Ontario Model Forest Network

Abstract:
Since 1992 the two Ontario model forests have been collaborating with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources on projects of mutual relevance. The broad objectives of the model forests address innovative approaches to sustainable forest management; the sustainable management of Ontario's forests is a principal concern of the MNR. The linkage amongst the Ontario-based model forests, the Canadian Forest Service and model forests across the Canadian and International Network increases the power and value of the OMNR partnership.

The OMNR holds jurisdiction over 88 percent of Ontario's forests, the provincially owned land, and is also implicated in the stewardship of the 11 percent of the province's forests in private ownership. This dual role gives the organization a strong incentive to participate in the decision making and delivery activities of each model forest, each of which is addressing public and private land forestry issues to varying degrees. In both model forests, the OMNR has a permanent seat on the Board of Directors, and has thus held positions of influence in these organizations.

This collaboration is built on a solid foundation of mutual trust and respect, following the basic principles of the model forest concept. The strength of the partnership is exemplified by the broad array of collaborative activities undertaken, and the degree of mutual support (e.g., staff secondments and assignments, facilities and equipment, expertise and information) among the organizations.

Objectives:
To collaborate with the OMNR to develop, test, demonstrate, assess the influence of, and report innovative Model Forest partner activities aimed at enhancing the sustainability of forest ecosystems in Ontario. To provide information for sustainable forest management decision making to a wide range of partners and others. To serve as a mechanism for the CFS to share in operational situations the broad science knowledge and expertise developed by its scientists, and to identify research-based needs of clients. To collaborate with the OMNR in addressing significant policy and reporting priorities that overlap with model forest objectives.

Location of Project Activities:
To date, the model forests have focused their on-the-ground efforts primarily within or in the vicinity of their boundaries in the northeastern and eastern portions of the province. In the case of the LAMF, significant linkages have been made in northwestern Quebec. However, both model forests have communicated their findings across Ontario through a variety of outreach activities.

Key Deliverables:
Adaptive Forest Management: The LAMF is collaborating with the OMNR to test an innovative adaptive forest management approach. The project, which uses the LAMF as a pilot area, is helping determine limitations and thus refine the approach for broader application.

Biodiversity Conservation: The EOMF has supported and promoted research aimed at developing a clear picture of the genecology of several species of concern in the fragmented landscape of eastern Ontario and was a founding partner in the Forest Gene Conservation Association. The model forest network hosted a biodiversity indicators workshop in Gananoque to address this issue. The EOMF has facilitated the establishment of a local partnership to explore development of a possible corridor through their region, as part of the Algonquin to Adirondack Landscape Initiative.

Boreal Mixedwood Alternative Management Options: The LAMF is collaborating with the OMNR on a long-term study of alternative management options for boreal mixedwood forests. The project includes a public interpretive trail through an operational research area.

Carbon Budget Analysis: The OMNR has collaborated with the LAMF and EOMF on various activities aimed at developing an increased understanding of the impacts of forest management disturbance regimes on carbon stocks and fluxes, and exploring the potential of using afforestation to expand carbon sinks. The Model Forest Network is a lead partner in a project to develop a Carbon Budget Model suited to the forest unit level, and has engaged OMNR experts in the initial stages of model development through their participation at a workshop in Fredericton to define data issues. The LAMF is collaborating with an OMNR scientist on a project to assess the impacts and implications of climate change on carbon budgets in the boreal forest.

Claybelt Forest Management Operational Partnership: A broad based partnership of OMNR, LAMF, forest industry, CFS, and universities has been struck to address the information needs of claybelt forest managers. In 2001/02 the OMNR contributed significant cash ($56K+) and in-kind ($70K) resources to this $400K project. Science and operational OMNR staff have been key participants in projects and technology transfer initiatives in both Ontario and Quebec.

Enhanced FRI Standards: New OMNR standards for the FRI data model, which allows for descriptors of multi-storied forests, are based on a cooperative EMOF/OMNR project completed in Lanark, and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Counties.

Featured Species Research: Model forests in Ontario have supported studies to examine the habitat requirements of species of concern such as woodland caribou, loggerhead shrike, cerulean warbler and pine marten. Results of these studies have been used by the OMNR to develop forest management guidelines.

First Nations Forestry: The EOMF has nurtured a unique relationship with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA), adopting some First Nation principles in the conduct of meetings and decision-making. The partnership among Domtar Inc., the OMNR, and the MCA has been dubbed the ‘unholy alliance' because it seemed improbable before the advent of the model forest. The MCA has been building forestry capacity with the support of the EOMF, and has addressed several key environmental and social issues through partnership. The Golden Lake First Nation has also partnered with the EOMF and is following the process put in place. The LAMF has developed strong ties to several First Nations in its region, including the Moose Cree First Nation, which is presently negotiating a sustainable forest management licence under the Northern Boreal Initiative. The LAMF is providing forestry technical expertise and some funding in support of the licence effort. The New Post First Nation has been strengthening its ties with the LAMF, and currently has a particular interest in applying the Aboriginal Community Development Impact Model. Previous ties with Wahgoshig First Nation resulted in the completion of an archaeological and cultural heritage mapping study that influenced timber allocation decisions taken by Abitibi-Consolidated Inc.

