Non-profit organization serves 7.8 million acres of land certified to SFI sustainability standard in Maine
The Maine Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s State Implementation Committee (Maine SIC) is pleased to announce that Peter B. Johnson of Rangeley has joined the organization as the next Executive Director. As Executive Director, Pete will facilitate the implementation of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s standard through projects and programs administered by the Maine SIC.
The Maine SIC is a diverse group of volunteers dedicated to advancing sustainable forestry practices in Maine. It is comprised of private and public landowners, primary and secondary wood processing mills, state agencies, and other forest industry interests and stakeholders.
As Executive Director, Pete will work with the SIC steering committee, member companies and partners to build on the organization’s legacy of developing quality training programs that promote safety, strengthen Maine’s forest professionals and protect Maine’s natural resources. Since 2019, Maine SIC has trained 900 forest practitioners on best management practices for water quality protections, 400 migrant workers on CPR and road safety, and 150 individuals seeking to add marketable skills. It has also trained 80 trainers, providing quality and consistency.
“The Maine and regional forest industry can attribute much of its success to the unique and long-term relationships maintained between landowners, logging and hauling contractors, wood using facilities, state agencies, and stakeholders. SFI plays a key role in ensuring that these relationships are successful and that they are maintained. I look forward to continuing to maintain good relationships with all participants and meeting new people along the way” – Peter B. Johnson
Pete recently retired as the Environmental and Certification Manager at Seven Islands Land Company (SILC). For over 20 years, he was the SILC Rangeley Unit Manager. Early in his career he worked for both International Paper Company and Diamond Occidental Forest. Pete is a 1985 graduate of the University of Maine at Orono’s College of Forestry. He lives in Rangeley, Maine on his certified Tree Farm.
The SFI Implementation Committee (SIC) is an independent nonprofit organization established exclusively for charitable and educational purposes including engaging in outreach and educational programs. The SIC’s mission is to increase public awareness and understanding of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the environmental, social, and economic benefits of sustainable forestry, to increase public awareness and understanding of sustainable forestry practices in Maine, and to assist organizations in Maine in securing and maintaining SFI Certification. 7.8 million acres are currently certified to the SFI standard of sustainable forestry in Maine.
“On behalf of the Maine SIC and its members, we are excited to have such an experienced and diverse individual as Pete to assume the role of Maine’s next SIC Executive Director. Pete not only brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from the certification space, but he is also well connected with the logging and trucking community and has developed long-standing relationships with large and small landowners, area mills, and other industry stakeholders. Pete is clearly well connected and respected among a broad spectrum of industry peers, making him an ideal fit for the role.
We look forward to collaborating with Pete as he challenges our industry to build upon the tremendous amount of work that has been done over the past few decades to drive future success for all SIC stakeholders. Please feel free to reach out to Pete with your support and any thoughts you have regarding the SIC’s engagement with its members. The future looks bright!” – Stephen Pollis – Chairperson of the Maine SFI State Implementation Committee