The “MusicWood Coalition” wants to see private landowners in Alaska apply for Forest Stewardship Council certification of their forests.
The initiative is focusing on old-growth Sikta spruce, commonly used as the soundboard for acoustic guitars. Trees over 250 years old are sought after by guitar makers for both aesthetic and tonal reasons.
“In many regions we could be a short time away from the end of the Sikta spruce trees large enough to provide wood for guitar parts, said Bob Taylor, president of Taylor Guitars.
He was backed up by Chris Martin, chairman and CEO of Martin. “We are seeking to partner with people closer to the forest that are trying to manage these valuable, previous resources more judiciously,” he said.
Fender’s president Matthew Janopaul said sustainability was critical to the long-term viability of the industry.
“If we manage our natural resources properly, we will be able to offer beautiful guitars to musicians throughout the world for generations to come,” said Mr Janopaul.
Last summer Greenpeace organised an educational tour in Alaska for the four guitar companies.
The proportion of wood used by the companies is small compared to other timber-using industries, but Greenpeace believes they have a powerful voice to help promote changes in logging practices.
Greenpeace hopes to address other tree species it says are under threat in Alaska.
