As I walk the familiar wooded trails around the lake near my home with my friend, we are in awe before the grandeur of the fir, pine, and deciduous varieties. Their presence surrounding the lake provides protection of the lake and an insulated barrier for the park set amidst our small town. While walking the trails, we feel miles from civilization. The encroaching development stops here; with every footstep, stress drops away. The fresh air and the earthy scent refresh my being. We take it for granted that this natural oasis will be here for generations to come. As we return to the parking lot, the portentous developments surrounding the park cast doubts on future sustainability. Yet, we enjoy the decor and design of a craftsman style home with generous use of wood throughout.

As long as the economy is driven by consumerism, the demand for wood products impacts the natural environment into the future. Even though laminates provide wood facsimiles that reduce the elimination of trees, it is important to exercise a level of surveillance on the valuable natural resource of our forests. Increased awareness and sustainability efforts lend to a more balanced use of natural resources. Sustainability outlines criteria to “create and maintain conditions, under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling of social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations.”

Segments of the forestry industry have, in the past few decades, adopted an ecological stance that fosters commitment to more than the environment and the economy, it casts a vision into the future for the provision of natural resources for the generations to come. Wanton or unethical deforestation of the 20th century has now been addressed by organizations invested in long term promotion, as well as reproduction, of trees.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a United States based entity set up in 1995, operates as a voluntary, market-based organization to improve forest management practices.  During the 1990s, the battle surrounding the environmental debate to protect the Spotted Owl crippled economies dependent upon logging.  The Spotted Owl became the symbol that brought national attention that polarized environmentalists and the forest industry. Tree huggers protesting the destruction of the environment clashed with promoters of progressive land use developments. The FSC sought to balance ethical concerns to the benefit of forest industry employers, employees, to meet market demands for wood products and address urban growth and development.

A perfect day for me is to take the kids out on the trails. Kids between the ages of 5-10 years have endless enthusiasm for nature—and endless energy. They alternate between running ahead on the trails forcing me to a pace close to theirs, then suddenly stopping to throw rocks in the water, or climbing on logs. Dogs are a great companion on a walk; they enjoy nature as much as children. You may find yourself stopping suddenly for the dog to investigate a scent or a trail. The only challenge is to get my husband enthused about walking the trails.

Families and individuals now enjoy a larger selection of trails, parks, and recreation sites protected by local departments of recreation and parks, and on a larger scale, the National Park Service. Managing forest resources is compatible with interests in expanding parks, trails, and recreational areas. Today, FSC policies help forestry enterprises negotiate contracts, improve production outcomes, reduce unwarranted logging, and gain profitable contracts between manufacturers and buyers.  Look for the FSC logo on Kinsey Hardwood flooring for eco friendly hardwood flooring in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area where you find the balance between preserving the beauty of natural forests, and enjoying the beauty of wood within your home.