Consultation on sustainable forest management in Québec

Transcription

1 Consultation on sustainable forest management in Québec Consultation paper Sustainable forest management strategy and Provisions proposed for the future regulation on sustainable forest management

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3 Consultation on sustainable forest management in Québec Consultation paper Sustainable forest management strategy and Provisions proposed for the future regulation on sustainable forest management

4 For additional information, please contact: Direction des communications Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune 5700, 4 e Avenue Ouest, C 409 Québec (Québec) G1H 6R1 Telephone : Elsewhere in Québec: Fax: Services.clientele@mrnf.gouv.qc.ca Cover photographs Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune Lower left: Pourvoirie Poulin de Courval, Roch Théroux This publication is available on the Internet at: Ce document est également disponible en français. Legal Deposit Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, 2010 Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, 2010 ISBN (Printed version) ISBN (PDF) Code de diffusion : Gouvernement du Québec

5 MESSAGE FROm THe MINIsTeR In recent months, Québec has been pursuing a full-scale revision of its forest regime. This major ongoing process passed a crucial stage on March 23, 2010, when the Members of the National Assembly gave unanimous assent to the Sustainable Forest Development Act. This sent a clear message that our government is committed to taking charge of the management and conservation of Québec s forest heritage to ensure as many benefits as possible for citizens and, in addition, to make Québec an international leader in sustainable forest management. The Sustainable Forest Development Act will replace the current Forest Act on April 1, Between now and then, the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, with input from businesses and organizations, government departments, municipalities, Aboriginal communities and the general public, will take all the necessary steps to ensure that the management of Québec s forests meets the highest possible standards of sustainability. The work is already well under way and I am pleased to invite you to take part in the public consultation process for two key components of the new forest regime: the sustainable forest management strategy and the proposed provisions for the future regulation on sustainable forest management. Consultation is a key stage in the development of both projects, since the general public will be asked to express its concerns and its opinions about the elements proposed, and will have an influence over the final product. The strategy and regulation will then be completed in time for the preparation of the integrated forest management plans required for the years 2013 to This public consultation is important, given the issues addressed by the strategy and future regulation. As a result, I will examine the comments and recommendations made by all participants with attention. I will make my decisions with the preamble to the Sustainable Forest Development Act in mind, making sure that our forests continue to be a source of pride, retain the full range of their ecosystems and landscapes, help counteract climate change and meet the economic, social, environmental and cultural needs of Québec. I urge everyone to take part in the consultation process! Nathalie Normandeau Deputy Premier, minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife and minister responsible for the Northern Plan

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7 TaBLe OF CONTeNTs Section 1. Description of the public consultation process... 1 Participation in the public consultation...1 A dual public consultation process to ensure a coherent approach to sustainable forest management... 1 A process that contributes toward sustainable development... 3 Overview of the two documents... 4 The MRNF: committed to a transparent process... 5 Section 2. Sustainable forest management strategy... 7 A vision for sustainable forest management... 9 Five challenges to progress towards sustainable forest management Challenge: Take the interests, values and needs of the Québec population and Aboriginal nations into account in managing the forests Challenge: Use forest management practices that ensure ecosystem sustainability Challenge: Ensure a productive forest that generates wealth at different levels Challenge: Promote diversified, competitive and innovative wood products and forestry industries Challenge: Ensure that forests and the forest sector help fight and adapt to climate change Implementation and governance Conclusion A strategy to promote progress Table. Overview of the challenges, orientations and objectives of the sustainable forest management strategy Section 3. Provisions proposed for the future regulation on sustainable forest management Principles underlying the preparation and implementation of the future regulation on sustainable forest management RSFM provisions maintained and removed Improvements and additions Theme 1. Sites and sectors of interest to the Aboriginal people Theme 2. Structured areas Theme 3. Recreotourism and public utility sites and sectors Theme 4. Wildlife habitats Theme 5. Aquatic, riparian and wetland environments Theme 6. Multi-purpose roads and other forest infrastructures Theme 7. Optimum wood harvesting, forest regeneration and soil protection Theme 8 Spatial patterns and temporal distribution of forest management activities and residual forests Appendix. Provisions of the RSFM that would be maintained in the future regulation on sustainable forest management Section 4. Questions for the consultation List of abbreviations Glossary

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9 Section 1. Description of the public consultation process Participation in the public consultation Participation by the general public is an important component of sustainable forest management (SFM), allowing the population to express its opinions and influence the forest management process. The public consultations for the sustainable forest management strategy (SFMS) and the proposed provisions for the future regulation on sustainable forest management (referred to here as the future regulation ) are both important actions undertaken by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune (MRNF) to demonstrate its commitment to SFM and to establish a dialogue with the general public. SECTION 1 To take part in the consultation process and make your views known, you can use the on-line form available at which contains questions linked to the various themes developed in the SFMS and the future regulation. You must return the E-form by January 28, You can also forward comments on the questions submitted (p. 99) by or by regular mail to the regional conference of elected officers (conférence régionale des élus, or CRÉ) in your region by January 28, In addition, you can attend one of the information sessions organized in all regions of Québec by the CRÉ, with support from the MRNF general regional offices. To find out the date and venue for each meeting, contact your regional conference of elected officers or go to the MRNF website at A dual public consultation process to ensure a coherent approach to sustainable forest management The sustainable forest management strategy and regulation have been designed by the MRNF to complement each other and ensure progress in sustainable forest management. The strategy sets out a vision, orientations and strategic objectives for sustainable forest management, while the regulation is the legal tool that sets the conditions for truly sustainable forest management. The elements dealt with in the strategy are connected to the forest environment, public participation, the dynamics of the forest industry, and the fight against climate change. For several aspects connected with the forest environment, regulatory provisions will be needed to ensure that the objectives are met, and for this reason, the future regulation will enforce several of the objectives set in the SFMS. 1

