| FO: NAFC/2000/2
|
| FO: NAFC/2000/2
|
NORTH AMERICAN FOREST COMMISSION |
Item 2(a) of the Provisional Agenda |
TWENTIETH SESSION |
St. Andrews, New Brunswick,
Canada,
|
STATE OF FORESTRY IN CANADA |
Information Note |
1. Canada's report to the twentieth session of the North American Forest Commission (NAFC) covers activities since its last submission in November 1998. It provides an overview of the importance of forests to Canadian society, culture, environment and economy and describes major international, national and provincial initiatives.
2. A statistical and narrative profile of Canada's forests is given in Appendix 1.
3. The Government of Canada delivers hundreds of programs and services to citizens through more than 10,000 locations. To a large degree, modern technologies have facilitated successful delivery on this scale. With the rapid development of electronic networks and delivery mechanisms like the Internet and the World Wide Web, government has the opportunity to provide Canadians with more convenient access to information and services.
4. Many federal departments and agencies now use electronic service delivery to reach Canadians. However, this has resulted in different levels of on-line presence without a strategy to ensure that individual efforts add up to co-ordinated, consistent and convenient service. In the October 1999 Speech from the Throne, the Federal Government reaffirmed the importance of information technology to its service delivery. In this regard, it has undertaken to provide Canadians, by 2004, access to all government information and services on-line, in addition to the traditional choices of in-person, mail and telephone.
5. Within this same period, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) will establish a Canadian Natural Resources Knowledge Network, providing stakeholders with a point of access and integration for data, information and knowledge from the natural resources sector at the federal, provincial, territorial and private enterprise levels.
6. This network will enable NRCan to use its geographic knowledge base and its expertise in assessing and managing natural resources to facilitate knowledge management and implementation of broader policy imperatives of the Government of Canada, including those dealing with science and technology, regional economic adjustment and diversification, sustainable development and international trade policy.
7. Established in 1999, GeoConnections is a $60-million, five-year national partnership initiative that will make geographic data and services accessible to Canadians through the Internet. It supports the efforts of the private sector, government agencies and academia to enhance Canadian geomatics expertise and technology, as well as develop commercial products for world markets. As a key player, Natural Resources Canada acts as the Secretariat.
8. The initiative uses modern technology to obtain and manipulate geospatial data. This information, when organized and interpreted, allows the creation of composite pictures of an area's geographic, environmental and socio-economic characteristics. While paper-based maps are static and limited, online maps can be changed to integrate various information and can be adapted to suit the needs of users. Computer technology now allows geospatial data to be used in new ways, such as pinpointing the exact location of phone lines or water pipes, responding to emergencies, conducting research and planning community development.
9. Canadians stand to benefit from the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure in many ways, both at home and abroad. Benefits that Canadians will gain by using geospatial information domestically are many. For example, emergency services can chart the quickest routes to accidents or disaster areas; police forces can track and intercept criminals; businesses can evaluate where best to locate; and local and regional governments can integrate information about streets, population distribution and traffic flow to improve public transportation.
10. As noted in previous reports, the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) stimulates the development of policies and initiatives for strengthening the forest sector, including the forest resource and its use. Composed of the federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for forests, it provides leadership, addresses national and international issues and sets the overall direction for the stewardship and sustainable management of Canada's forests. The CCFM is public trustee of the National Forest Strategy and, in this capacity, ensures that progress in implementation is reviewed and reported.
11. The second Canada Forest Accord commits its signatories, currently totalling 45, to take action toward sustainable forest management nation wide. They are also members of the National Forest Strategy Coalition (NFSC), that oversees implementation and evaluation of the accord and strategy. The NFSC report to the CCFM and represents a wide array of forest interests from governments, industry, the Aboriginal community, academic institutions, conservation and environmental groups, labour, private woodlot associations, professional and technical associations and research organizations. Individuals and companies are also invited to sign the accord and assist in expanding the dialogue and partnerships across Canada.
12. Throughout the coming summer, an independent panel of experts will undertake a mid-term evaluation of the accord and strategy and publish its findings in early 2001.
