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Natural Resources Canada
98/63
August 19, 1998
CANADA'S FOREST MANAGEMENT A WORLD MODEL
OTTAWA – Canada's forests are healthy, and their future looks
promising. That was the main message delivered by Ralph Goodale, Minister of
Natural Resources Canada, when he tabled the eighth annual status report on the
nation's forests today.
The State of Canada's Forests 1997-1998 provides an in-depth look
at our forests — their condition, their use, their contribution to our
environment and our economy, and their sustainable development. This year's
report, subtitled The People's Forests, focuses on how evolving social
values are affecting forest management decisions.
"The report highlights the fact that Canadians understand the need
to have a common vision for managing our forests to everyone's benefit,"
said Minister Goodale. "We are taking every opportunity to build and share
our knowledge to conserve our forest resources for our children and
grandchildren."
Partnership and vision building through consensus recently led to the
endorsement of a new National Forest Strategy and Canada Forest
Accord, which outline principles to ensure the continued diversity of our
forest ecosystems. These principles are reflected throughout The State of
Canada's Forests.
The statistics show that forest resources play a significant role in the
development of the economy of some 337 Canadian communities. Also, Canada is
the world's largest exporter of forest products. In 1997, exports of forest
products contributed $31.8 billion to the country's net balance of trade.
Throughout the report, it is evident that Canadians value forests for more
than merely a source of timber: we recognize and appreciate the environmental
and ecological benefits of forests, such as protecting the water, air and soil,
as well as the forests' role in reducing the impacts of climate change by
absorbing carbon dioxide, a major component of greenhouse gases.
"Sustainable forestry is a priority for Canadians, and, as a nation,
we have made tremendous strides toward ensuring the health and prosperity of
this vast national treasure," noted Minister Goodale. "The world now
looks to Canada as an example of a nation working together to ensure future
prosperity through its forest resources."
This year's The State of Canada's Forests also presents special
features on women in forestry, the First Nation Forestry Program and climate
change.
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Facts contained in The State of Canada's Forests
1997-1998
- Canada's forests make up 10 percent of the world's forest cover, and nearly
half of Canada's landmass.
- The people of Canada, through their provincial, territorial and federal
governments, own 94 percent of the country's 418 million hectares of forest
land.
- Of the 235 million hectares considered commercial forests, only half is
currently managed for timber production.
- An estimated 425,000 individual Canadians own forested land, as do a number
of municipalities, institutions, small businesses and forest companies.
- Privately owned forests, only about 6 percent of Canada's forest land, are
the source of 19 percent of all industrial roundwood (which includes logs, bolts
and pulpwood), 77 percent of Canada's maple products, 79 percent of our fuel-
and firewood and nearly all of Canada's Christmas trees.
- A distinguishing factor in 1997 is that approximately 17 percent of the
pulp and paper industry's assets changed hands.
- The boreal forest — one of the world's largest ecosystems and a
considerable storehouse of carbon — makes up 82 percent of forest land in
Canada.
- Each year, approximately one-half of one percent of our commercial forests
succumb to natural events such as fire or insect outbreaks.
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The entire report is available (in English and French) on the Internet
at: http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/cfs/proj/ppiab/sof/sof98/toc.shtml
In addition, printed copies, are available on request by contacting:
Canadian Forest Service,
Natural Resources Canada
580 Booth Street
Ottawa ON
K1A 0E4
Tel: (613) 947-7341
Fax: (613) 947-7396
e-mail: CFSinfo@nrn1.nrcan.gc.ca
For more information contact:
David MacInnis
Senior Advisor
Natural
Resources Canada
(613) 996-2007
or
Steve Knight
Canadian
Forest Service
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 947-9086
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