10 SECTION 1 In addition, the future regulation on sustainable forest management will prescribe standards for anyone carrying out forest management activities in a public forest. The standards will be designed to ensure that the forest cover is maintained or reconstituted, that the forest environment is protected, that forest management activities are harmonized with the activities of Aboriginal communities and other forest users, and that forest management activities are compatible with other uses of public land. Several of these standards will be based on the objectives of the strategy. However, both the sustainable forest management strategy and the regulation have their own particularities. First, the complete version of the strategy (available on the consultation website) is presented in the form in which it will be published, whereas the elements of the future regulation submitted for public consultation are simply proposals for key elements in the future regulation. The MRNF wishes to gauge public opinion and receive suggestions before drafting the final version of the regulation. Second, the strategy covers both public and private forests, whereas the future regulation will apply only to public forests. Last, the deadlines for each document are different. The general public will have a second opportunity to comment on the draft regulation during the pre-publication stage of the legislative process, scheduled for late 2011, whereas the definitive version of the SFMS will result directly from the present consultation process. The two documents will be officially adopted at different times (Table 1). Table 1. Schedule for the adoption of the two documents submitted for consultation Deadlines for the SFMR Deadlines for the SFMS Drafting of proposals for the future SFMR Preparation of the contents of the SFMS 2010 Public consultation on the proposals (prior to the drafting of the regulation) 2010 Public consultation on the draft strategy 2011 Drafting of the regulatory provisions of the SFMR 2011 Adoption of the SFMS by the Minister, and implementation Fin 2011 Prepublication of the SFMR in the Gazette officielle du Québec (allowing interested parties to make observations on the regulation) 2012 Adoption of the SFMR by the government 2013 Coming into force of the SFMR 2

11 With a dual consultation process, participants will have a broader view and a better understanding of the objectives pursued by the MRNF, in terms of general strategy and actions in the field. Similarly, the MRNF will respond to the comments made as they relate to both the strategy and regulation, ensuring that they are coherent and complementary. Since most stakeholders have an interest in both documents, the MRNF believes that a dual public consultation will help focus their involvement and reduce demands on their human and financial resources. The MRNF is aware that a considerable amount of information has been submitted for public consultation. For this reason, it has set aside a suitable period of time and has endeavoured to provide the information in a form that is as user-friendly and comprehensible as possible. SECTION 1 A process that contributes toward sustainable development Sixteen principles of sustainable development - Health and quality of life - Social equity and solidarity - Environmental protection - Economic efficiency - Participation and commitment - Access to knowledge - Subsidiarity - Inter-governmental partnership and cooperation - Prevention - Precaution - Protection of cultural heritage - Biodiversity preservation - Respect for ecosystem support capacity - Responsible production and consumption - Polluter pays - Internalization of costs In Québec, sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development is based on a long-term approach which takes into account the inextricable nature of to to a the environmental, social and economic dimensions of development activities (Sustainable Development Act [R.S.Q., c. D-8.1.1]). Sustainable development stems from the idea that human beings need to review how they relate each other, and how they relate to Nature. One of its goals is reverse the worldwide trend in which development often has negative impact on the environment and relegates most people to poverty. The Sustainable Development Act requires the government departments and bodies to which it applies to help meet the government objectives set out in the Government Sustainable Development Strategy The Act also states sixteen principles to guide the actions of the Administration. The sustainable forest management strategy and the sustainable forest management regulation are the two means selected by the MRNF to meet the government objectives. 3

12 SECTION 1 Sustainable forest management is based on the six criteria developed by the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers, which have been incorporated into Québec s forest-related legislation. Sustainable forest management allows both the current population and future generations to benefit from the many advantages derived from the forest, while maintaining ecosystem vitality. It also Six criteria for sustainable forest management helps combat, and adapt to, climate change. - The preservation of biological diversity - The maintenance and improvement of the condition and productivity of forest ecosystems - The conservation of soil and water - The maintenance of forest ecosystem contributions to major ecological cycles - The maintenance of the many socio-economic benefits society derives from forests - The consideration, in making development choices, of the values and needs expressed by the populations concerned Sustainable forest management requires that consideration be given to the economy, society and the environment in all decisions made as part of a transparent process. It also requires a dynamic, adaptive approach and joint decisions based on the knowledge acquired and lessons drawn from a wealth of experience in the past. Public debate is necessary to define realistic, substantiated choices that have the support of the population. Overview of the two documents 1. A strategy to define forest management objectives The sustainable forest management strategy sets out a vision and orientations to ensure progress in the field of sustainable forest management. It forms the basis for all forest-related policies and actions, and ensures a coherent management approach. It incorporates some key initiatives that will already be underway when it is adopted and that the MRNF will continue to promote, and sets out some promising new initiatives for the future. It defines objectives, along with the actions that will be implemented over the next five years in keeping with the vision and orientations it contains. This consultation paper contains an overview of the sustainable forest management strategy, which can be found in full on the MRNF website ( gouv.qc.ca). 2. Provisions proposed for the future regulation on sustainable forest management The document submitted for public consultation outlines the basic elements for the drafting of the regulation, but does not present the regulation itself. First, it makes proposals for improvements or additions to the regulation to provide stricter supervision for any forest management activities that may have a negative impact on forest ecosystems and on the use of land and resources. Second, it lists the elements of the Regulation respecting standards of forest management for forests in the domain of the State (R.R.Q., c. F-4.1, r. 7) that will be maintained in the future regulation because they are still relevant to the target objectives. The objectives of each proposal are specified. 4