13. Emerging from a series of cross-country public workshops and a multi-party review, the new National Forest Strategy (1998-2003), Sustainable Forests: A Canadian Commitment further defines and develops the concept of sustainable forests across Canada. It builds on the successes of the previous five-year strategy and carries on its vision. Nine strategic directions set out 121 action items, defined by consensus among engaged Canadians. As a result, the strategy represents a collective goal to maintain and enhance the long-term health of our forest ecosystems while providing environmental, economic, social and cultural opportunities for present and future generations.
14. Since the CCFM published its criteria and indicators (C&I) framework in 1995, the capacities of information systems have grown, the approaches to forest inventories have changed and the availability of data for some indicators has improved. Also, advances in science have increased Canada's understanding of systems, influenced its concept of sustainable forest management and its ability to measure progress.
15. The CCFM has used the knowledge gained from the preparation of Canada's first report to develop an implementation plan for reporting in 2000. In addition, it has approved a review of the current 83 indicators in the framework to recommend those that should be retained for future reporting at the national level. A task force identified a core set of indicators that are consistent with those in other C&I processes; those that were most applicable at the national level; and those that were similar enough to be combined. As a result, nearly 70 indicators from the original framework will be reported on in 2000.
16. To carry out the implementation plan and facilitate the production of the 2000 report, the task force established working Internet and file transfer protocol (FTP) sites. By providing templates for data submission and compilation, these sites helped standardize the submission of data and information. By linking the 75 technical contacts across Canada with the 22 writers, the sites stimulated discussion on definitions and reporting strategies and promoted the sharing of information and ideas. The working Web site will also be used to identify sources of information and to archive information for future reporting.
17. Several provinces have adopted their own C&I and are incorporating them into their forest management planning. Some, such as Quebec and Ontario, are integrating them into their forest legislation. Also, Ontario drafted a comprehensive set of indicators to evaluate and report on forest sustainability. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the government is drafting a 20-year forestry development plan that will contain references to a provincial set of C&I and it is considering integrating the indicators into legislation. Saskatchewan is developing indicators for forest ecosystem health while New Brunswick has taken a slightly different approach. That province is developing a framework for forest management, setting out policy goals as well as standards and objectives for the development of forest management plans on Crown timber licences.
18. Through the Model Forest Program, established in 1992, an innovative partnership has evolved to help define local level indicators. Each of the 11 sites represents unique social, cultural, economic and ecological conditions in their forest area and, as such, are excellent field laboratories, covering more than 8.5 million hectares. In addition, a network-wide initiative facilitates the sharing of experiences, expertise and information to help each other achieve their own local-level indicators. As of March 1999, each model forest had developed a set of indicators. Although some are still refining their initial set, several are now developing protocols for monitoring and reporting on them.
19. As with Mexico and the United States of America, Canada is a member of the Montreal Process criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management, along with nine other countries. Canada is pleased to still be providing liaison and secretariat services for the initiative and, in this capacity, coordinated the compilation of two recent publications that were made available at the eighth session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development in April 2000: Forests for the Future and The Montreal Process: Year 2000 Progress Report.
20. Established in 1997, the National Advisory Board on Forest Research (NABFOR) advises the Minister of NRCan on science and technology (S&T) issues of importance to the forest sector. Members represent a cross section of forest stakeholders, including academia, non-government organizations, Aboriginal groups, industry and provincial and territorial governments.
21. In December 1998, NABFOR submitted its first report. The document contains two recommendations that focus on the need for the Federal Government to (1) clarify and strengthen its role in forest S&T and (2) review its priorities and funding allocations with a view to increasing the level of forest S&T in Canada. It also identifies priorities to guide the research programs of the Canadian Forest Service (CFS).
22. FORCAST was launched in September 1998, following the National Forest Sector Science Forum in 1997. It is a coalition of private and non-profit entities for the advancement of forest science and technology, is funded by its members and accountable to a Board of Directors. Its main functions are to oversee the implementation and evaluation of the National Forest S&T Course of Action, co-ordinate joint projects and facilitate communication among members. FORCAST will work with the evaluation committee of the NFSC to provide input to the latter's annual report on the status of the commitments in the National S&T Course of Action of which the establishment of FORCAST was one. Other commitments include periodically reviewing Canada's national forest sector S&T priorities and tracking the level of Canada's investment in forest sector S&T in relation to economic activity, other sectors and countries. This past year, FORCAST was incorporated as a not-for-profit association and an Executive Director has been hired.
