Tolko Cariboo Woodlands Sustainable Forest Management Plan Annual Report 2010 January 2011

Transcription

1 Tolko Cariboo Woodlands Sustainable Forest Management Plan Annual Report 2010 January 2011 Prepared by: Shawn Meisner Senior Planning Forester 1

2 Contents Summary of Indicators... 1 Ecosystem area by type... 3 Non-pine sowing requests... 3 Non-pine component of cutblocks surveyed for free growing... 3 Consistency with seral stage distribution requirements... 4 Consideration of connectivity, natural disturbance type and pattern, and range of natural variability Species at risk training for development contractors... 5 Management of rare species occurences... 5 Adherence to WHA, UWR and Wildlife Act requirements... 5 Goal 2 Area Protection... 6 Adherence to WHA and UWR requirements... 6 Area of natural regeneration versus artificial regeneration... 6 Amount of regeneration that is genetically modified stock... 6 Potential for cattle impacts in riparian areas... 6 Post-harvest riparian functioning... 7 Aboriginal, values and uses acknowledged... 7 Regeneration success... 7 Free growing success... 8 Invasive plant training... 8 Area of forest deleted as a result of roads and landings... 8 Consistency of harvesting with cut control requirements... 8 Compliance of soil disturbance with site plan limits... 8 Coarse Woody Debris... 9 Removal of dispersed CWD... 9 Ugly Tree Management... 9 Minimum CWD retention... 9 Minimum wildlife tree retention Consistency with Chief Forester s CWD retention guidelines Development of operational guidance Watershed management Road and/or stream crossing inspections completed as scheduled i

3 New bridge and major culvert inspection completions Dead versus green harvest Tolko caused wildfires Animal Unit Months maintained Historical features adequately managed Dollar value of property taxes Tolko Cariboo Region scholarships or bursaries Completion of salaried employee personal development plans Level of direct and indirect employment Level of aboriginal participation in the forest economy Maps of First Nations interest areas readily available Invitation for feedback and response from Aboriginal communities Written comment from Aboriginal communities considered in forest management prescriptions Timeliness of small scale salvage referrals Harvesting contract opportunities made available to Cariboo-Chilcotin contractors Silviculture contract opportunities made available to Cariboo-Chilcotin contractors Maintenance of milling facilities relative to AAC Stumpage and licence rental fees Protection of range infrastructure Material contributions to other wood products producers SAFE certification of Tolko contractors Tolko SAFE certification Tolko support of community organizations Effective terms of reference Access to annual report and PAG Information sharing with public Notice of Intent distribution Tolko Cariboo Woodlands Communication Plan General communication with public Public access to SFMP information Tolko staff knowledge of SFMP content Number of research projects by Tolko Cariboo Woodlands ii

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5 Summary of Indicators SFMP Indicator Ecosystem area by type Non-pine sowing requests Non-pine component of cutblocks surveyed for free growing Consistency with seral stage distribution requirements Consideration of connectivity, natural disturbance type and pattern, and range of natural variability. Species at risk training for development contractors Management of rare species harvest Adherence to WHA, UWR and Wildlife Act requirements Goal 2 Area Protection Adherence to WHA and UWR requirements Area of natural regeneration versus artificial regeneration Amount of regeneration that is genetically modified stock Potential for cattle impacts in riparian areas Post-harvest riparian functioning Aboriginal, values and uses acknowledged Regeneration success Free growing success Invasive plant training Area of forest deleted as a result of roads and landings Consistency of harvesting with cut control requirements Compliance of soil disturbance with site plan limits Indicator met Indicator not met Coarse Woody Debris Management - - Removal of dispersed CWD Ugly Tree Management Minimum CWD retention Minimum wildlife tree retention Consistency with Chief Forester s CWD retention guidelines Development of operational guidance Watershed management Road and/or stream crossing inspections completed as Due April 15,