13 The MRNF: committed to a transparent process The MRNF has prepared the sustainable forest management strategy and the proposed provisions for the future regulation on sustainable forest management in a completely transparent way with assistance from outside experts: Nicole Huybens*, Solange Nadeau**, Luc Bouthillier*, Robert Beauregard**, André Bouchard*, Yves Bergeron* and Stephen Wyatt**. Their input has helped to identify and incorporate the new social, environmental and economic values for the forests, in Québec and around the world. The opinions submitted by the experts at various times during the preparation of each document are all available on the consultation website. SECTION 1 The MRNF prepared the two documents with help from the Ministère du Développement durable, de l Environnement et des Parcs (MDDEP). In addition, the Ministère de l Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l Alimentation (MAPAQ) took part in the discussions involving certain elements of the strategy. The MRNF organized discussion meetings with representatives from various organizations and Aboriginal communities to gain a clearer idea of their concerns and to adapt the content of both documents to reflect the realities they face. With regard to the future regulation, this public consultation and the involvement of a group of experts before the prepublication phase is a new experience for the MRNF. It hopes that this initiative will lead to greater public involvement in forest management, since members of the public will have several opportunities to express their opinions. * Experts for the work on the future regulation and SFMS. ** Experts for work on the SFMS. 5

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15 Section 2. Sustainable forest management strategy Since 1986, Québec has taken various actions in the direction of sustainable forest management and, as part of its focus on excellence, has continued to make improvements. In order to become a beacon of success in the field of forest management, the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune (MRNF) will introduce its sustainable forest management strategy (SFMS). The MRNF s primary objectives in its strategy are to contribute to the collective interest, protect the environment and stimulate the economy. This is a major challenge! However, the MRNF firmly believes that Québec has the ability to meet it. The strategy sets out a vision for sustainable forest management and will provide the impetus needed to propel Québec along the path of ongoing improvement. The adoption of the strategy is one of the obligations contained in the Sustainable Forest Development Act (R.S.Q., c. A-18.1). It will guide all the other tools put in place by the government, regional organizations, Aboriginal communities and forest users in connection with forest management, such as regional plans for integrated land and resource development (plans régionaux de développement intégré des ressources et du territoire, or PRDIRT), integrated forest management plans (plans d aménagement forestier integré, or PAFI) and other policies and programs. It will apply to all forest management activities after March 31, SECTION 2 The MRNF has built the sustainable forest management strategy around five challenges that reflect Québec s main concerns regarding sustainable forest management. Each challenge is linked to orientations that set the direction for advancing sustainable forest management over the next 20 years. The objectives, in turn, highlight the areas in which notable progress will be achieved in the first five years following adoption of the strategy. For each objective, the MRNF proposes actions to be implemented within the five-year period, in other words concrete initiatives that will help achieve the target results. Photo: Geneviève Brunet, MRNF The sustainable forest management strategy applies to all public and private forests in Québec. Some objectives apply specifically to private forests, while others will be adapted to take into account the situation of private forests, over which the State has no authority in the area of forest management. 7

16 The forest protection strategy: a key tool for sustainable forest management Québec s commitment to sustainable forests is not recent. The forest protection strategy, adopted in 1994, was designed to reduce the frequency of natural disturbances by maintaining conditions that reduced the likelihood of epidemics, windfall, forest fires and invasive vegetation, while taking into account the ecological fragility of some environments. The strategy led, in particular, to the elimination of insecticide and chemical herbicide spraying in the forest, beginning in Forest managers were required to: maintain biodiversity to increase stand resistance to epidemics respect forest dynamics to reduce the time needed to return areas to production give priority to natural regeneration that is already established in order to maintain target species respect the properties of each forest station that govern stand production reduce forest vulnerability in order to limit losses from disturbances SECTION 2 The SFMS is intended to follow on from the commitments and measures introduced by the forest protection strategy, which it will replace. It extends its principles and major orientations, while its own objectives reflect the ongoing development of forestry practices since The scope of the SFMS is, however, broader than that of the forest protection strategy. Photo: Geneviève Brunet, MRNF 8