23. The threats posed by the introduction of exotic species are emerging as important issues in trade, forest health and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Despite increased detection efforts at ports of entry, the frequency of introductions and the number of alien species is on the rise.
24. In Canada, quarantine regulations governing forest pests is covered by the Plant Protection Act, administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). A Memorandum of Understanding between NRCan and CFIA was signed in July 1998, clarifying the respective roles of the two agencies in preventing the entry and spread of exotic pests. That same year, the CFS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with other departments and agencies to address the identification and monitoring of organisms, including alien species.
25. In addition, CFS senior management approved a proposal, in December 1999, to develop a coordinated interdepartmental strategy on invasive pests. In early 2000, the Biodiversity Convention Office (BCO) of Environment Canada chaired meetings to discuss issues surrounding plant protection and quarantine that required immediate action. The CFS, in collaboration with the CFIA, is developing a short-term strategy to deal with these aspects. A longer-term strategy for other issues is proceeding in parallel.
26. In co-operation with provincial government agencies, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing, a project to monitor Canada's forests from space is being undertaken. It focuses on traditional forest inventory variables, such as forest cover and biomass, and new sustainable development parameters. Monitoring forest disturbance and change will be key elements. Spatially explicit information will be used in spatial analysis, visualization and will be integrated with other national spatial data sets. Linking inventory and earth observation data will meet core forest information needs for climate change, criteria and indicators and national reporting on biological diversity. The status and changes in the composition, distribution, structure and function of forests over time will be quantified and it is intended that such data will be widely available via intelligent information systems.
27. Wildfires are a significant agent of change in Canadian forest ecosystems. Approximately 9000 fires burn 3 million ha per year in Canada (based on a 10-year average). While only 2 to 3 percent of these wildfire grow larger than 200 ha, they account for almost 97 percent of the annual area burned. This provides an excellent opportunity to monitor active fires using a combination of low and high resolution sensors to determine fire location, area burned, fire behaviour and fire severity.
28. The Fire Monitoring, Mapping and Modeling System (Fire M3) is an initiative of the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing and the CFS. The system automatically detects, monitors and maps large forest fires on a daily basis using satellite data and formats the data for use in spatially-based fire behaviour models. Fire weather and behaviour outputs then produce quantitative estimates of fire behaviour for each active fire. Daily maps and summary reports of fuel consumption, fire intensity and fire type are also produced.
29. The information provided by Fire M3 is used for strategic planning at the national, provincial and territorial levels and for tactical fire operations. Fire monitoring and end of season fire maps also help update national and regional forest inventories, annual reports of fire statistics, criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management and fire and global change research.
30. A series of consultations with CFS employees and middle managers in 1995 revealed that there was a poor understanding of the interface between science and policy, a general lack of collaboration among personnel in regions and at headquarters, and distinct cultures operating within the organization. A follow-up survey three years later revealed little had changed. Thus, senior managers embarked on a new approach to bridge science and policy while enhancing the effectiveness of employees in dealing with complex and multi-sectoral problems. The initiative was also designed to increase understanding of the roles, responsibilities and relationships among the participants in policy-making processes.
31. Two rounds of workshops were delivered at six locations in Canada. More than 110 people participated in the initial sessions and an additional 65 joined the next.
32. Establishing a common forum with broad representation to exchange knowledge and experiences proved to be a valuable investment. In fact, the CFS is responding to requests from outside interests for information on the process. As a next step, management will focus on the suggestions flowing from these workshops to make institutional changes that support what has been done.