6 scheduled New bridge and major culvert inspection completions Dead versus green harvest Tolko caused wildfires Animal Unit Months maintained Historical features adequately managed Dollar value of property taxes Tolko Cariboo Region scholarships or bursaries Completion of salaried employee personal development plans Level of direct and indirect employment Level of aboriginal participation in the forest economy Maps of First Nations interest areas readily available Invitation for feedback and response from Aboriginal communities Written comment form Aboriginal communities considered in forest management prescriptions Timeliness of small scale salvage referrals Harvesting contract opportunities made available to Cariboo- Chilcotin contractors Silviculture contract opportunities made available to Cariboo- Chilcotin contractors Maintenance of milling facilities relative to AAC Stumpage and licence rental fees Protection of range infrastructure Material contributions to other wood products producers SAFE certification of Tolko contractors Tolko SAFE certification Tolko support of community organizations Effective terms of reference Notice of Intent distribution Access to annual report and PAG Information sharing with public Tolko Cariboo Woodlands Communication Plan General communication with public Public access to SFMP information Tolko staff knowledge of SFMP content Number of research projects by Tolko Cariboo Woodlands 2

7 Ecosystem area by type 56 4 Element 1.1, Core element Indicator - Distribution of DFA by biogeoclimatic zone and subzone/variant, reported annually. The distribution of biogeozones within the DFA in 2010, total area of 1,539,382 ha, was: SBPSxc 21.7%, IDFdk3 17.6%, MSxv 16.6%, IDFdk4 9.3%, SBPSmk 5.2%, SBPSdc 5.1%, SBSdw2 4.2%, IDFxm 3.4%, SBSdw1 3.3%, ICHwk2 2.0%, ESSFwk1 2.0%, ESSFxv2 1.7%, SBSmc2 1.7%, ESSFwc3 1.6%, SBPSmc 0.9%, ESSFwcp 0.8%, ESSFwcw 0.6%, ICHmk3 0.5%, MSxk3 0.4%, BGxw2 0.3%, BGxh3 0.3%, ESSFxvp 0.3%, IMAun 0.3%, SBSwk1 0.2%, SBSmc1 0.1%, IDFxw 0.1%, ESSFxv1 0.1%, BAFAun 0.1%, SBSmh <0.1%, MSdv <0.1%, ICHwk4 <0.1%, ESSFxc3 <0.1% Non-pine sowing requests Element 1.1, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of non-pine sowed for reforestation in areas east of the Fraser River, reported annually. 36.7% of seedlings sown in 2010 were non-pine. Target is >20% Non-pine component of cutblocks surveyed for free growing Element 1.1, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of surveyed cutblocks where the inventory (total stems) at time of free growing shows a mixed species composition with greater than or equal to two species being present with species not contributing greater than 90% of total stems, reported annually. For areas declared free growing in 2009, 56.3% of the areas were of mixed-species composition. For areas declared free growing in 2010, for which data entry is complete, 36.6% of the areas were of mixed-species composition. Target is 90%, a 10% variance (80% pass) is allowed Reason for indicator not being achieved Reviewing 2009 and 2010 data species composition was distributed as follows amongst the various biogeoclimatic zones. Biogeozone 2009 mixed species composition (ha) 2009 single species composition (ha) 2010 mixed species composition (ha) single species composition (ha) % mixed species composition % of surveyed area ESSFwk ESSFxv ICHmk ICHwk IDFdk IDFdk IDFxm MSxv SBPSdc SBPSmk