17 A vision for sustainable forest management Québec s forests are a source of pride, wealth, stimulating jobs and development for the whole population. Québec will be recognized worldwide for the quality and diversity of its forests, for its exemplary approach to sustainable management, and for the highquality products and services it derives from the forest. Québec has always had a close relationship with the forest: its history has been shaped by it and its present still bears its stamp. Québec s citizens recognize its importance, seeing it, first, as a collective heritage able to provide a range of products and services and second, as an accessible location for recreation and spiritual wellbeing. To ensure that, in the future, Québec will be able to rely on the forest for its development, the MRNF focused on citizens, environmental protection and economic development is determined to promote the sustainable management of Québec s forests. Thanks to the ingenuity of Quebecers and their ability to innovate, the forest sector will continue to develop and propose solutions that will be beneficial for all. The role played by the forest in our daily lives will continue to grow in importance, and the use of wood as a material of the future will be encouraged and help meet the environmental concerns of the Québec population. The use of wood is an ecological gesture, because wood is recyclable, re-usable and can be processed using little energy. Innovation will also lead to the implementation of new management models based on regionalization, partnerships, ecosystem protection and development, and consideration for the values of the population and of Aboriginal communities. SECTION 2 The MRNF, which strives to ensure the wellbeing of the population and to maintain Québec s reputation beyond its borders, will participate willingly in the deployment of modern forestry. New workers will face major, planet-wide challenges while pursuing stimulating careers. Forest engineers, biologists, forestry technicians, land planners and other professionals will become more involved in the decision-making process. Their increased responsibilities will increase their sense of belonging to the forest community and earn them the recognition they hope for and deserve. Forest workers will enjoy safe and advantageous working conditions. Everyone working in the forest sector will be proud to support its nature-respectful growth, with the benefits shared equitably between Aboriginal nations and local communities, including urban areas. Québec will stand out on national and international markets as a world leader in forest management and the production of high-quality forest products. It will be recognized for its exemplary and sustainable approach to forest management, for the quality of its environment and for its innovative offer of a range of high-quality products and services. Forest management will adapt continuously in response to knowledge, results, social values and markets. Forestry in Québec will be open to the world and it will have a promising future. 9

18 Five challenges to progress towards sustainable forest management CHALLENGE: Take the interests, values and needs of the Québec population and Aboriginal nations into account in managing the forests The forests are of key importance in the life of Quebecers and Aboriginal nations, both for the products it provides and for the opportunities it offers for activities of all kinds. For many people, the forest represents an image of calm, relaxation and peace. It is also a source of wealth, prosperity, wellbeing and spirituality. The forest is part of the culture and identity of Quebecers and Aboriginal nations. SECTION 2 Photo: Stéphane Déry, MRNF The MRNF considers that the interests, values and needs expressed by the population, as well as the rights of Aboriginal nations, must be taken into account when decisions are made. For this reason, the SFMS will not only reflect shared values and needs, but will also include them in the social dialogue. The MRNF has chosen a participatory management approach that offers the population, including the Aboriginal communities, various ways to take part in the decision-making process. Orientation 1: Enhance the forest management dialogue with the population and with Aboriginal communities The MRNF intends to refine its knowledge of the interests, values and needs of the population. It also has a duty to inform the population about the management of Québec s forests and to share knowledge about forest ecosystems and the use and processing of forest resources. This orientation reflects the MRNF s intention to establish a dialogue with the population in order to meet its expectations, while performing its responsibilities in the public interest. Objective 1: Specify the interests, values, needs and expectations of the population and of Aboriginal communities with regard to the planning and management of Québec s forests - Conduct surveys and strategic watches to document the values, needs and expectations of the population concerning forest management. 10

19 Objectifve 2: Invest in forest information and education to respond to the concerns of the population and the schools community - Provide constant support for forest information and education initiatives by MRNF regional partners. - Support the organization of general public events and participate actively. Indicator Percentage of the population reached by forest information and education activities Target 1% Orientation 2: Bring decision-making closer to citizens, local communities and Aboriginal communities Québec s regions are, in many respects, highly diversified and the MRNF firmly believes that this diversity must be taken into account in the implementation of its strategic orientations, policies and programs. It also supports a regionalized approach to land and natural resource management. Regionalization allows regional stakeholders to play an active role in developing their land base. Local and Aboriginal communities can make their forest-related interests, values and needs known more directly. Objective 1: Give regional conferences of elected officers responsibilities in the area of integrated resource and land management SECTION 2 - Provide technical and financial support for the implementation of regional and local development projects defined in the regional plan for integrated land and resource development (plan régional de développement intégré des ressources et du territoire, or PRDIRT). - Support the establishment and operation of local integrated land and resource management panels (tables locales de gestion intégrée des ressources et du territoire, or tables locales de GIRT) during the preparation of integrated forest management plans (plans d aménagement forestier intégré, or PAFI), in particular by playing an advisory role on the panel and publishing a guide to participation by forest stakeholders on the panel. Objective 2: Improve participation by forest stakeholders in the planning of integrated forest management - Provide participants on local integrated land and resource management panels (tables locales de GIRT) with the information needed to plan integrated forest management. - Help forest stakeholders participate in the planning of integrated forest management. Indicator Satisfaction rate among forest stakeholders with regard to the participatory process for integrated forest planning Target 70% 11

