Monday, 15 February 2016
Final Consultation: UK Woodland Assurance Standard
There’s still one last chance to comment on the new version of the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS), used in FSC forest management certification in the UK.
A period of public consultation is open from 15 February to 16 March 2016 before the draft standard is finalised and submitted to FSC International for approval.
There was a good response to the last public consultation, in September and October last year, from a wide range of individuals and organisations. All of the feedback received has been considered by the UKWAS Steering Group, and changes have been made throughout the standard. Requirements relating to tree species choice, monitoring and deadwood habitat received the most comments and the most attention from the Steering Group.
UKWAS Executive Chair, Peter Wilson said: “Following on from the consultation we undertook last autumn, the Steering Group has now concluded work on a Pre-approval Consultation Draft. This is a refined version of the draft we prepared last year and takes account of all the comments received. It is a radical revision so we are looking forward to hearing your feedback on how you think this latest draft version meets your expectations.
“This is a third and final opportunity for stakeholders to make an input into the revision process.”
To make your views known on the latest draft, download a copy at ukwas.org.uk and send your comments to ukwas@confor.org.uk.