8 SBPSxc SBSdw SBSdw SBSmc SBSmc SBSwk The table indicates the average is strongly biased towards survey results from within the SBPSxc. Reviewing the Chief Forester s stocking standards for the average or most common site in the SBPSxc, the 01 site series, lodgepole pine is the only conifer species either preferred or acceptable. No other conifer species are currently appropriate for reforestation in this area. On 01 sites aspen is the only other tree species considered by the Chief Forester as appropriate for management, the presence of aspen is likely the main contributor to creating the limited number of mixed species stands currently present. Given the amount of SBPSxc area previously and currently being harvested, the inclusion of SBPSxc area in an indicator assessing mixed-species stands may be inappropriate. A reassessment of the indicator with the goal of removing SBPSxc areas from the calculation and/or reducing the target for mixed species stands is appropriate. SBPSmc s removal would also be appropriate as, along with SBPSxc, only Pl is a preferred or acceptable conifer within the 01 site series. The values for these two subzones can be reported separately to give an indication of the amount of deciduous within these two particular zones. The target was not met due to an inappropriate expectation for mixed species stands in pine dominated landscapes, especially in the SBPSxc. On-the-ground management of species composition is not at fault. Consistency with seral stage distribution requirements Element 1.3, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of cutting permits in accordance with: seral targets for mature plus old, Old Growth Management Areas objectives, and Wildlife Tree retention objectives of the CCLUP (Land Act order), reported annually. In cutting permits were approved. All cutting permits were compliant with seral stage requirements. Cutting permits utilized old and mature seral stage surpluses or, within deficit landscape units, were classified as salvage allowing for seral stage drawdown. Approved cutting permits are consistent with old growth management requirements. No harvest was approved in permanent Old Growth Management Areas while only salvage was approved in either transitional or rotational Old Growth Management Areas. For all cutting permits approved in 2010 Wildlife Tree Retention percentages exceeded minimum requirements. Four permits have WTR percentages less than of 15%, all other cutting permits have WTR percentages ranging from 16-55%. Consideration of connectivity, natural disturbance type and pattern, and range of natural variability. Element 1.1, Core indicator

9 Indicator - Percentage of cutting permits designed considering natural disturbance type and pattern and range of natural variability, reported annually. For the 35 cutting permits approved in 2010 a file review confirms a connectivity assessment was completed for each. Determination of design consistency with natural disturbance type and range of natural variability was conducted through a review of operational maps and leave tree requirements as specified in site plans and/or cruise submissions. Operational maps provide extensive detail on locations of planned and existing openings, their general age class, unharvested area, water features, general terrain, and most importantly wildlife tree retention distribution. All cutting permits were found to be designed consistent with the Natural Disturbance Type in which they are found. In all cases Wildlife Tree Retention was focused on drainages and wetland areas (these areas are identified as important for connectivity and refugia values). Dash distances were generally found to be much less than 500m and all openings are noticeably edgy in form. Within NDT2 veteran tree retention was either specified or wildlife tree retention included riparian areas where veterans have the greatest probability of being found. At a stand level development is considered to be within the range of natural variability in respect to structures likely to be present through the rotation. All 35 cutting permits provide for leave tree retention to some degree, and all areas are unique in the distribution of this retention. The one area at risk is riparian areas, an absence of disturbance may, in the future, move riparian areas in general to a position outside their range of natural variability. Species at risk training for development contractors Element 1.2, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of development contractors annually trained on Species at Risk and Tolko s expectations for management, reported annually. 13 of 14 contractors, 93%, who received Contractor Orientation in 2010 received species at risk training. The contractor who was missed took on development duties after being engaged for limited road management and post-harvest surveys. The indicator allows for a variance of 20%, an 80% pass. Management of rare species occurences Element 1.2, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of rare species occurrences managed consistent with rare species related training, reported annually. In 2010, no harvesting overlaps with rare species occurrences occurred. Adherence to WHA, UWR and Wildlife Act requirements Element 1.2, Core indicators &1.2.2 Indicator - Number of Environmental Incidents occurring contrary to Wildlife Habitat Area, Wildlife Act or Ungulate Winter Range requirements, reported annually. 5

10 No actions contrary to Wildlife Habitat Area, Wildlife Act or Ungulate Winter Range requirements were reported in Goal 2 Area Protection Element 1.2, Core indicators &1.2.2 Indicator - Amount of primary forest activities (harvesting and road building) occurring within Goal 2 Protected Areas as identified by the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land Use Plan planning process, reported annually. GIS analysis confirms no harvesting or roadbuilding took place within Goal 2 Protected Areas in Adherence to WHA and UWR requirements Element 1.2, Core indicator Number of Environmental Incidents occurring contrary to Wildlife Habitat Area or Ungulate Winter Range Requirements, reported annually. No actions contrary to Wildlife Habitat Area or Ungulate Winter Range requirements were reported in Area of natural regeneration versus artificial regeneration Element 1.2, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of harvested area managed for natural regeneration as measured on a three year rolling average, reported annually. For the three years ending 2010, 95% of the area harvested is being managed for natural regeneration. Target is >50%. Amount of regeneration that is genetically modified stock Element 1.3, Core indicator N/A Indicator Percentage of stock used for regeneration that is genetically modified, reported annually. Note: Genetically modified stock does not include stock created though selective breeding. No genetically modified stock was used for reforestation by Cariboo Woodlands in Potential for cattle impacts in riparian areas Element 1.4, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of those cutting permits where riparian reserves are being reduced below standard widths where cattle impacts on riparian reserves have been considered and managed for, reported annually. Of the 35 cutting permits approved in 2010, 9 cutting permits were found to have a cutblock or cutblocks where riparian reserve zones were reduced. In 8 of 9 (89%) cases the probability of 6