20 Objective 3: Offer local and Aboriginal communities opportunities for participating in and taking responsibility for forest management - Include guidelines on access to forest resources in the timber allocation mechanism, in the form of timber supply guarantees for Aboriginal enterprises. - Draw up a policy to define criteria for delimiting and selecting projects for local forests, along with the necessary procedure for delegating management. - Establish projects for local forests and for delegating the management of forest lands and resources. Indicator Percentage of public forests (by area) managed by, or in partnership with, local communities, local organizations or Aboriginal communities Target Target to be established following the adoption of the policy on local forests SECTION 2 Orientation 3: Integrate the rights, interests, values and needs of Aboriginal communities into forest land and resources management Consideration for the rights, interests, values and needs of Aboriginal communities is an essential component of forest management in Québec. The members of Aboriginal communities live close to the land, in particular to engage in hunting, fishing, trapping and harvesting and for ritual, social or domestic purposes. Their lifestyle and economy are closely linked to the forests. The need to establish and maintain harmonious, constructive relations with the Aboriginal communities underlies the consideration given to their rights and concerns. This is why the MRNF intends to comply with this orientation. Objective 1: Encourage Aboriginal communities to take part in the consultation processes on forest management - Review the various consultation processes in light of the new forest regime, if possible with input from the Aboriginal communities. - Establish a discussion table bringing together Aboriginals and experts in Aboriginal affairs, to discuss with the MRNF, when the need arises, how to consider major Aboriginal issues in departmental policies and programs. 12

21 - Support participation by Aboriginal communities in the consultation processes, in particular by producing information tools adapted to and designed for Aboriginal communities. Indicator Aboriginal community participation rate in consultations on integrated forest management plans Target 100 % Objective 2: Promote participation by Aboriginal communities in the integrated land and resource planning processes (PRDIRT and PAFI), and increase their representation - Provide Aboriginal communities with technical support to facilitate their participation in regional land and natural resource commissions (commissions régionales sur les ressources naturelles et le territoire, or CRRNT) and integrated land and resource management panels (tables locales de GIRT), and consolidate their role. Objective 3: Continue to implement agreements signed by the Québec government and Aboriginal nations and communities - Review the implementation of agreements signed with Aboriginal communities on topics concerning the MRNF, including a report on the Forest Protection and Development Objectives (objectif de protection et de mise en valeur des ressources du milieu forestier, or OPMV) targeting the continuation of traditional Cree activities 1. - When required and in collaboration with the Aboriginal communities, adapt existing agreements to match changes in their needs and in the forest regime. SECTION 2 Photo: Hugo Jacqmain, MRNF 1.The objective Maintaining or Improving the Habitats of Wildlife Species of Importance to the Cree and Fostering Harmonization of Different Forest Uses in Order to Create Environmental Conditions Conducive to Traditional Cree Activities is maintained until It will be replaced in 2013 by this action as part of the sustainable forest management strategy. 13

22 CHALLENGE: Use forest management practices that ensure ecosystem sustainability Photo: MRNF The conservation of ecosystems and their biological diversity is essential if the society of today and tomorrow is to continue to benefit from an ongoing supply of forest resources produced by a dynamic forest sector. The MRNF has chosen an ecosystembased management approach to preserve forests over the long term, along with their ability to provide environmental, social and economic services. One of the goals of this approach is to reduce the gap between natural and managed landscapes in order to preserve regional biodiversity. It takes into account protected areas, the ecological issues associated with forest management, the presence of sensitive species, ongoing ecosystem productivity, and soil and water protection. SECTION 2 Orientation 1: Manage forests in a way that preserves the main attributes of a natural forest The MRNF intends to ensure that the management strategies defined in tactical integrated forest management plans take into account the ecological issues associated with forest management on public land. It will focus specifically on six issues whose importance are recognized by the scientific community in all regions of Québec. The description of the issues at the regional level, along with the issues specific to each region, will guide the work of the managers who prepare the integrated forest management plans (PAFI). The MRNF will include, in each tactical integrated forest management plan, an analysis of the ecological issues of the forest management unit (local issues), and will specify the actions needed in response. The MRNF is aware that the ecological, economic or social issues arising out of two of the six main issues could be more crucial, and has set two separate objectives (objectives 2 and 3) for which precise instructions will be given. Objective 1: Integrate a local analysis of ecological issues into each integrated forest management plan, with suitable actions to take in response - Publish a register of natural forest reference states 2 using available research findings, taking into account the work conducted by each regional land and natural resource commission (CRRNT). - Produce a technical guide to structure the local analysis of ecological issues and provide guidelines for the choice of suitable solutions during the preparation of each integrated forest management plan (PAFI). - Include provisions on the protection of wetland, riverbank and riparian environments in the future regulation on sustainable forest management (future regulation see theme 5 of the section concerning the future regulation). 2. The reference states will describe the main attributes of the natural forest in each of Québec s 17 main homogeneous ecological units. 14

