What is the Canadian Model Forest Network?
What is Canada’s Model Forest Program?
What is Sustainable Forest Management?
What is a “Model Forest”?
Why call it a “Model” Forest?
Where are the current Model Forests located?
What is the role of Model Forests?
Who funds the Model Forests?
How are Model Forests structured and governed?
Why were the current Model Forest sites chosen?
Why are partnerships so important in the Model Forests?
Can I visit a Model Forest?
Why are Model Forests important?
Does a Model Forest restrict the activities of private landowners?
What is the Canadian Model Forest Network?
There are 11 Model Forests in Canada, each one being part of the
Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN). Created by the Government of Canada
through the Canadian Forest Service and funded under
Canada’s Model Forest Program, the CMFN is the network that links
together Canadian Model Forests. The network allows Model Forests across the
country to share ideas and communicate methods of sustainable forest
management. The CMFN also provides direction for activities that occur at a
national level or between Canadian Model Forests and Model Forests located
elsewhere in the world.
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What is Canada’s Model Forest Program?
Established in 1992, Canada’s Model Forest Program (CMFP) was created by the
Government of Canada to address the challenge of balancing the extensive range
of demands that are placed on Canada’s forests. The CMFP funds the Canadian
Model Forest Network.
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What is Sustainable Forest Management?
Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) is management that maintains and enhances
the long-term health of forest ecosystems while providing ecological, economic,
social and cultural opportunities for the benefit of present and future
generations.
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What is a “Model Forest”?
A Model Forest is a partnership of public and private landowners, government,
industry, universities, Aboriginal communities and other organizations that
have a common interest in achieving SFM within a local, defined forest area.
Each Model Forest is run by a not-for-profit organization and, except for a
small administrative staff, all those involved in the Model Forest not only
donate their time and expertise, but also often bring additional financial
support. At the heart of each Model Forest are the partners who work together
to promote forest management that takes into account ecosystem health, cultural
values and economics. Model Forests range in size from 113,000 hectares to 7.7
million hectares, covering typical scales at which district-level forest
management decisions are made.
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Why call it a “Model” Forest?
A Model Forest is a “model” or example of sustainable forest management. It
acts as a giant laboratory where leading edge techniques are researched,
developed, applied and monitored to work towards achieving SFM. The Model
Forests serve as examples of how other forest areas within Canada can achieve
SFM.
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Where are the current Model Forests located? (See
Canadian Model Forests)
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Western Newfoundland Model Forest: Southwestern coast, Newfoundland
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Special project area: Forest District 19, Labrador/Nitassinan
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Nova Forest Alliance: Central mainland, Nova Scotia
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Special project area: Prince Edward Island
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Fundy Model Forest: Bay of Fundy region, southeastern New Brunswick
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Bas Saint-Laurent Model Forest: Bas-Saint-Laurent region, southeastern Québec
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Waswanipi Cree Model Forest: James Bay region, west-central Québec
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Eastern Ontario Model Forest: Southeastern Ontario
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Lake Abitibi Model Forest: Northeastern Ontario
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Manitoba Model Forest: Southeastern Manitoba
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Prince Albert Model Forest: Central Saskatchewan
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Foothills Model Forest: Rocky Mountains/Foothills region, western Alberta
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McGregor Model Forest: Central interior, British Columbia
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Special project area: Vancouver Island
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What is the role of Model Forests?
Model Forests undertake projects that seek to move SFM research into
practice. These projects include the research and development of better forest
management tools, education and communication. For example, many Model Forests
host workshops related to local and regional issues, which serve to communicate
and educate, while providing a way to disseminate research results.
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Who funds the Model Forests?
Natural Resources Canada, through the Canadian Forest Service, is the core
sponsor of each of Canada’s Model Forests. Additionally, at least $250,000 cash
or “in kind” financial support is provided annually by the partners of each
Model Forest (in kind donations can include donations of time, equipment,
materials or expertise).
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How are Model Forests structured and governed?
The Model Forests are not-for-profit organizations. A management body, such as
a Board of Directors, is responsible for managing funds. The internal structure
of each Model Forest differs, but most use committees to oversee project
initiatives and these committees advise the main management body. All Model
Forests have a small administrative staff, headed by a General Manager, which
is comprised of forest, geomatics and communications specialists.
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How are projects chosen in Model Forests?
Various committees and Model Forest staff advise the management body on
particular projects. The management body makes the final decisions, dependent
on available funding.
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Why were the current Model Forest sites chosen?
In 1991, Model Forest sites were chosen based upon a competitive bid process.
Important factors in choosing Model Forest locations included the number of
partners and supporters, the level of support from the local forest industry,
First Nations representation and the type of forest ownership (i.e., private or
public land) that characterized the proposed sites. To arrive at the final list
of Model Forests, the strengths of the various proposals were balanced with the
need to select sites that represented the different forest types across the
country.
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Why are partnerships so important in the Model Forests?
Many Canadians live in forested areas and are directly affected by forestry
practices. As such, it is important to form partnerships that bring various
environmental, cultural and economic organizations and values together.
Partnerships are necessary to address and satisfy the diverse needs of the
people who live in the Model Forest. Partnerships bring people together to sort
out conflicting ideas and, in many cases, also bring most of the funding to the
Model Forests, which supports project work.
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Can I visit a Model Forest?
Yes. It is recommended that you contact the individual Model Forest for site
visitation details.
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Why are Model Forests important?
Model Forests are important because they bring divergent views together. They
create communities. Each partner in a Model Forest contributes and shares their
values, expertise and experience with others. In doing so, s/he creates a
shared environment where views on how to better achieve SFM are refined and put
into practice. For example, Model Forests put landowners in closer contact with
researchers and policy makers, allowing everyone to learn about better SFM
practices from differing points of view.
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Does a Model Forest restrict the activities of private landowners?
No. Model Forests have no jurisdiction over the management of the land used as
a testing ground. Rather, Model Forests encourage landowners within their
boundaries to work with other stakeholders to make a difference towards
improved forest management.
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