11 cattle impact was considered. Target is 100% with no allowable variance. Consideration was not present for cutting permit 10W. When considered the risk of cattle impact was found to be low or low-moderate. No stream riparian reserve zones were reduced. Riparian reserve zones reductions were limited to wetlands of a type where water quality and fisheries values would be at a low to very low risk. Reason for indicator not being achieved Assessments are not complete for approved cutting permit 10W. Snow arrived before assessments could be completed. If assessment determines that cattle impact will place riparian areas at unacceptable risk the cutting permit will be modified appropriately. Harvest will not take place until assessments are completed. Post-harvest riparian functioning Element 1.4, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of riparian areas properly functioning, properly functioning but at risk, or properly functioning but at high risk, reported annually. The most likely to have been affected riparian were assessed. Areas were identified through review of operational maps for those areas harvested in 2009 considering proximity of harvest to a watercourse, presence of stream crossings, stream class and other contributing factors. 5 of 5 streams assessed (100%) were found to be properly functioning. Aboriginal, values and uses acknowledged Element 1.4, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of cutting permits where forest management prescriptions have considered written comments received from aboriginal communities on cutting permits, reported annually. For the 35 cutting permits recorded as approved in 2010, aboriginal comments were considered in 100% of the permits. Comments were generally non-specific. In 4 instances comments were specific enough that extra measures were taken by Tolko ranging from road closures to dropping cutblocks from cutting permits. This is not a measure that general comments are not valuable, but a measure that general comments in regards to fisheries and wildlife habitat are generally pre-considered and incorporated into all developments. Regeneration success Elements 2.1 & 4.1, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of cutblocks regenerated within 7 years, reported annually For areas harvested in % of area has been successfully regenerated. For areas harvested in 2003, for which data entry is complete 1, 99% of area has achieved free growing status. Target is 100% with an allowable variance of 5%. 1 Data entry for 2010 surveys has not been completed. Completion of data entry is not required until March 31. 7

12 Free growing success Elements 2.1 & 4.1, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of cutblocks achieving free growing within 20 years, reported annually. For areas harvested in % of area has achieved free growing status. For areas harvested in 1990, for which data entry is complete 2, 100% of area has achieved free growing status. Target is 100% with an allowable variance of 5%. Invasive plant training Element 2.1, Core Indicator N/A Indicator Annually conduct invasive plant awareness, reporting, and best management practices for Tolko silviculture and harvesting supervisors, reported annually. 8 of 8 harvesting and silviculature supervisors received invasive plant training in Area of forest deleted as a result of roads and landings Element 2.2, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of forest area deleted as a result of road and landing development, reported annually. In 2010 the percentage of forest converted to roads and landings was less than 3.71%. 3.71% is the unnatural non-productive area as a percentage of gross cutblock area for those cutblocks where harvesting commenced in This unnatural non-productive area is mostly new construction but also includes existing roads and landings re-utilized for harvesting. Target is <6%. Consistency of harvesting with cut control requirements Element 2.2, Core indicator Indicator - Cut control management consistency with the Forest Act, reported annually. Cut control management by Tolko Cariboo Woodlands is currently consistent with the requirements of the Forest Act. Compliance of soil disturbance with site plan limits Element 3.1, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of cutting permits in compliance with the soil disturbance limits as stated in the site plans, reported annually. 2 Data entry for 2010 surveys has not been completed. Completion of data entry is not required until March 31. 8

