We recognize and work to sustain the diversity of benefits that forests provide to society and to the environment. We discuss forest issues with the public and engage First Nations peoples throughout the forest management planning process.
Independent government mandated auditors have recognized forests we have managed as being “exceptionally well managed.” We are experts at monitoring and assessing forest management outcomes.
Economic viability is one of the three pillars of sustainability. Traditional forest-industry tenure holders have benefited from our planning expertise through improved harvest opportunities and reduced delivered wood costs. Forest tenure holders need forest management plans developed on time and at low cost, keeping timber flowing to their mills and their mills open. They need sustainable and cost-effective long term benefits from the forest. They want to manage risks to the environment, and to health and safety. FRMG is there to help them achieve these goals.
Government Independent Forest Audit report:
“The renewal of harvested and naturally depleted areas was found to be excellent.”
FRMG employees are committed to the sustainable management of the forests under our care to give Ontarians the greatest possible environmental, economic and social benefits, both now and in the future. We conserve the living forest environment in all aspects of our work. According to government mandated Independent Forest Audits, we have been successful in those forests that have been under our care.
The public interest
We listen carefully to many people and groups. We address their concerns in our forest management plans. For example, we meet with tourist operators, trappers, outfitters, canoe trippers, municipal representatives, and cottage owner associations.
Forest sustainability
- We replant or naturally regenerate all harvest sites to maintain boreal forest biodiversity
- Our regeneration programs lead the province, according to government Independent Forest Audits.
Government Independent Forest Audit report:
“The audit team states that the Timiskaming Forest is managed in an exemplary and sustainable manner.”
Fish and wildlife habitat
- We identify blue heron nesting sites, moose aquatic feeding areas, den sites and other habitat so we can conserve it
- When fish spawn we stop forest operations nearby
- We create future wildlife habitat using silvicultural techniques
- We meet or exceed applicable environmental regulations
Water Quality
- We keep forest buffers around lakes, rivers and wetlands
- We train workers to protect water quality and to carefully install stream crossings
Sensitive areas of the forest
We identify sensitive areas that need special protection, such as areas with rare plants or trees, species at risk or areas that need special protection from erosion.
Cultural Heritage
- We hire licensed archaeologists to identify culturally significant areas in the forest, and plan operations to prevent harm to them
- We work with First Nations to ensure that their cultural heritage areas are conserved