Sterol esterases are hydrolytic enzymes of the hydrolase family catalyzing the separation of ester bonds at triglycerides and sterol esters. In the pulp and paper industry, sterol esterases play an important role in the control of the resin content, as the enzymes hydrolyze sterol esters to free sterols and easily degradable fatty acids. In this study, 46 resin-degrading thermal microorganisms were isolated from wood decay and mud. Among them, the fungus CVSM6-1 showed remarkably high sterol esterase activity (4692.98 U/L) while producing comparably low cellulase activity. The favorable conditions for growth of the fungus were studied, resulting in temperature of 30– 45oC and pH of 5 -10. Bacteria CVSM6-1 showed high potential for application in eco-friendly pulp and paper manufacturing.