FIA's unwavering focus on environmental stewardship contributes to healthier forest ecosystems and better returns for our clients. FIA pioneered institutional timberland management with a responsible investing mindset going back to the firm’s inception. First and foremost, we consider ourselves stewards of the forests, managing timberland assets in a sustainable manner which generates competitive returns for our clients. We encourage clients and potential investors alike to visit one of our well-managed timberland operations to see ESG and impact investing in practice.

Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Criteria

Investing Responsibly

Our commitment to sustainable timberland management benefits our clients and the global environment simultaneously by enhancing timber production while protecting forestland resources. We fully subscribe to the National Alliance of Forest Owners® (NAFO®) Commitment to Sustainable Forest Management and manage all properties according to our own Stewardship Policy which is accessible below. In addition, we have sought third-party certification for many of our client’s properties under programs like the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) and Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®).

Working Forests

Forests as A Natural Climate Solution

"We are very proud stewards of the forests we manage for our clients, and FIA is delighted to participate in this important initiative establishing an agreement of principles on the vital role sustainably managed forests can play in battling climate change. Well-managed forests are natural climate solutions which also deliver additional benefits, such as clean air and water, diverse wildlife habitat, well-paying jobs and products we all use that help make our lives better. Our commitment to forestland conservation helps protect our environment while encouraging sustained value and competitive financial returns.” – Marc Walley, President of FIA

Click on the link, Private Working Forests As a Natural Climate Solution, to read the full article published by National Alliance of Forests Owners (NAFO).

Sustainable Forestry

Managing Forests for Future Generations

The very nature of growing and managing forests in a responsible manner makes timberland one of the most sustainable investments available today. FIA strongly believes that it’s our responsibility to manage our clients’ timberland using the most environmentally conscious methods available to actively create positive outcomes for the environment and society such as clean air, clean water and wildlife habitat. That’s why we practice a set of Environmental and Management Control Procedures to ensure we meet rigorous standards.

Carbon Sequestration

Growing Carbon

The amount of carbon released into the atmosphere is a key topic of discussion among responsible investors and carbon sequestration is one of the best tools to combat climate change. Forests naturally store carbon as trees grow representing one of the few methods to store large amounts of carbon in a nonvolatile form. We believe it is important to support ongoing research on carbon sequestration which is why FIA foresters are active in projects such as PineMap which is a USDA project to develop the science to measure and estimate carbon storage from southern pine forests. In addition, FIA has significant experience with carbon markets dating back to our first carbon project on the Chicago Climate Exchange in 2008. We remain active in other global carbon sequestration projects in both voluntary and involuntary markets. We expect interest in forest carbon projects to continue to grow in the future.