. Page 4 of 7

5 Scouts and interpret the results of forestry research in the context of the Philmont Ranch. The level of attention to forestry and related research is a notable practice that exceeds the basic requirements of the SFI. Objective 11 Training and Education To improve the implementation of sustainable forestry practices through appropriate training and education programs. Summary of Evidence: Interviews indicated that there is as strong training program for seasonal employees conducting thinning, timber stand improvement, salvage and sawing of timber on-site. There is no SFI SIC in New Mexico or the overall region. A challenge is to find and train local contractors to undertake thinning, salvage and other forestry operations. Objective 12 Community Involvement and Landowner Outreach To broaden the practice of sustainable forestry through public outreach, education, and involvement, and to support the efforts of SFI Implementation Committees.. Objective 13 Public Land Management Responsibilities To participate and implement sustainable forest management on public lands. Summary of Evidence: N.A. The Company does not have management responsibilities for public lands. Objective 14 Communications and Public Reporting To increase transparency and to annually report progress on conformance with the SFI Forest Management Standard. Summary of Evidence: Inspected an from SFI, Inc. regarding receipt of the SFI Public Report, documenting that it was received on-time. The Summary of the Audit Report from 2017 was inspected on the SFI, Inc. website. Objective 15. Management Review and Continual Improvement To promote continual improvement in the practice of sustainable forestry by conducting a management review and monitoring performance. Summary of Evidence: The SFI Objectives were updated in 2018, were reviewed and approved by the Ranch Committee in September of This involved a review and assessment of forest health and wildfire issues confronting the Ranch. More aggressive vegetation management, consistent with the SFI is now planned using seasonal employees. The largely outdated regional management plans are in the process of being reviewed and updated. This document is the property of NSF International. Page 5 of 7

6 Relevance of Forestry Certification Third-party certification provides assurance that forests are being managed under the principles of sustainable forestry, which are described in the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard as: 1. Sustainable Forestry To practice sustainable forestry to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs by practicing a land stewardship ethic that integrates reforestation and the managing, growing, nurturing and harvesting of trees for useful products and ecosystem services such as the conservation of soil, air and water quality, carbon, biological diversity, wildlife and aquatic habitats, recreation and aesthetics. 2. Forest Productivity and Health To provide for regeneration after harvest and maintain the productive capacity of the forest land base, and to protect and maintain long-term forest and soil productivity. In addition, to protect forests from economically or environmentally undesirable levels of wildfire, pests, diseases, invasive exotic plants and animals and other damaging agents and thus maintain and improve long-term forest health and productivity. 3. Protection of Water Resources To protect water bodies and riparian areas, and to conform with forestry best management practices to protect water quality. 4. Protection of Biological Diversity To manage forests in ways that protect and promote biological diversity, including animal and plant species, wildlife habitats, and ecological or natural community types. 5. Aesthetics and Recreation To manage the visual impacts of forest operations, and to provide recreational opportunities for the public. 6. Protection of Special Sites To manage lands that are ecologically, geologically or culturally important in a manner that takes into account their unique qualities. 7. Responsible Fiber Sourcing Practices in North America To use and promote among other forest landowners sustainable forestry practices that are both scientifically credible and economically, environmentally and socially responsible. 8. Legal Compliance To comply with applicable federal, provincial, state, and local forestry and related environmental laws, statutes, and regulations. 9. Research To support advances in sustainable forest management through forestry research, science and technology. 10. Training and Education To improve the practice of sustainable forestry through training and education programs. 11. Community Involvement and Social Responsibility To broaden the practice of sustainable forestry on all lands through community involvement, socially responsible practices, and through recognition and respect of Indigenous Peoples rights and traditional forest-related knowledge. 12. Transparency To broaden the understanding of forest certification to the SFI Standard by documenting certification audits and making the findings publicly available. 13. Continual Improvement To continually improve the practice of forest management, and to monitor, measure and report performance in achieving the commitment to sustainable forestry. This document is the property of NSF International. Page 6 of 7

7 14. Avoidance of Controversial Sources including Illegal Logging in Offshore Fiber Sourcing (Applies only to the SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard To avoid wood fiber from illegally logged forests when procuring fiber outside of North America, and to avoid sourcing fiber from countries without effective social laws. Source: Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Standard, Edition For Additional Information Contact: Norman Boatwright Daniel Freeman Zach Seeger NSF Forestry Program Manager NSF Project Manager Forester PO Box 4021 Florence, SC N. Dixboro Road Ann Arbor, MI Deer Run Road Cimarron, NM (575) This document is the property of NSF International. Page 7 of 7