13 Of the permits assessed in 2010 one cutting permit was found to have soil disturbance above allowable limits. In spring 2010 aerial photography of 17 higher risk permits was completed. Assessment of these photos indicated one block of one permit, FLA20015 CP 757 Block WAK110, was potentially over the allowable limits. Walkthroughs and on-ground surveys confirmed this to be the case. Remediation is scheduled for Reason for target not being achieved The investigation conducted as part of the Environmental Incident Review determined the excess disturbance to be the result of human error by the contractor. Contractor was provided training in soil disturbance in 2010 and supervision by Tolko was considered adequate. All harvesting and site preparation operators are trained in soil s management each year as per the Cariboo Woodlands training matrix. Coarse Woody Debris Element 3.1, Core indicator Removal of dispersed CWD Indicator - Percentage of cutting permits where dispersed coarse woody debris has been removed post-harvest for biomass or other uses, reported annually. No activities involving the removal of post-harvest dispersed coarse woody debris have been undertaken. Ugly Tree Management Indicator - Implement ugly tree management by July 1, Harvesting team implemented Ugly Tree Management by the prescribed date. Minimum CWD retention Indicator - Percentage of conventionally clearcut harvested roadside processed cutting permits, on blocks greater than 10 hectares harvested area and generally greater than 300m wide (greened-up edge to greened-up edge), retaining at least one of the following in each 10 hectares of harvested area: One cluster of minimum 5 stub trees with tops left on the ground, stub trees to be from larger diameter classes present on site One unskidded bunch or patch of blowdown containing 5 trees or more of the larger diameter classes present on the site One roadside pile of approximately 3-10m3 (large dining room table to pickup size), may be burnt or unburnt residuals One pile of approximately 3-10m3 created through the redistribution (pushing up or skidding back into the block) of debris, reported annually 4 of 6 cutblocks surveyed, 75%, were found to have CWD measures adequately applied. On one of the areas where guidance was not being followed it was found that guidance had not been communicated to the contractor, this was immediately rectified. On another stubbing was being done but it was only occurring along boundaries and did not meet the management intent. This issue was corrected. Surveys included all the largest 9

14 contractors. Casual observation throughout the year confirms guidance is being followed. Minimum wildlife tree retention Indicator - Percentage of cutting permits retaining at least the minimum Wildlife Tree Retention requirements as specified in the Land Act Order Regulation clarifying the objectives of the Cariboo Chilcotin Land Use Plan, generally 7-12%, reported annually. In 2010 harvesting is recorded as started on total of 74 cutting permits. For all 74 permits Wildlife Tree retention meets or exceeds requirements. 42% of cutting permits have Wildlife Tree Retention exceeding 20%. Consistency with Chief Forester s CWD retention guidelines Indicator - Report by December 31, 2010 the consistency of Tolko operations with Chief Forester guidance that the following amounts of big, > 20cm diameter and >10m length, CWD should be retained: ESSF 11 pieces/ha; ICH 19 pieces/ha: IDF 4 pieces/ha; MS 4 pieces/ha; SBPSdh, dk and dw 5 pieces/ha; other SBPS 2 pieces/ha; SBS 6 pieces/ha Findings on the consistency of CWD retention with the Chief Forester s CWD retention guidelines were presented to PAG on November 3, CF guidance was met on 4 of 6 sites. Whether guidance was met was independent of biogeozone. Guidance was met when alternate species were present and in pure pine stands when the stand had been heavily attacked during the 1980 s beetle epidemic. This earlier epidemic produced many dead stems of large diameter and length which are not being recovered in the current harvest. In younger age class pine stands CF recommendations cannot be met through Ugly Tree management alone. Development of operational guidance Indicator - By April 15, 2011 develop operational guidance to improve, if necessary, consistency of Tolko operations with Chief Forester Guidance respecting CWD. Guidance will be provided to Tolko staff and contractors by April 15, 2010 as part of the continuous improvement process towards CWD retention. Based on 2010 findings guidance will be to specify a minimum number of stubs per hectare by block or cutting permit having considered species mix, leave tree retention requirements and amount of 1980 s mountain pine beetle mortality present in the stand. For ease of communication and implementation this guidance will be presented as number of snags per plot. This suggestion was made by a PAG member. Watershed management Element 3.2, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of cutting permits developed in accordance with the watershed assessment requirements of the Tolko Forest Stewardship plan, reported annually. 10

