Forest Management Planning Standard

Alberta is always looking for ways to better manage our forests for sustainability. These efforts have resulted in a new Forest Management Planning Standard for the province.

The new standard is the product of several years of extensive stakeholder consultation.

Completed in April 2006, it replaces the Interim Forest Management Planning Manual in use since 1998.

The new Forest Management Planning Standard identifies requirements for forest management plans prepared by forest industry companies working on public land. It is based on, and reflects internationally accepted principles of forest sustainability.

The new standard includes the following:

• mandatory spatial harvest sequencing,
• stronger reporting requirements,
• increased accountability by companies,
• clear and measurable performance expectations for forest companies,
• requirements for meaningful public participation,
• measures to safeguard biodiversity resources,
• a streamlined planning process, and
• a model of continual improvement (plan-do-check-adjust).

It also addresses the many diverse values of the forest. For example, companies must demonstrate how other values (such as FireSmart planning or habitat maintenance) will be addressed. Companies must also show how these values will be monitored in Forest Management Plans.

Although the new Forest Management Planning Standard adopts the CSA certification model (with interpretations to address Alberta’s needs), certification is not mandatory.

Links

Forest Management Planning Standard

Forest Management

National Forest Strategy- Alberta’s Contribution

National Forest Strategy Coalition

Printable version

Quick Links

Highlights

Recognition and Outreach—Minister visits University of Alberta (January 26, 2006)

Trees of Renown Returns! (November 18, 2005)

A Lens-Eye View of the Boreal Forest (September 16, 2005)