Ice Storm Recovery and Forest Science Initiatives: The EOMF collaborated with the OMNR and other agencies in gathering known scientific information and disseminating it to woodlot owners impacted by the 1998 ice storm in eastern Ontario. Subsequently, an extensive research program was developed with EOMF facilitation and the participation of OMNR and other scientists.

Improved Forest Practices: In collaboration with OMNR, Ontario model forests have developed guides for forest equipment operators and woodlot owners to promote proper management practices. Aimed at the layperson, these quick-reference guides help ensure that those working in the forest understand the potential implications of their actions and are aware of alternative practices. The EOMF produced a complementary guide informing woodlot owners on the basics of forest inventory procedures.

Increased Public Awareness of Forest Management Activities: The EOMF and LAMF have led and supported initiatives to reach the general public with current and credible information about sustainable forest management. An example from the EOMF is the development of a network of demonstration forests across the region. The LAMF has developed forest-based school curriculum materials that are being widely used in Ontario and beyond.

Innovative Inventory Assessment Techniques: The EOMF continues to work with the OMNR to address critical FRI information needs in southern Ontario by combining past FRI, current satellite imagery, modeling, and ground-based survey information.

Landowner Surveys: Surveys to characterize the practices, attitudes, and characteristics of private landowners in Ontario were conducted by Environics in 2000 and 2001. The EOMF and OMNR collaborated on the development of these surveys. This information is essential for the development of effective programs to influence management of private land forests.

Local Level Indicators: Both the LAMF and EOMF have been engaged for several years in developing and monitoring relevant local level indicators of sustainable forest management (SFM), with the involvement of district, regional and provincial OMNR staff. The OMNR and LAMF were partners in a provincial project to develop a preliminary suite of management unit-level indicators of SFM. The project included using the LAMF as one of two pilot areas to determine data availability and limitations. In 1998 the EOMF produced a flagship document reporting on a suite of indicators (EOMF State of the Forest Report); the OMNR has adopted this report concept in its state of the forest reporting requirements. In addition, OMNR actively participated in a local level indicators workshop in Ontario (January 2001), sponsored by the Model Forest Network and aimed at identifying critical regional needs and issues.

Socio-economic Impact Model: OMNR is cooperating with the LAMF and the CFS to explore the feasibility of developing a hybrid impact model that incorporates desirable elements of the Community Development Impact Model (CDIM) and Aboriginal CDIM. In addition, an examination is underway of the potential to link the OMNR's Socio-economic Impact Model (SEIM) with the CDIM.

Stewardship Council Partnerships: In eastern Ontario, strong linkages have been made between the EOMF and local stewardship coordinators. This has proven to be a synergistic arrangement, helping both organizations better reach landowners with pertinent and timely forest management information.

Sustainable Forest Certification of Private Woodlots: An OMNR science specialist and a forester have provided extensive assistance with EOMF efforts to develop a forest certification system suited to woodlot owners. Expertise has been provided in the areas of silvicultural guidelines, tree marker training, and the writing of a certification policy binder. Strong collaboration has continued with the OMNR Private Land Forest Policy Advisor including participation in the Canadian Model Forest Network strategic initiative on private woodlots.

Expected Benefits:
• Results and outputs of collaborative activities are being used to refine existing OMNR forest management and silvicultural guidelines and reporting procedures, and may lead to policy modifications.
• Model forests provide the opportunity to explore and test policy, program and practice options in a structured setting on both crown land and private land, as well as two contrasting forest regions.
• Provincial forest management reporting protocols are being developed with input from model forests.
• On-the-ground forestry practices in model forests are changing to reflect new knowledge gained.
• Woodlot owners are becoming more cognizant of how best to care for their forests while deriving desired benefits.
• Strengthened partnerships with First Nations communities are developing through unique approaches that embody the principles of respect, equity and empowerment.
• Public understanding of the manner in which sustainable forest management is being practiced in Ontario is being positively influenced by the collective outputs of this partnership.

Sources of Funding:
Canada's Model Forest Program, Ministry of Natural Resources, Abitibi-Consolidated Inc., Domtar Inc., Tembec Inc., Canadian Forest Service of Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Science, Richard Ivey Foundation, Forest Ecosystem Science Cooperative, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Ontario Power Generation.

Other Collaborators:
Environment Canada, Statistics Canada, Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Recreation, First Nations, Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters, local municipalities, universities, colleges, research institutes, a wide range of non-governmental organizations, public citizens.

Nature of Other Collaborators' Involvement:
Providing scientific and naturalized knowledge and expertise; supplying and/or gathering data; sharing concerns for the forest environment and its uses that help mould model forest actions.

Links to Internet Sites:
http://www.modelforest.net/cmfn/en/
http://www.eomf.on.ca/home/home_e.aspx
www.lamf.net