15 Of the 35 cutting permits recorded as approved in 2010, 1 was located within a hydrologically sensitive watershed. Review of due diligence confirms the cutting permit, 1 of 1 (100%), was developed in accordance with requirements. Road and/or stream crossing inspections completed as scheduled Element 3.2, Core indicator N/A Indicator - Percentage of inspections completed as scheduled within the year within Tolko s road maintenance tracking system, reported annually. As of January 17, 2011, 326 of 492 constructed high risk road sections have been inspected within the previous year, a level of 66%. The target is 100% with a variance of 20% (80% pass). Reason for target not being achieved As stated in the Sustainable Forest Management Plan, it was not expected for the target to be met in was considered a progress year as significant data clean-up, and other refinements, was required in 2010 to enable accurate tracking of high risk road sections and their inspection frequency. Following this progress year, a pass (80% conformance) is expected in New bridge and major culvert inspection completions Element 3.2, Core indicator N/A Indicator - Percentage of new bridge and major culvert (>950mm) installations inspected the season following first freshet, reported annually. The Cariboo Woodlands road tracking system records 7 major structures as being installed between the 2009 and 2010 freshets. (Freshet generally occurs between April and June dependant on elevation). All structures have had an inspection completed after the first freshet following installation. Dead versus green harvest Element 4.1, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of cutting permits by volume meeting salvage criteria of 50% dead, reported annually. 100% of harvest undertaken by Tolko in 2010 was salvage. Salvage consists of harvest >50% dead. Harvesting of dead timber is more beneficial to increasing carbon uptake and storage than is harvest of green, still growing timber. Tolko caused wildfires Element 5.1, Core indicator Indicator - Number of wildfires (>1ha) occurring within the DFA as a result of Tolko activities, reported annually. No wildfires (>1ha) were caused by Tolko in Two machine caused fires are recorded. By the prompt action of the contractors, both were addressed before they could become wildlfires. 11

16 Animal Unit Months maintained Element 5.1, Core indicator Indicator - Reduction in Animal Unit Month levels as a result of Tolko activities, reported annually. No reductions in Animal Unit Months have been reported as a result of Cariboo Woodlands operations. Historical features adequately managed Element 5.1, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of identified historical features adequately managed, reported annually. In 2010, 3 historical features were overlapped by harvesting. An old cabin was protected in a Wildlife Tree Patch. A small portion of old trail next to a fenceline was used as road access. A larger portion of old trail was protected within a machine free zone and trees were stubbed alongside to preserve the trail location; this protection is recorded in an Operational Inspection Form. For 3 of 3 historical features, 100%, the feature was adequately managed as per the site plan. Dollar value of property taxes Indicator 5.2, Core indicator Indicator - Report the dollar value of property taxes paid by Tolko Cariboo Region, reported annually. In 2010 the total dollar value of property taxes paid by Tolko in the Cariboo region was $1,999, Tolko Cariboo Region scholarships or bursaries Element 5.2, Core indicator Indicator - Number of scholarships or bursaries provided by Tolko Cariboo Region, reported annually. In scholarships or bursaries were provided by Tolko within the Cariboo region. Completion of salaried employee personal development plans Element 5.2, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of Tolko Cariboo Region salaried employees (generally supervisory staff) maintaining a personal development plan and annually reviewing this development plan with their supervisor, reported annually. In 2010 (2009 performance reviews) personal development plans were completed and reviewed for 96% of salaried staff in the Cariboo. For Cariboo Woodlands 100% of personal development plans were completed and reviewed. 12