23 Objective 2: Ensure that the age structure of managed forests resembles that of natural forests - Include age structure targets in the management strategy for each integrated forest management plan (PAFI), and take them into consideration when calculating allowable cuts. - Update the departmental guidelines on the conservation of mature and overmature forests 3. Indicator Percentage of land where the age structure differs slightly or moderately from that of the natural forest Target 80% Objective 3: Apply a model for the spatial patterns and temporal distribution of forest management activities that is based on the natural forest - Update the guidelines for planning the spatial distribution of cuts in the upcoming integrated forest management plans ( ) for the spruce-moss bioclimatic domain. - Include procedures in the future regulation to ensure compliance with key elements in the allocation of forest management activities in the spruce-moss bioclimatic domain (see theme 8 in the section on the future regulation). - Within the next five years, establish a new model for the allocation of forest management activities in the balsam fir white birch and balsam fir yellow birch bioclimatic domains. SECTION 2 Orientation 2: Threatened or vulnerable species A species is threatened when it is likely to disappear; it is vulnerable when it is in a precarious situation, but is not likely to disappear over the short or medium term. The species concerned are designated in the Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species (R.S.Q., c. E-12.01). By convention, the species concerned include those likely to be designated and named on the official list updated by the Ministère du Développement durable, de l Environnement et des Parcs (MDDEP) for species of flora, and by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune for species of fauna. Maintain suitable habitat for species requiring special attention and species sensitive to forest management Some species require special attention because they have such specific needs that the only way to respond to them is to include targeted protection or development actions in forest management activities. This is the case, for example, for threatened or vulnerable species that require specific protection, for some harvested species whose habitat must be managed, and for sites of wildlife interest that must be preserved. Several legislative, regulatory or administrative measures have already been introduced to protect these species and their habitats. The aim of the orientation is to consolidate past actions and ensure the effectiveness of ecosystem-based management. The quality of wildlife habitats will be monitored through the development and use of evaluation tools and a new biodiversity monitoring system will be introduced, based on species that are known to be sensitive to forest management activities. 3. The provisions currently associated with the maintenance of age classes are found in the objective Permanently Maintaining a Quantity of Mature and Over-mature Forests Based on Regional Ecology. This objective will be maintained until 2013, when it will be replaced by the SFMS objective. 15

24 Objective 1: Take into account the specific requirements of certain species when preparing integrated forest management plans - Include in integrated forest management plans (PAFI) and enforce, when they exist, - management methods to maintain the habitat of each threatened or vulnerable species; - management methods for each site of wildlife interest; - prescribed forest management methods for white-tailed deer yards (5 km 2 and over) and for deer yards located in compliance with the Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife (R.S.Q., c. C-61.1) (from 2.5 km 2 ). - Include provisions in the future regulation to enforce the basic procedure for white-tailed deer yards covering 2.5 to 5 km 2 (see theme 4 in the section on the future regulation). - Establish suitable protection measures from year to year for threatened or vulnerable wildlife species for which measures have not yet been established. SECTION 2 Indicator Percentage of known, mapped sites with threatened or vulnerable species for which protection measures are included in the integrated forest management plan (PAFI) and applied in managed forests Target 100% Objective 2: Ensure that forest management planning helps re-establish the population of woodland caribou - Apply the forest management activities described in the plan to re-establish woodland caribou in Québec (Plan de rétablissement du caribou forestier (Rangifer tarandus) au Québec ). - In tactical integrated forest management plans (PAFI) for , include the measures set out in the woodland caribou habitat management plans, after a local assessment of the ecological, economic and social consequences. - In the future regulation, include the necessary provisions to maintain suitable habitat (see theme 4 in the section on the future regulation). Indicator Percentage of protection measures applied as set out in the management plans for woodland caribou habitat Target 100% Objective 3: Establish monitoring for sensitive species affected by forest management - Working with the MDDEP, develop protocols to monitor the diversity of flora and fauna in public and private forests. - Design and implement a monitoring system based on the habitat quality models (modèles de qualité d habitat, or MQH) for three sensitive species affected by forest management, identified in five forest zones 5. The current models, and those developed in the future, will first have to be validated. 4. The plan, adopted by the Québec government in 2009, establishes the minimum conditions for the survival of the woodland caribou population. 5. The forest zones are: the sugar maple subzone, the balsam fir-yellow birch domain and balsam fir-white birch domain, the western spruce-moss domain and the eastern spruce-moss domain. 16

25 Orientation 3: Contribute to the establishment and sustainable management of a network of protected areas representative of Québec s biodiversity Protected areas are intended to conserve species and their genetic variability and maintain the natural processes and ecosystems that support life. Above all, protected areas provide basic protection for biodiversity by leaving a representative portion of the natural environment free of all human development. In 2002, the Québec government undertook to establish a network of protected areas covering 8% of Québec s land mass. It also made a commitment to ensure that the network was representative of the biological diversity found in Québec s various natural provinces. In May 2009, the network covered km 2, or 8.13% of Québec s land mass. It now includes almost natural sites, regulated and managed under 24 legal or administrative designations. When it reached the 8% objective in 2009, the Québec government announced a new commitment to protect 12% of Québec s land mass by Objective 1: Continue work to establish, obtain legal recognition for and manage the protected areas under MRNF responsibility - Determine the main gaps in the network of exceptional forest ecosystems (écosystèmes forestiers exceptionnels, or EFE) and fill them by obtaining legal classification for 30 new protected sites by 2015 and temporarily preserve exceptional forest ecosystem project sites, to make the system more robust and representative. - Assess the network of biological refuges and complete it by obtaining legal designation for all the sites placed on reserve since Complete the analyses needed to create new wildlife refuges. - Working with the MDDEP, take the necessary steps to ensure recognition for more exceptional forest ecosystems, biological refuges and wildlife habitats in the register of protected areas. SECTION 2 Indicator Percentage of current or planned exceptional forest ecosystem sites, wildlife refuges and wildlife habitats covered by suitable protection measures. Target 100% 17

