Across the country, family landowners proudly pass their forests on from generation to generation. These landowners are passionate about preserving the land and the wildlife that depend on it, but they don’t always know where or how to start. Programs like the Carolinas Working Forest Conservation Collaborative are committed to supporting landowners in their mission to conserve the land and protect wildlife. With the support of the American Forest Foundation, Target, 3M and Procter & Gamble, together, we can help keep forests as forests.

We had a conversation with Albert Shaw, a landowner from Bladen County, North Carolina to discuss why he is committed to responsible forestry. Albert’s land has been in his family for 220 years, and he often partners with local colleges to give tours to encourage others to adopt sustainable practices. He also serves as a tree farmer at large on the board of directors for North Carolina Tree Farm Program.

International Paper: What does “responsible forestry” mean? What practices do you implement on your land?

Albert: For me, responsible forestry is being sustainable, which is what I practice on my acreage, Wild Wood Farms. Some tactics we use are large stream borders, controlled burns, wildlife food plots and maintaining diversity within my wood lots. I have 19 wood lots on the farm, and by rotating around the acreage, replanting after the harvest and strategically sectioning lots from cutting, I maintain a diverse habitat. Harvesting timber in a responsible manner only improves the environment – young trees actually sequester more carbon than old ones.

International Paper: Why is responsible forestry important to you?

Albert: This land has been in my family for 220 years. I love nature and by practicing responsible forestry, I enhance the land and produce an environmentally friendly product at the same time. Protecting wildlife is also very important to me, and I have worked with organizations to improve bobwhite habitats, and protect the endangered Ramshorn snail.

International Paper: What role does certification play in responsible forestry? Why did you choose to become certified and how did you go about gaining certifications?

Albert: My forest land has three certifications: FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®), SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative), and ATFS (American Tree Farm System). Both require that you engage in responsible forestry and there are a lot of benefits that come with them.

International Paper: What enabled you to adopt responsible forestry practices?

Albert: I have found that programs like the Carolinas Working Forest Collaborative are very supportive in helping me meet my objectives. Reaching out to organizations and being proactive help me achieve my goal of keeping the forest sustainable and green.

International Paper: What do you wish more people understood about the paper and wood products industry?

Albert: I wish more people understood that the wood and paper products industry supports and promotes sustainable forestry. I think the outreach to private landowners by projects like the Carolinas Working Forest Collaborative is making a difference. Getting the word out there and making sure that landowners understand the benefits of sustainable forestry will protect our forests for generations to come.

Through our Vision 2030, International Paper is working to conserve and restore one million acres of ecologically significant forestland. Our three-year support for the Carolinas Working Forest Conservation Collaborative is an example of how collaborations can drive our commitment to build a better future for people and the planet. Learn more about our other strategic collaborations to manage, conserve and restore forestland at Our Renewable Future.

International Paper Company

International Paper Company

International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com

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