What is the Canadian Model Forest Network?
What is Sustainable Forest Management?
What is a “Model Forest”?
Why call it a “Model” Forest?
Where are the current Model Forests located?
How are Model Forests structured and governed?
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?
The Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN) is a network of 14 model forests across Canada. Each local site involves numerous partners who all work towards sustainable landscape management. Partners include, forest companies, Aboriginal communities, private citizens, parks, environmental groups, governments and universities. As a network the CMFN collectively works to raise the profile of model forests in Canada and around the world and coordinates relevant national initiatives.
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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)
- Clayoquot Forest Community
- Cree Research and Development Insitute
- Eastern Ontario Model Forest
- Foothills Research Institute
- Fundy Model Forest
- Lac-Saint-Jean Model Forest
- Lake Abitibi Model Forest
- Le Bourdon Project
- Manitoba Model Forest
- Model Forest of Newfoundland & Labrador
- Northeast Superior Forest Community
- Nova Forest Alliance
- Prince Albert Model Forest
- Resources North Association
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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 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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