History of Our Commitment
The Westervelt Company, one of the most enduring, respected and trusted names in the forest sector, is a vertically integrated company with a holistic view of land stewardship. Since 1884, we have depended on responsible land use to provide the numerous resources that sustain our company. Still privately held, Westervelt’s diverse businesses all work to ensure stewardship of natural resources today, tomorrow and for many generations to come. The Westervelt Company is committed to the sustainable management of our more than half a million acres.
Continuous Improvement
We will meet or exceed environmental, legal and regulatory requirements and actively seek new practices that embody our sustainability mission. Our forest management practices are certified to the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and/or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) and/or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) standards. We are committed to:
- Best Management Practices (BMP) for water quality
- Prompt reforestation
- Monitoring forest health and productivity
- Identifying and protecting unique ecosystems
- Ensuring forest biodiversity
- Considering aesthetics and recreation
- Enhancing wildlife habitat for common and at risk species
- Protecting species listed under the Endangered Species Act
Collaborative Efforts
Westervelt demonstrates that the private sector can play a powerful role in conservation and that industry and environment are not mutually exclusive. Our manufacturing facilities maintain the highest emissions standards for air and water quality. Additionally, we work with government and regulatory agencies, customers, suppliers and employees to improve the environment. Our wood sourcing programs are certified to the FSC® and SFI® standards, and our procurement system requires proper BMP implementation, use of trained loggers and avoidance of unacceptable sourcing.
Looking to the Future
The Westervelt Company embraces forests as a critical part of the solution to meet society’s current challenges, such as clean air and renewable energy, clean water, healthy ecosystems, and sustainable forest products. Our active stewardship increases the resiliency of the forest, helps protect resident wildlife and reduces risks and stressors on the forest such as disease, insect infestation and catastrophic wildfire. The Westervelt Company will continue to actively engage with other natural resource stakeholders, policy makers, and the scientific community to ensure long-term sustainability.