Forest Stewardship
What is stewardship? Forest stewardship is the sustainable use of forest resources, to ensure health and productivity for future years.
NACFOR is committed to managing a community forest land base in ways that protects forest resources, environmental values, and the safety of all forest participants. NACFOR’s Environmental and Safety Management System guides all forest practices and minimizes potential impacts to the environment. Forest stewardship includes sustainable forest management and responsible harvesting practices.
As described in NACFOR’s Forest Stewardship Plan, the goal is that all government objectives are met or exceeded for managing and protecting the forest and non-timber resources. Before any development takes place, NACFOR evaluates these forest resource values, we consult with the public, and we plan accordingly:
- Soils – disturbance and structure limits
- Timber
- Biodiversity – mature forests, green-up, fire-maintained ecosystems, riparian areas, wildlife
- Fish & Wildlife – habitats, connectivity cooridors, winter ranges, species at risk
- Water – community watersheds, consumptive use streams
- Visual quality – scenic areas and visual quality objectives
- Cultural heritage resources – consult and identify with First Nations
- Non-timber harvesting/ wild crafting
- Recreation resources – interpretive sites, recreation sites, or trails
- Invasive plants and natural range barriers