ROWSC has established management standards based on ten principles and 35 criteria points that codify integrated vegetation management (IVM), emphasizing ESG performance. The ten principles address compliance with laws, standards, and BMPs; tenure and use rights and responsibilities; community relations; management planning; understanding pest and ecosystem dynamics; establishing tolerance levels; compilation of an array of vegetation maintenance techniques; accounting for economic and ecological effects of treatments; site-specific implementation of treatments; and monitoring and adaptive management.

In addition to these standards, accreditation requires a formal application process and enlists third-party auditors to ensure compliance with standards. Third-party recognition ensures an independent, proven process to convey credibility and bring recognition to IVM programs.