Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Policy

VISION

To be a leader in sustainable forest management that maintains Park values for future generations.

MISSION

To ensure the long-term health of Algonquin Park’s forests and to produce a sustainable supply of forest products for the local economy.

COMMITMENTS AND STRATEGIES

Sustainable Forest Management:

  • Conform with requirements of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) 2022 Forest Management Standard
  • Manage Algonquin’s forests in a sustainable manner consistent with requirements of the Forest Management Plan. This includes:
    1. Conserving biological diversity;
    2. Conserving forest ecosystem condition and productivity by maintaining the health, vitality and rates of biological production;
    3. Conserving soil and water resources;
    4. Maintaining forest conditions and management activities that contribute to the health of global ecological cycles;
    5. Providing multiple benefits to society; and
    6. Accepting society’s responsibility for sustainable development.
  • Maintain aesthetic and recreational qualities of the forest landscape
  • Protect special sites identified through the Park and Forest Management Plans
  • Avoid insecticide and herbicide use whenever possible

Compliance with Law:

  • Meet or exceed all applicable laws (including social laws), regulations, policies, standards and other requirements to which AFA subscribes
  • 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

Public Participation:

  • Provide opportunities for public consultation and community involvement in sustainable forest management practices in Algonquin Park
  • 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

Indigenous Rights and Participation:

  • Recognize and respect Indigenous Peoples’ rights and traditional forest-related knowledge
  • 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
  • Ensure the identification of Indigenous Peoples whose rights may be affected by AFA’s forest management activities, and the recognition of the established framework of legal, customary, and traditional rights, as required under provincial forest management policy and planning direction
  • Provide appropriate training of personnel and contractors regarding Indigenous Peoples’ rights and cultural values that may be affected by forest management activities

Health and Safety:

  • 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
  • Conduct training programs for AFA employees and assist contractors in their training programs
  • Maintain and communicate emergency response plans and procedures

Continual Improvement:

  • Improve knowledge and the practice of sustainable forest management through training and education programs
  • Monitor, measure and report on SFM performance
  • 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 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