Monitoring and Results-Based Forestry

Forest operations on Crown land function under a results-based system where the forest industry Licensee is held accountable for specific and measurable outcomes, where performance is formally evaluated on a routine basis. The desired outcomes are set by government and are designed to achieve the objectives set forth in the approved Forest Management Plan (Schedule C), conform to all laws and regulations, and to protect important values across the landscape. Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development (DNRED) staff work closely with the industry (licensees) to monitor and track operational conditions and manage progress towards meeting the desired outcomes. Through the use of a formal management system, data is analyzed to identify trends or recurring issues, and processes are put in place to ensure the system is continuously improving.

Each year, thousands of field checks are completed on Crown land forest operations by DNRED staff as illustrated in the Field Checks Map. A team of highly trained and specialized forestry professionals monitor many aspects of forest operations on a regular basis to ensure that regulations, policies, and operating plans are being followed in accordance with the Forest Management Manual. 

Field checks by designated DNRED staff ensure that the results-based system is functioning properly and that issues are identified (if present) and corrected in a timely manner. These checks provide confidence that preventative and compliance action plans are implemented, when needed, and that continuous improvement occurs in the working forest over time. Independent 3^rd party forest certification audits, by organizations such as Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), are also conducted on a regular basis to certify that operations are conformant to internationally recognized forest management standards.