Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary John C. Oliver recently addressed forest-management practices at a global trade fair as part of his five-day trade mission to England and Belgium to market Pennsylvania's world-class hardwoods and certified state forests. "Pennsylvania has the largest hardwood forest in the nation and arguably one of the most beautiful in the world," said Oliver. "We are here this week to show the world what we sometimes take for granted, a wondrous forest system that provides countless benefits for every Pennsylvanian. One reason we went through a forest-certification process was to serve as a model for others and to fuel the movement to buy certified wood and wood products. This trade mission is a perfect forum for us to accomplish those objectives."

Oliver provided an overview of Pennsylvania's certified state forests as part of a panel discussion, "A Vision for the World's Forests," along with world conservation leaders at the trade mission's headliner event, the Millennium Forest for Life Conference and Global Trade Fair.

Sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, the conference and fair event is addressing global trends in certification and challenges for the future. It is the largest international trade gathering for certified wood and paper products.