33. In establishing and reporting on the C&I framework, Canada faced challenges in developing new approaches to data collection and management, particularly for non-timber values; in developing tools to measure social values; and in expanding its knowledge of forest ecosystems. In this regard, a revised National Forest Inventory is being proposed that will provide change and trend estimates, be compatible with ecological classification and allow spatial and temporal reporting on multiple resource attributes. For the past decades, a forest inventory for Canada was prepared by rolling up data from provincial inventories based on definitions that were not always compatible. With the new approach, approximately 30 percent of the indicators in the CCFM framework could be addressed, along with some non-timber values. In addition, a national forest information system is also being proposed to integrate and link information on Canada's forests.
34. The First Nation Forestry Program was launched in 1996 to help improve economic conditions in status Indian communities with full consideration of the principles of sustainable forest management. It supports First Nations in their pursuit of economic self-sufficiency through enhancing the capacity of First Nations to operate and participate in forest-based businesses; increasing cooperation and partnerships; examining mechanisms for financing forestry development; and enhancing the capacity of First Nations to sustainably manage reserve forests.
35. Achievements have exceeded expectations. An independent review, conducted in November 1998, confirmed the benefits of the partnership approach. The report notes that the program is indeed enhancing the capacity of First Nations; is responding to the needs of 85 percent of its participants; is resulting in initiatives that would not have proceeded otherwise; and is ushering in a new relationship among First Nations, governments and the private sector.
36. In the four-year period (1996-1997 to 1999-2000), the program has contributed to funding over 800 projects in every province and territory, worth a value exceeding $53 million. Of this amount, the Federal Government provided $21 million while First Nations and other partners financed the remainder.
37. When the CFS announced its renewed commitment to the Model Forest Program in October 1996, there was agreement that efforts would be made to enhance Aboriginal participation through an Aboriginal-led model forest and through a network-wide initiative to increase their involvement in the other sites.
38. With the establishment of the Waswanipi Cree Model Forest in 1997, First Nations have been playing a lead role in increasing the understanding of sustainable forest management from an Aboriginal perspective. As an integral part of the forest, the Waswanipi Cree recognize and respect its multiple uses, such as hunting, fishing, trapping and economic development. By taking the lead in the WCMF and applying their traditional knowledge, innovations and practices, the Waswanipi Cree promote a balanced approach to satisfy the range of environmental, social, cultural and economic needs of their community. Through partnerships, they are demonstrating an enhanced capacity to sustainably manage forests through respect for and integration of Cree knowledge and perspectives in the forest management planning process.
39. The Enhanced Aboriginal Involvement Strategic Initiative is designed to increase Aboriginal participation in sustainable forest management decision-making through a wide range of capacity building and partnership activities in their communities and model forest sites. Initiatives include exploring the relationship between sustainable forest management and a First Nation system of ownership and resource management in the Long Beach Model Forest area; developing a GIS-based forestry information system for the Eel Ground First Nation in New Brunswick; producing a cd-rom profiling the results of a traditional land use study in Manitoba; and developing a model in northern Ontario to measure social, economic and ecological impacts of economic activities within the community.
40. As part of a pilot project, the CFS organized meetings throughout March 2000 with M�tis and off-reserve Aboriginal organizations and communities in all regions of the country. This constituted a first contact to learn of their specific interests, capabilities and priorities for participation in forestry, with potential applications in other natural resource sectors. The response to this outreach effort was positive in that fifteen M�tis and off-reserve Aboriginal organizations and approximately two hundred individuals took part. A report of the discussions will be sent to all participants and the results will form the basis of defining options for possible future initiatives.
41. Recognizing the need to make an informed decision on future international arrangements and mechanisms for forests, Costa Rica and Canada formed a partnership to support the work of the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests (IFF). The Costa Rica-Canada Initiative (CRCI) provided a neutral and participatory forum to facilitate technical discussions where participation was open to governments, intergovernmental institutions, non-government organizations, indigenous peoples, women's groups and the private sector. Two international and eight regional meetings took place between February and December1999. The final one, held in Ottawa, Canada, built on the results of previous discussions and produced a report for the fourth session of the IFF.
42. Participants expressed their appreciation for the CRCI, noting the extent to which regional meetings raised the level of awareness of global forest issues and increased the involvement of many experts who would not otherwise have had the opportunity to learn about and participate in the dialogue. They were also grateful for the frank exchange of information and views, allowing them to take stock of the options available and identify areas of agreement that could provide the basis for further cooperation.
