HNRG's forest stewardship standards

Hancock Natural Resource Group (HNRG) was founded on the belief that ownership of forestland by institutional investors-who have a long-term investment horizon-would be good for the environment.

HNRG's forest stewardship is practiced internationally and is based on the idea that stewardship is good business and that environmentally responsible management minimizes risk and maximizes performance. HNRG foresters recognize that forest management plans must consider community and environmental needs as well as economic returns.

The organization manages its forests with a long-term, sustainable perspective, recognizing that the land contains more than just timber. Operating practices are designed to protect soil and maintain the productivity of the forestland. Foresters carefully consider public resources like recreation, water, wildlife, fish and historical and cultural sites in their overall management plan.

Its foresters are empowered to practice stewardship, beginning with professionally sound management. They meet high standards for road construction and stream crossings, riparian and soil protection, reforestation, aesthetics and habitat protection.

HNRG successfully achieved independent, third-party certification of its California forestlands by the Forest Stewardship Council and is working toward third-party review of all the forests under its management. The organization is fully committed to the industry's Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

The group's award-winning Sensitive Lands Program has preserved 200,000 acres of land for public use, wildlife management and conservation.

HNRG recognizes and respects the public's interest in management practices, and seeks cooperative, working relationships with conservation groups, government agencies, industry associations and interested individuals.

The organization works closely and cooperatively with dozens of such groups and individuals, and in North America has been honored nationally and regionally for environmental work associated with its forests.

HNRG most recently earned The Conservation Fund's national American Land Legacy Award for engineering the largest conservation land sale in mid-Atlantic history. The group also has won awards from The Nature Conservancy, the Pacific Rivers Council, Trout Unlimited and the American Forest & Paper Association.