1.1 COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

Entities wishing to obtain USRW certification are required to demonstrate their conformity with USRW Standards. If compliance is demonstrated, the entity will be issued an initial certificate which will be valid for one year. At the end of the first year, the organization must become recertified. The certificates from this point forward will be valid for five years, subject to annual reporting/auditing.

1.1.1 The organization shall comply with all applicable industry standards as well as all local, state and national laws/regulations on tree or log removal, processing, manufacture, deconstruction of structures for reclaiming urban wood products and selling. This includes but is not limited to urban forest management practices, as well as best management practices for all forests, nature and environmental protection, protected and endangered species, property, tenure and land use rights and laws, and the health and safety standards designated by authorities in each specific component of the processing of lumber in given region.

1.1.2 The organization, with the exception of cities and municipalities, shall be an active and in good standing member of the industry trade association, the city may choose to be a member of the Urban Wood Network, but they are not required to be a member in order to obtain USRW certification as a city.

1.1.3 The organization shall identify and have access to legal regulations and proper certification/licensing to perform the services that their organization provides.

1.1.4 Measures shall be implemented to address protection of urban forests from unauthorized activities.

1.1.5 Property rights and tree ownership shall be clearly defined, documented and established. Likewise, legal, customary, and traditional rights related to the tree removal job site shall be clarified, recognized and respected.

1.1.6 Each step of tree removal and processing shall respect human rights as defined by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights; An international document that states basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which all human beings are entitled.

1.1.7 Managers, contractors, employees, and owners shall be provided with sufficient information and required to keep up to date through continuous training in relation to certification requirements as a precondition for all management planning and practices described in this Standard.

1.1.8 Practices must seek to maintain, enhance, and promote the importance of High Conservation Values (HCVs) and these practices must not threaten HCVs. (This means that the projects you work on must seek to have minimal impact on the environment and the ecosystem. High conservation values may refer to the diversity of species, ecosystems and habitats, critical ecosystem services, community needs, and cultural values.)

1.1.9 The suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the Chain of Custody system shall be continuously improved.