43. Given that experts participated in discussions in their personal capacity, the CRCI's report reflects the range of views expressed rather than consensus, although broad areas of agreement emerged. For example, it was generally felt that forest issues are not adequately addressed in current arrangements and that further action is required to improve the state of the world's forests. Experts also agreed that the IFF process should end at IFF-4 with a clear decision on new future international arrangements and mechanisms and that these should provide a permanent action-oriented approach to the global forest policy dialogue, one that has the necessary legal authority and level of commitment.
44. In February 1998, subsequent to the Kyoto Protocol, the Government of Canada allocated $50 million per year for the next three years to help lay a strong foundation for early action on climate change. This was renewed in February 2000 for a further three years. Among the 16 committees, or tables, established as part of a national consultation process were the Forest Sector Table and the Sinks Table. The Forest Sector Table was made up of sector experts from forest industries, environmental groups, labour, research organizations, academia, Aboriginal groups, forest-dependent communities and governments. It examined the potential for the forest sector to help reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions through fuel switching and energy efficiency.
45. The Sinks Table included experts from forest, agricultural and wetland carbon sinks and sources. In conjunction with the Forest Sector Table, it looked at ways to enhance forest carbon sinks and reduce forest carbon sources that are associated with forest-related activities included in the protocol. The tables recommended a series of options in their reports which are being reviewed by governments for inclusion in Canada's National Implementation Strategy. Work will continue throughout 2000, with a national strategy expected prior to COP-6 in November.
46. The CFS celebrated its centennial on August 15, 1999, the anniversary of the appointment of the first Chief Inspector of Timber and Forestry in Canada, Elihu Stewart, a Dominion Land Surveyor. From the unregulated exploitation of the colonial period, forest management in Canada has evolved to meet the present-day need for sustainable forest management, global competitiveness and participatory decision-making. In its role as leader of change, the CFS will meet the forest sector's greatest challenges of the next century: sustaining forests; sustaining work; and sustaining communities.
47. As part of a continuing quest for innovative solutions and in keeping with its reputation as a world class research organization, the CFS developed a millenium tree that is available for planting across Canada. Due to our leading-edge work in somatic embryogenesis, a technique that makes the cloning process faster and easier, upwards of one million seedlings have been produced. The millenium tree is a variety of white spruce that can flourish in the different types of soil conditions in our forested regions and can live to be 200 years old. It is an emblem of the CFS's achievements and hope for the future - a living legacy of the millenium.
48. Canada's forest management practices and processes will continue to adapt to new knowledge and new demands. The continued use and refinement of C&I should improve the quality of information about forests and the impacts of forest management practices. As well, global discussions on forest issues such as climate change will ultimately impact on how forests in Canada are managed.
49. With the support of the provinces, territories, other stakeholders, and in partnership with other countries, Canada will continue to promote the need for an international forest convention as the best means to achieve sustainable forest management in a comprehensive and balanced way.
50. With a renewed commitment to sustainable forest management, innovative partnerships, ongoing dialogue and the most advanced technologies, Canada enters the new millennium confident that it can face tomorrow's forestry challenges.
The Canadian public owns 94 percent of the nation's forests. The remaining 6 percent are the property of more than 425 thousand private landowners. On behalf of the public, provincial governments manage roughly 71 percent of Canada's forests while the federal and territorial governments are stewards of about 23 percent.
Forest management is a matter of provincial jurisdiction. Each province and territory has its own set of legislation, policies and regulations to govern the management of its forests. The federal government's role in forestry pertains to such areas as science and technology, trade, international affairs, the environment, management of federal lands and Aboriginal matters related to forestry.
In 1995, 7.6 percent of Canada's forest land (31.7 million hectares) was found in protected areas (of which over half are strictly protected in IUCN categories I-III). Since then, several provinces have undertaken initiatives to legislate or reserve areas for protection of species at risk. This will significantly increase the area of protected forest. In addition, many forests on shallow or rocky soil, on steep slopes or along lakes and waterways are excluded from harvesting by provincial policy.