26 Objective 2: Help develop Québec s network of protected areas in the forests - Based on the government guidelines selected for the strategic action plan on protected areas (Plan d action stratégique sur les aires protégées ), work with the MDDEP to create new protected areas, in particular in the continuous boreal forest and northern temperate forest. - Work with the MDDEP to analyze potential areas based on the gaps observed, conservation opportunities and territorial constraints. Indicator Percentage of Québec s land mass legally classified as protected areas by 2015 Target 12% Objective 3: Help define new types of protected area status in the forests and create new protected areas SECTION 2 - Help define more types of protected area status in which some resource development activities may be permitted. - Help create habitat species management areas, protected landscapes/ seascapes, and protected areas with sustainable use of natural resources (IUCN category IV, V and VI protected areas, International Union for Conservation of Nature (2008)), in particular by promoting opportunities for conservation in wildlife reserves. - As part of the implementation process for the plan to re-establish woodland caribou, help protect extensive wilderness areas to meet the needs of this ecotype for unmanaged forests, and continue to create permanent conservation hubs for this species in managed forests. Photo: Wendy Giroux, MRNF 18

27 Orientation 4: Integrate new knowledge about ecosystem productivity into the planning of integrated forest management The timber productivity of a forest, in other words the quantity of timber it can produce per unit of area and time, mainly depends on climate and soil and the disturbances that influence stand dynamics. Sustainable forest management focuses on respecting productivity limits to avoid over-exploiting the forest and impoverishing the soil. Since the introduction of the forest protection strategy in 1994, a number of studies and environmental monitoring projects have been conducted to understand the factors that affect ecosystem productivity. The destruction of trees by spruce budworm, the frequency of forest fires and the effect of acid rain on maple stand fertility are some of the topics studied. Current scientific knowledge can be used to target the forest stations most exposed to these factors. The challenge will be to enrich this knowledge over the short term in order to integrate it into the management planning process and the calculation of allowable cuts. Objective 1: Take into account the effect of the main natural disturbances when planning forest management and calculating allowable cuts - Determine the main disturbances specific to each region and the ecological and structural factors associated with them. - Define models to forecast the repercussions of the main disturbances on allowable cut calculations. - Integrate the forecasts from the natural disturbance models into allowable cut calculations. SECTION 2 Objective 2: Take soil fertility into account when planning forest management activities - Integrate available data on soil fertility into the management planning of public forests, for example in documents such as the silvicultural guide. - Add provisions to the future regulation to maintain soil fertility by prohibiting exports of the non-commercial portion of trees harvested on sites subject to a loss of nutritional elements 6 (see theme 7 in the section on the future regulation). 6. This action will limit the biomass harvested on these sites and will ensure that branches and stem portions rich in nutritional elements will be left in cutting areas. 19

28 Orientation 5: Develop forestry practices and protection measures to maintain the integrity and ecological functions of aquatic, riparian and wetland environments and forest soils Soil and water are key elements in forest ecosystems and form the foundation for their functions and productivity. By preserving soil and water, the aquatic and terrestrial habitats of many animal and plant species can be maintained. However, harvesting operations may create ruts in the soil and reduce its productivity. In addition, the development of the road network, log piles at the roadside and soil disturbances caused by machine traffic reduce the productive area available. The erosion of forest roads and increased water flows following tree harvesting operations can lead to sedimentation in rivers and lakes and degrade aquatic environments. Some bridges and culverts create obstacles for fish movement. To improve the situation on an ongoing basis, the MRNF will strengthen its soil and water protection measures, for example by including new requirements in the future regulation. In addition, the three Forest Protection and Development Objectives (OPMV) associated with soil and water conservation will be maintained until 2013, when they will be replaced by the two following objectives that target similar issues but include new elements. SECTION 2 Objective 1: Preserve ecosystem productivity by reducing rutting in cutting areas, the area covered by forest roads, and soil disturbances along forest roads - In integrated forest management plans (PAFI), retain the plan to reduce rutting and the loss of productive area caused by forest roads and roadside activities. - Improve the measures to fight rutting and the loss of productive area caused by forest roads and roadside activities by including new requirements in the future regulation (see theme 7 in the section on the future regulation). Objective 2: Protect aquatic, riparian and wetland environments by improving forestry practices and road layouts - In the integrated forest management plans (PAFI), maintain the action plan to prevent erosion along forest roads used for the annual harvest. - Ensure compliance with the maximum allowable level of deforestation in the drainage basins of Atlantic salmon rivers and certain landlocked salmon rivers, and monitor results. - Improve protection for water and the aquatic environment by including new requirements in the future regulation (see theme 5 in the section on the future regulation). Indicator Percentage of forest management activities that comply with the provisions of the future regulation on the protection of water and aquatic environments Target 100% 20