17 Level of direct and indirect employment Element 5.2, Core indicator Indicator - Report annual direct and indirect employment resulting from volume harvested by Cariboo Woodlands from within the Defined Forest Area, reported annually. From a volume of 1,629,694 m3 delivered from the DFA in 2010, 1046 direct and 2412 indirect jobs were created. Level of aboriginal participation in the forest economy Element 5.2, Core indicator Indicator - Report the combined value of contracts, licence management agreements, and other initiatives between Tolko Cariboo Woodlands and First Nations, reported annually. The 2010 combined dollar value of contracts, licence management agreements and other initiatives of Tolko Cariboo Woodlands with First Nations was $7,894,484. Maps of First Nations interest areas readily available Element 6.1, Core indicator Indicator - Map(s) of aboriginal interest areas and aboriginal title areas maintained by Tolko and made readily available to staff, reported annually. A digital layer of expressed aboriginal interest areas is maintained. (No treaty areas are present within the Cariboo. Indian Reserves are considered private land.) This digital layer is available to various staff through Arcview and is available to all upon request to the GIS group. A hardcopy can be found (January 19, 2010) on the wall in the north side of the office. Layer is updated when new information is made known to Tolko from government, First Nations or other sources. Invitation for feedback and response from Aboriginal communities Element 6.1, Core element Indicator - Percentage of cutting permits to invite feedback and response from aboriginal communities through information sharing of plans prior to cutting permit development within their aboriginal interest areas, reported annually. For the 35 of 35 (100%) cutting permits recorded as approved in 2010, invitation for feedback and response was provided to First Nations communities. Written comment from Aboriginal communities considered in forest management prescriptions Element 6.1, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of cutting permits where forest management prescriptions have considered written comments received from aboriginal communities regarding the cutting permit, reported annually. 13

18 For the 35 cutting permits recorded as approved in 2010, aboriginal comments were considered in 100% of the permits. Comments were generally non-specific. In 4 instances comments were specific enough that extra measures were taken by Tolko ranging from road closures to dropping cutblocks from cutting permits. This is not a measure that general comments are not valuable, but a measure that general comments in regards to fisheries and wildlife habitat are generally pre-considered and incorporated into all developments. Timeliness of small scale salvage referrals Element 6.3, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of small scale salvage referrals responded to within 30 days of receipt, reported annually. 100% of small scale salvage referrals were responded to within 30 days. Average response time was one day. Harvesting contract opportunities made available to Cariboo-Chilcotin contractors Element 6.3, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of harvesting opportunities made available through bid and other means to Cariboo-Chilcotin contractors, reported annually. In 2010 all harvesting contractors were Cariboo-Chilcotin contractors. Silviculture contract opportunities made available to Cariboo-Chilcotin contractors Element 6.3, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of silviculture contracting opportunities made available through bid and other means to Cariboo-Chilcotin contractors, reported annually. In 2010 all silviculture contracting opportunities were made available to Cariboo-Chilcotin contractor. In 2010 non-cariboo-chilcotin contractors completed planting contracts, but these opportunities were made available to Cariboo-Chilcotin contractors through a bid process. Maintenance of milling facilities relative to AAC Element 6.3, Core indicator Indicator - Equivalent percentage of quota volume harvested by Tolko from within the Cariboo- Chilcotin in a given year processed within Tolko s Cariboo Chilcotin facilities in a given year, reported annually. In 2010 Tolko milling facilities in the Cariboo Region consumed the equivalent of 135% of the quota volume harvested from Cariboo Woodland s various licences. Stumpage and licence rental fees Element 6.3, Core indicator