Forests play a key role in moderating the climate, regulating water systems, preventing erosion, alleviating air pollution, and providing wildlife habitat. They also offer a multitude of recreational opportunities and are enjoyed by Canadians and tourists from around the world.
The forest land base in Canada is enormous. It is also extremely diverse. The eight major forest regions in Canada all have a different mix of predominant tree species. More than 67 percent of the forest cover is composed of softwoods, 15 percent is hardwoods and 18 percent is mixedwoods. All told, there are 180 tree species in Canada. Most of our forests are even-aged because of cyclical and widespread disturbances.
| CANADA | ||
| Population (1999) | 30.6 million | |
| Total area | 997.0 million ha | |
| Land area | 921.5 million ha | |
| Forest land | 417.6 million ha | |
| National parks | 24.5 million ha | |
| Provincial parks | 22.9 million ha | |
| Forest resource (1996) | ||
| Ownership | Provincial | 71 percent |
| Federal | 23 percent | |
| Private | 6 percent | |
| Forest type | Softwood | 67 percent |
| Hardwood | 15 percent | |
| Mixedwood | 18 percent | |
| 1997 | ||
| Allowable annual cuta | 236.5 million m� | |
| Harvesting-industrial roundwood (volume)b | 182.7 million m� | |
| Harvesting (area) | 1.02 million ha | |
| Insect defoliationc | 4.0 million ha | |
| Forest fires | 0.6 million ha | |
| Status of harvested Crown land (1997)d | ||
| Stocked | 84 percent | |
| Understocked | 16 percent | |
| FOREST INDUSTRY |
||
| Value of exports (1999) | $44.2 billion | |
| Softwood lumber | 29 percent | |
| Newsprint | 15 percent | |
| Wood pulp | 17 percent | |
| Major export markets (1999) | ||
| United States | 79 percent | |
| European Union | 7 percent | |
| Japan | 7 percent | |
| Others | 7 percent | |
| Balance of trade (1999 | $+35.4 billion | |
| Contribution to GDP (1999) | $+19.5 billion | |
| Value of shipments (1997) | $69.6 billion | |
| Sold domestically | 44 percent | |
| Exported | 56 percent | |
| Number of establishments (1997) | 12,630 | |
| 8,920 Logging | ||
| 3,019 Wood | ||
| 691 Paper and allied | ||
| Employment (1998) | 877,000 | |
| 384,000 direct jobs | ||
| 493,000 indirect jobs | ||
| 1 job in 16 | ||
| Wages and salaries (1997) | $11.8 billion | |
| Capital investments (1999) | $3.6 billion | |
Data sources: The main sources for the data are the Canadian Forest Service, Statistics Canada and Environment Canada. Most of the information was collected originally by provincial and territorial natural resource ministries.
Forest Land: The data regarding Canada's forest land are based on the 1991 Canada Forest Inventory.
Forest Resource: Ownership data are provided for the total forest land.
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a Allowable Annual Cut (AAC): The amount of timber that is permitted to be cut annually from a particular area. AAC is used as the basis for regulating harvest levels to ensure a sustainable supply of timber.
b Harvesting: The figures for harvesting include data for industrial roundwood only. Harvest levels for fuelwood and firewood averaged 5.9 million cubic metres between 1990 and 1997.
c Insect defoliation: The data relating to insects were provided by provincial and territorial agencies and include moderate to severe defoliation only. Defoliation does not always imply mortality. For example, stands with moderate defoliation often recover and may not lose much growth. Defoliation is mapped on an insect-by-insect basis and a given area may be afflicted by more than one insect at a time. This may result in double and triple counting in areas affected by more than one insect, exaggerating the extent of the total area defoliated.
d Status of Harvest Crown Land: Data for private land are not included. The term "stocked" refers to land where the forest cover meets certain timber-production standards established by forest management agencies in each province or territory. The term "understocked" refers to harvested land that requires forest management treatments, such as site preparation, planting, seeding or weeding, to meet established standards. This category also includes land that has not yet been surveyed. A significant proportion of recently harvested areas will always be reported as understocked because of the time lag between harvesting and observable results of subsequent treatments. The small percentage of the area harvested each year that is devoted to roads for access is not included in these data.
