VISION
To achieve the highest standards of sustainable forest management practices, in order to maintain Park values for future generations.
MISSION
To ensure the long-term health of Algonquin’s forests while producing a sustainable supply of forest products for the forest industry of the region..
COMMITMENTS AND STRATEGIES
Download full SFM Policy (pdf)
Manage Algonquin’s forests in a sustainable manner consistent with requirements of the sustainable forest management plan. This includes:
- Conserving biological diversity;
- Conserving forest ecosystem condition and productivity by maintaining the health, vitality and rates of biological production;
- Conserving soil and water resources;
- Maintaining forest conditions and management activities that contribute to the health of global ecological cycles;
- Providing multiple benefits to society; and
- Accepting society’s responsibility for sustainable development
- Locate forest operations away from recreational features (campgrounds, canoe routes, portages, hiking trails) during peak periods of usage
- Maintain aesthetic qualities of the forest landscape
- Avoid insecticide and herbicide use whenever possible
- Meet or exceed all applicable laws, regulations, policies, standards and other requirements to which AFA subscribes
- Honour all international agreements and conventions relevant to SFM to which Canada is a signatory
- Prevent pollution using processes, practices, materials or products that avoid, reduce or control pollution
- Continuously evaluate compliance with current laws and regulations, and the prevention of pollution
- Periodic independent audits shall ensure that operations are consistent with established policies and objectives
- Provide opportunities for public consultation on sustainable forest management practices in Algonquin Park
- Maintain a public advisory committee to provide input on sustainable forest management
- Facilitate public review and input on the Forest Management Plan and work schedules and respond to comments in a timely fashion
- Effectively communicate forest management practices in the Park to the public
- Make public the results of independent audits and ongoing assessments in annual reports
- Respect Indigenous and treaty rights
- Provide participation opportunities for Indigenous peoples with respect to their rights and interests in sustainable forest management
- Work co-operatively with local Indigenous communities to identify and implement ways of achieving a more equal participation by Indigenous communities in the benefits provided through forest management planning in Algonquin Park
- Provide conditions and safeguards for the health and safety of workers and the public
- Establish and communicate safe working habits to employees of the Authority and its contractors
- Organize training programs for AFA employees and assist contractors in their training programs
- Maintain and communicate emergency response plans and procedures
- Improve knowledge about the forest and sustainable forest management and monitor advances in SFM science and technology and incorporate them where applicable
- Participate in research projects that contribute to the health of the forest ecosystem and productivity of the forest
- Establish partnerships with private sector and other scientific institutions and partnerships to promote forestry education and awareness
- Effectively communicate new procedures and responsibilities to employees, contractors and woodsworkers in a timely fashion
- Ensure sufficient monetary funds are budgeted to train personnel
- Participate in the development of new standards and guidelines
- Regularly review the Sustainable Forest Management Policy and update as required
