Sustainable forest management in Algonquin Provincial Park

Abstract

Management of today's forests is more complex than ever. This requires applying knowledge gained from the past, implementing new science and being adaptive in one's management practices. To meet and exceed expectations regarding sustainable forest management in Algonquin Provincial Park, the Authority is implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) early this summer. The EMS is designed on the ISO 14001 template and will provide a structured, well-organized management system to enhance the AFA's sustainable management of Algonquin's forests. Definitive measurement of sustainability will be refined over time, but sustainability can be measured in simpler terms. Algonquin Provincial Park has a healthy forest, is used extensively for recreational activities, and has a thriving forestry community. There are many second, third and some fourth generation loggers in Algonquin Park. Consider some of the sawmills the Algonquin forest supplies - third generation Murray Brothers Lumber Company in Madawaska, fourth generation McRae Lumber in Whitney, and fifth generation Herb Shaw and Sons Lumber in Pembroke. Working together, the public, government and forest industry have achieved forest sustainability in Algonquin Park.