Appalachian Hardwood Manufactures Launches Sustainable Program

The Appalachian Hardwood Forest covers 344 counties in 12 states.

by Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 8/14/2007

Wood products have a new certification insuring environmentally-conscious sourcing. According to a report released by the Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Appalachian Hardwood Forest as defined and managed by Appalachian Hardwood Manufactures (AHMI) is sustainable. As a response, AHMI, a regional trade association headquartered in High Point, North Carolina, has launched Verified Sustainable, a program certifying wood products from this region. 

The Appalachian Hardwood Forest covers 344 counties in 12 states. According to the Forest Service report, timberland is at 65.4 million acres--up 300,000 acres since 1990--and 2.29 trees are growing for each tree harvested or dying of natural causes.

Mullican Flooring is one of the first members in the new program. The flooring manufacturer´s prefinished domestic products will now carry AHMI’s verified sustainable logo.

"AHMI is doing a great thing for the Appalachian Hardwood industry and we are proud to be members," says Brian Greenwell, vice president of sales and marketing for Mullican. 

AHMI promotes hardwood timber and products from the Appalachian Region of the eastern United States.