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B e l i e f s
The following values and beliefs form the justification for cooperative
activities and the standard by which they will be evaluated:

• Stewardship of the forest is the responsibility of all cooperative members.
• Responsible forestry includes attention to all aspects of ecosystem health
  (tree and plant quality, water quality, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, etc.).
• Effective management of forest resources will create a sustained flow of
  forest benefits including timber, wildlife, clean water, aesthetics, and recreation.
• The cooperative will strengthen the local economy by maximizing the economic
  return to landowners and using local businesses whenever possible.
• The establishment of a landowner cooperative will improve forestry
  standards in western Massachusetts.
• Forestry standards will be further enhanced by the organization’s
  involvement with green certification.
• Individual landowner income from forest products will increase
  as a result of their participation in the cooperative.
• Educational activities sponsored by the cooperative will assist members
  and others in acquiring knowledge and understanding of sustainable forestry
  practices and this will improve privately owned woodlands.

O p e r a t i n g   P r i n c i p l e s
The cooperative will place an emphasis on practicing responsible forestry and preserving the working forest landscapes of western Massachusetts for future generations. In the process, the cooperative will protect wetlands, enhance wildlife habitat, reverse the practice of high grading timber, invigorate the local economy and provide educational programs for its members. Activities of the cooperative will be guided by the following principles:

• All forestry activities undertaken by members will be based on sound
  concepts of responsible harvesting and management.
• Members will market their forest products through the cooperative.
• The cooperative will market products through local buyers whenever possible.
• Members will use local suppliers, operators and services whenever possible.
• The cooperative will start small and build slowly on the basis of successful demonstration projects.
• The cooperative will operate as a commercial enterprise, seeking to generate
  profits for its members so that they can afford to be good stewards of the land.
• The cooperative will develop collaborative relationships with other groups
  that have similar interests in sustainable forestry.
• The cooperative will seek external funding (e.g., grants and contracts)
  that will enhance the organization's ability to achieve its goals.

H o w   d i d   t h e   M a s s a c h u s e t t s
W o o d l a n d s   C o o p e r a t i v e   b e g i n ?
In October of 1999, a group of 18 landowners (along with some consulting foresters, sawmill operators, and loggers) began meeting to discuss the possibility of forming a forest cooperative in western Massachusetts. The response during the initial series of meetings was quite positive and, as a result, the group formed a Steering Committee made up of landowners. The Steering Committee's task was to: (1) explore the idea of a forest cooperative in greater depth; (2) develop an initial set of guidelines for such a forest cooperative; and (3) determine the extent of interest among landowners in western Massachusetts. The cooperative was incorporated as the Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative, LLC in the summer of 2001. From the very beginning, the Cooperative Steering Committee benefited from the support and assistance of a talented group of resource personnel from:

• The University of Massachusetts
• The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
• The Massachusetts Forest Stewardship Program
• The Hilltown Community Development Corporation
• The Cooperative Development Institute

H o w   d o e s   t h e   M a s s a c h u s e t t s
W o o d l a n d s   C o o p e r a t i v e   f u n c t i o n ?
The Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative operates as a business that is designed to increase the knowledge and bargaining power of individual landowners. A Board of Directors provides oversight and direction to the Cooperative with support from a twelve member Working Group of landowners and resource personnel who were involved in creating the Cooperative. Profits generated by the Cooperative are returned to the members in proportion to their use of the Cooperative.

P a r t n e r s
CISA—Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to sustaining agriculture in western Massachusetts and promoting the products of small farms. CISA works toward community development by fostering a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between farmers and consumers. CISA offers programs, special events, marketing products, and workshops, all of which enhance the economic development of the region. Since 1999, market research indicates that by increasing farm profitability and by making local farm products readily available, CISA’s programs and services are very effective at enhancing the local economy and influencing consumer buying habits. For more information about CISA and CISA’s Local Hero Campaign to boost sales of local farm products, visit www.buylocalfood.org.

Hilltown Community Development Corporation
In 1981 the Hilltown Community Development Corporation was created to improve the quality of life for Western Massachusetts Hilltown residents by addressing economic, educational and social needs while preserving the rural character of our area. For more information on the Hilltown CDC and their housing development, economic development, social service, and community facility programs, visit their website at www.hilltowncdc.org.

New England Forestry Foundation
The New England Forestry Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the conservation and responsible management of the private and municipal forestlands of New England. Today, NEFF owns 128 beautiful forests covering over 22,000 acres, which serve as outdoor classrooms for demonstrating responsible forest management techniques. For more information, please visit the website at www.newenglandforestry.org.

Scientific Certification Systems
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) is a leading environmental certification company, with certified companies in every state in the Union to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody standard.  SCS assessments are robust, credible, and have an excellent track record of withstanding scrutiny from the FSC. Certification is awarded to forest management operations that are well-managed in accordance with environmentally and socially responsible guidelines, as elaborated by the FSC Principles and Criteria. FSC certification is a voluntary, market-based system that allows companies to promote their forest products as originating from a well-managed forest.

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