Unit 1 - What is Forest Stewardship?



Lesson 1: Forest Stewardship: A Shared Responsibility


Forest stewardship is the responsible management of Alberta's forests; it also involved sustainable forest management.  According to the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers,  sustainable forest management maintains and enhances the long-term health of forest ecosystems for the benefit of all living things while providing environmental, economic, social, and cultural opportunities for present and future generations.

Watch the video to better understand sustainable forest management in Canada, courtesy of Natural Resources Canada.

 


Forest stewardship is the process of caring for the forest and the resources it provides us so that healthy ecosystems can be passed on to future generations along with sustained resources. Note the following two things about forest stewardship:

  • By practicing good forest stewardship, we hope to make good use of the timber resources to create prosperity, without damaging the soil, water, wildlife, or aesthetics of the landscape.

  • No one expects forestry will have no impact, but everyone does expect it to have no permanent impact.

In order to ensure good forest stewardship, the Government of Alberta requires that a Forest Management Agreement (FMA) be negotiated between itself and forest companies. These Forest Management Agreements provide companies with rights to harvest and reforest trees on Crown land (public land) and ensure activities are carried out in a sustainable manner.

Government and Industry Share Stewardship Responsibility

Before a forest company is allowed to operate within Alberta's forests, it must satisfy the following requirements:

  • It must hold a Forest Management Agreement that provides the rights to grow and harvest timber on Crown land in return for management of the area for the good of Albertans.

  • The company must further refine their commitment to forest stewardship by obtaining public input and preparing a detailed Forest Management Plan (FMP).

  • Due diligence is practiced; trained professionals are hired to
    • do the planning
    • monitor that best practices are used
    • hire auditors to ensure "eveything goes according to plan."

 


Evidence of Forest Stewardship:

Controlled harvest and reforestation
  practiced to ensure a sustained
source of timber and wildlife habitat.