December 15, 2023 3:40 a.m.

The Coquille Indian Tribe has been selected as a 2023 Forest Stewardship Council U.S. Leadership Award winner.

A Tribal release said worldwide, the FSC is the most trusted forest certification system. It uses these awards to “recognize uncommon excellence that advances responsible forest management and forest conservation”. Part of their effort is to promote environmentally sound, socially beneficial and economically prosperous management of forests.

Tribal Chair Brenda Meade calls the award an amazing accomplishment and one that confirms lessons passed down through generations, highlighting the Tribe’s holistic approach to management.

Meade said, “Taking care of our forestlands, managing for all things, not just a pick and choose approach, making sure these lands are well-care for now and into the future and focusing on sustainability, is something that has been passed down from generation to generation”. Meade said, “Seeing that this tradition has not only carried over to our modern care of natural resources but is also being noted by others as being a high standard is a credit to our entire tribe”.

The release said the Coquille Tribe was specifically highlighted in this award for “outstanding sustainable forest management and conservation work, leading unique legal accomplishments in tribal trust forestland, fish and wildlife management and innovative product marketing”.

More information about the award is linked: https://us.fsc.org/en-us/newsroom/newsletter/id/1317