19 Indicator - Report the dollar value of stumpage fees and licence rent paid as a result of Tolko Cariboo Woodlands operations, reported annually. The total value of stumpage paid by Tolko Cariboo Woodlands in 2010 was $1,445, The total value of licence rent paid by Tolko Cariboo Woodlands in 2010 was $859, Protection of range infrastructure Element 6.3, Core indicator Indicator - Number of complaints resulting from Tolko s failure to address issues related to the protection of range infrastructure, reported annually. In 2010 no complaints were recorded regarding failures to address issues related to the protection of range infrastructure. Material contributions to other wood products producers Element 6.3, Core indicator Indicator - Amount of logs and sawlog residue made available to other wood products manufacturers, reported annually. In 2010 the following material contributions to other wood products producers were made. Product Use Volume Residual chips Pulp production 468,230 Odt Whole log chips Pulp production 171 Odt Sawdust Pellet production; energy 90,213 Odt production; medium density fibreboard production (Quesnel) Planer shavings Pellet production; animal 86,624 Odt bedding; energy production Bark Epcor and other energy 106,445 Odt producers Trim Blocks Fingerjoint producers 11,926 mfbm Log sales 7,594 m 3 1 Odt = 1.2m 3 SAFE certification of Tolko contractors Element 6.3, Core indicator Indicator - Contractor SAFE certification is a requirement of Tolko contracts, unless exempted by a Woodlands Manager, reported annually. SAFE certification remains a condition of Tolko contracts. SAFE registration number must be provided prior to a contract being developed. Tolko SAFE certification Element 6.3, Core indicator

20 Indicator - Tolko is SAFE certified, reported annually. Tolko maintained its SAFE certification through Tolko support of community organizations Element 6.3, Core indicator N/A Indicator - Annually report the community groups and activities supported by Tolko and overall trends in support. Tolko Cariboo Region provided contributions to the: Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund, Chubb Lake Bible Camp, Thompson Rivers University, Lhoosk uz Dene School, Quesnel Woodlot Association, and the Williams Lake Stampede Association. No contributions were given in shows an increasing trend over Effective terms of reference Element 6.4, Core indicator Indicator - Terms of reference reviewed bi-annually (every two years) to identify actions for improvement, reported annually. Terms of reference are current, improved as necessary consistent with the two-year requirement. Access to annual report and PAG Element 6.4, Core indicator Indicator - Annual CSA monitoring report and invitation to participate in PAG sent to those First Nations whose traditional territories overlap the DFA, reported annually. Annual report and invitation to participate sent to those First Nations whose traditional territories overlap the DFA (Tolko traditional operating area). Information sharing with public Element 6.5, Core indicator Indicator - Hours of presentation to or discussion with public organizations or groups, exclusive of PAG, (including but not limited to city and regional district councils and school classes), reported annually. In 2010 a total of 14 hours were spent by the Cariboo Woodlands Regional Manager, Tom Hoffman, in discussion with the Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House councils. Notice of Intent distribution Element 6.4 Core element

21 Indicator - Notices of Intent, map and covering letter, inviting comment upon Tolko plans sent to Rights holders (range tenures, guiding tenures, trapping tenures) prior to cutting permit development. For 35 of the 35 (100%) cutting permits recorded as approved in 2010, Notices of Intent or referrals were distributed to rights holders. Tolko Cariboo Woodlands Communication Plan Element 6.5, Core indicator N/A Indicator - Tolko Cariboo Woodlands Communication Plan annually reviewed and revised as necessary, reported annually. The Tolko Cariboo Woodlands Communication Plan has been reviewed annually consistent with the requirement. General communication with public Element 6.5, Core indicator Indicator - Percentage of written, including , comments, complaints, or inquiries received from the general public regarding forest management activities responded to within 30 days, reported annually. In 2010 no written, including , comments, complaints, or inquiries were received from the general public regarding forest management activities. Public access to SFMP information Element 6.5, Core indicator Indicator - SFMP, annual report, and external audit results posted on the internet, reported annually. SFMP, annual report, and external audit results are posted on the internet at Tolko staff knowledge of SFMP content Element 6.5, Core indicator N/A Indicator - SFMP annual report reviewed annually with Tolko Cariboo Woodlands staff, reported annually. SFMP annual report has been presented to all Cariboo Woodlands staff for their knowledge. Number of research projects by Tolko Cariboo Woodlands Element 6.5, Core indicator N/A Indicator - To provide annually a list of research projects claimed through the SR&D program by Tolko Cariboo Woodlands, reported annually. 17

22 In 2010 Tolko participated in one applicable research project, Comparison of the impact different skidding patterns have on the protection of small understory regeneration in lodgepole pine dominated stands within the Interior Douglas Fir (IDF) Biogeoclimatic Zone. 18