Forest management planning is a process that helps identify the different types of forest resources on the landbase. It is critical that forests are managed to maintain, protect and enhance biodiversity and other values (eg. fish, wildlife etc.) and forest uses. The forest is used by multiple users such hunters, fishermen, hikers, snowmobilers, trappers, and prospectors. It is important to manage forests so they are healthy, vibrant, functioning ecosystems, while supporting a myriad of forest values and users.

Values are identified during the forest management planning process and specific prescriptions are applied to protect the values. A detailed prescription is developed for the area of concern in order to prevent, minimize or mitigate adverse effects of forest management operations on the value. Detailed maps and specific value prescriptions are provided to certified and trained foresters. Boundary lines and block layout are carried out by trained technicians prior to harvesting
operations. Areas of concerns are clearly marked and protected from any type of forestry activities.


Examples of Resource Protection

Fish Protection

Forests have many aquatic environments such as; wetlands, streams, rivers, and lakes that provide valuable fish habitat for a variety of fish species. Each individual species has specific habitat and life-cycle requirements for spawning, rearing and adult life. For example requirements for water temperature and turbidity levels vary amongst fish species. Coldwater streams and lakes are those capable of supporting salmonid species (such as brook trout and lake trout), while cool-water streams support fish such a walleye. Warm-water streams are those capable of supporting species such as smallmouth bass and northern pike.

To ensure water quality, riparian reserves or buffer strips are retained along the streams, rivers and lakes following harvesting operations. The retained trees provide shade and act as natural buffer for siltation and water run-off. Riparian reserves are also important travel corridors for wildlife and provide unique habitats for a variety of species (ie. mink). Forest roads are continuously maintained to prevent erosion and sedimentation from occurring. Culverts and bridges are carefully installed by certified operators to allow fish passage and to protect aquatic habitats. The Environmental Guidelines for Access Roads and Water Crossings, Code of Practice for Timber Management Operations in Riparian Areas, and Timber Management Guidelines for the Protection of Fish Habitat provide forest managers with guidelines for protecting water quality and fish habitat.

Wildlife Protection

Forests provide major habitat requirements such as, foods, cover, and water, for a variety of wildlife species. It is critical to protect important wildlife habitat components while conducting forest activities. Wildlife management prescriptions are specific to the requirements of individual wildlife species. Harvest prescriptions can provide for specific habitat values and also for general landscape level habitats. For example, harvesting prescriptions require the retention of a variety of tree sizes and species to provide habitat and forage for wildlife. In addition, a number of decaying trees are also retained in harvest blocks to provide cavity nesting locations for species such wood ducks and pileated woodpeckers. Coarse woody debris, consisting of dead and downed wood provides cover, dens, nests and foraging sites for small mammals and reptiles such as salamanders. Forest operations are
restricted during the timing of raptor nesting to reduce impacts of noise
and forestry activities on nesting and breeding during specific time periods for each species. There are several wildlife guidelines established to provide forest managers with the scientific and technical directions needed to protect wildlife values. At the landscape level, harvesting blocks are
designed to emulate or mimic natural disturbance patterns, and cutblock shapes and configurations are designed around the protection of sensitive habitats (ie. Moose calving sites) and riparian areas. Large areas of contiguous forests are maintained in mature-over-mature stages to provide specific
habitats for old-growth dependent species (eg. marten, caribou). These areas are dispersed across the forest, are representative of all forest types, and are managed for the long-term.

Other Resource Protection

Tourist operators, other resource industries, and the general public use the forest for a variety of activities including but not limited to hunting, fishing, boating, camping, mining, trapping, canoeing, berry picking, and wildlife viewing. Forest management practices may have an impact on these activities and therefore, consideration must be given to them during the forest management planning process.

The forest industry and resource-based tourism operators work together during the preparation and implementation of the forest management plan to address the maintenance of tourism values. The outcome of these discussions is documented in a Resource Stewardship Agreement (RSA). A RSA includes information on tourism values, forest management prescriptions, and road use management strategies. As an example, access management is an important issue for both tourism operators and their resource based businesses and for the forest industry for timber harvesting activities. Potential impacts could include; new road networks, increased public access and concerns over visual quality from lakes. I It is critically important that the forest industry in
conjunction with the tourism operator, implement forest operations in a manner which allows the tourism operators to continue to provide quality tourism opportunities.

Forest management activities may impact trapping and furbearer’s habitat requirements. Trappers are contacted during the forest management planning process and during the implementation of the plan to provide them with information on planned forest industry activities. Forest industry ensure that the trappers values, such as cabins, trapline and trail, are protected from forestry activities. Cabins are protected through area of concern and trails are maintained to provide continuous accessibility.

The interests of the general public are addressed through government forest policy, the consultation phase of the forest management plan, and the activities of the Local Citizen Committee (LCC). The LCC is a committee made up of various stakeholders and interested parties that communicate local interests to the Ministry of Natural Resources. The LCC provides input on forest management planning issues, assists planning teams in the preparation and implementation of forest management plans, and contributes to other resource management issues (such as fish stocking programs).