Unit 2 - The History of Forest Use and Management

Lesson 7: The Alberta Forest Service

By World War I, public perception had changed for the better. Canada's forests were finally being widely viewed as a renewable resource and more fully appreciated for all the benefits they provided: economic, environmental, and social.

Industrial use of Canada's forest greatly expanded in the years following World War One. Investors were feeling confident that conservation efforts would ensure a steady supply of timber for years to come. The pulp and paper industry also became established during this time period, using up smaller trees that were unsuitable for lumber production.

Throughout the War years, the basic ideas of the conservation movement persisted. This, in turn, encouraged investment in the forest industry as people became more and more confident that timber supplies would be safeguarded. In addition, the internal combustion engine had arrived on the scene, which resulted in the logging of previously inaccessible areas. The combination of these factors led to an expansion of the timber industry during the Roaring Twenties.








In 1930, control of forests in the Prairie Provinces and the B.C. railway belt was transferred to the provinces. In Alberta, the newly formed Alberta Forest Service took over the responsibility for managing Alberta's forests (except for the forests within the boundaries of the National Parks, which remained under federal jurisdiction). The Dominion Forestry Branch shifted its activities to research and information gathering.

At this time in Alberta's history, Alberta was not a wealthy province. Its economy was based mostly on coal and agriculture.

The 1930s were a difficult time for provincial forest services, the Alberta Forest Service being no exception. The Great Depression, drought, and the outbreak of World War II resulted in significant budget cuts. Across Canada, provincial governments were hesitant to enforce the few forest management regulations that existed at the time.

Despite the conservation movement's best efforts, Canada's forests were still being cut at an alarming rate, and in 1937, H.R. MacMillan, one of Western Canada's first professional foresters, issued the following warning:

"It is generally known among the well-informed that the forest is being over cut at a devastating rate in every forest province in Canada; that Canada, an essentially forest country, lags far behind India, the United States, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and France in forest policy; and that forest schools and forest departments in Canada are half-starved and failing to lead or influence a Canadian people, who are still bent to exploitation rather than conservation of their great natural resources."

If you are interested in reading more about the Alberta Forest Service, from 1930 - 2055, click on the image.