29 CHALLENGE: Ensure a productive forest that generates wealth at different levels Photo: MRNF Wood is, and must remain, an important driving force behind Québec s economy. Other forest resources can also support key socioeconomic activities (such as recreation and tourism, maple syrup production, non-timber forest products, and outdoor activities) and contribute to the wellbeing of the population. To take advantage of the forest both now and in the future, the management process must optimize wood production to increase its value in terms of quality, quantity and the species harvested; diversify the range of forest-related products and services and harmonize land uses; invest in profitable niches; and distribute the benefits fairly in the collective interest. Orientation 1: Manage wood production to respond to changes in the forest sector and increase the value of wood products Wood is the forest resource that generates the most economic benefits for Québec. It must remain an economic driving force, especially for local communities. The MRNF will shift forest management towards the production of more high-quality wood to respond to a range of market demands. The timber 7 produced will be suitable for the fabrication of structural products (studs, joists, prefabricated walls, etc.) and finishing products (panelling, mouldings, flooring, furniture, etc.). In this way, Québec s wood processing industry will be able to adapt to the increasingly stringent requirements of markets and consumers. The MRNF will also review the silvicultural investments made in the forest to optimize the wood value chain 8 and improve the living conditions of forest workers. It will ensure that the right silvicultural treatments are applied in the right places, based on site ecology, cost (for management, harvesting and transportation operations), economic yield and the potential impact of the activities on the environment and other resources. SECTION 2 7. Timber is wood intended for milling by sawing, rotary cutting or slicing. 8. The value chain concept has been modelled by Michael Porter, a US university professor specializing in business strategy and development economics. 21

30 Objective 1: Allocate silvicultural investments using a silvicultural intensity gradient - Allocate ressources for planning, execution, follow-up, monitoring and protection work according to a silvicultural intensity gradient (extensive silviculture, basic silviculture, intensive silviculture and elite silviculture). Silvicultural intensity gradient Extensive silviculture: natural regeneration is left to develop freely. Silvicultural work is limited to protecting natural pre-established regeneration or creating suitable germination beds. Basic silviculture: regeneration is established either naturally or by the planting of indigenous seedlings on sites where natural regeneration is insufficient. Silvicultural work involves managing the species composition of the resulting stand, with the objective of leaving the target species free to grow. SECTION 2 Intensive silviculture: In addition to regeneration and species composition, the spacing between trees and other factors that influence future timber quality are managed. Several treatments are carried out over time to select and support the growth of the best stems. Elite silviculture: In addition to the management methods outlined above, the silviculatural scenarios applied include pruning, improvements to site productivity, and the use of exotic species (such as hybrid poplar or larch). Objective 2: Implement silvicultural practices adapted to site ecology and the target objectives - Produce the silvicultural guide, which will include the provincial guide, station guides and potential vegetation guides. - Implement forest management strategies and calculate allowable cuts in order to produce more softwood and hardwood timber. Indicator Percentage of silviculture prescriptions and silvicultural work completed in compliance with the principles and guidelines set out in the silvicultural guide Target 100% 22

31 Objective 3: Target silvicultural investments taking into account their economic profitability - Develop economic analysis tools for silvicultural investments and use them in the forest planning process. Indicator Yield connected to the economic optimization of silvicultural investments Target 10% increase in economic yield 9 Objective 4: Increase and consolidate wood production in certain forest areas - In integrated forest management plans (PAFI), determine the proportion and location of areas of increased timber production and the silvicultural work and procedures to be applied to ensure ecosystem-based management and harmonized use. - Keep and make public a list of areas of increased timber production where silvicultural activities have been carried out. - Use the public land planning process to protect investments in areas of increased timber production. Indicator Target SECTION 2 Percentage of productive forest land registered as areas of increased timber production in integrated forest management plans (PAFI) for % Photo: MRNF 9. The economic yield of a silvicultural management strategy is determined by the ratio of revenues over costs for the State, workers, enterprises at all levels in the value chain from standing trees to finished products. 23

32 Orientation 2: Increase and diversify the range of products and services generated by the integrated development of forest functions and resources The development of forest functions and resources generates various social, economic and environmental benefits. The MRNF wishes to increase and diversify the range of benefits derived from forest management, by producing wood while developing other existing or potential resources in the forests (maple syrup, blueberry fields, other non-timber forest products, wildlife habitats, recreation and tourism activities, etc.). To meet this challenge, the MRNF has opted for integrated resource and land management. This rigorous participatory process seeks to reconcile interests and land uses. The resulting choices take into account the environmental, economic and social issues raised by stakeholders, and comply with government guidelines. Objective 1: In integrated forest management plans, include activities to develop and protect forest functions and resources, and implement the activities SECTION 2 - In integrated forest management plans (PAFI), include local objectives and harmonization measures agreed on by the local integrated land and resource management panel (table locale de GIRT) and approved by the Minister. - In silvicultural scenarios, include the forestry practices recommended in wildlife habitat management guides (with regard to deer, moose and ruffed grouse) and, if needed, produce other guides to optimize the benefits from the development of wildlife resources. Indicator Rate of compliance with the agreed harmonization measures, including those concerning landscapes Target 100% Objective 2: Develop and protect recreotourism products in structured areas - Pay special attention, in the future regulation, to the forest management issues specific to structured areas (see theme 2 in the section on the future regulation). - Maintain or constitute enough forest cover to ensure the quality of the forest experience and the quality of the habitat of species sought by recreational users. - When preparing an integrated forest management plan (PAFI), identify sectors of key interest for the development of activities in structured areas. - Carry out forest management activities in a way that integrates the local objectives and harmonization measures in connection with ecotourism and recreotourism that are agreed on by the local integrated land and resource management panel (table locale de GIRT) and approved by the Minister. 24

33 Objectif 3 : Maintain the visual quality of forest landscapes 10 - In integrated forest management plans (PAFI), include the local objectives and harmonization measures for sensitive landscapes requiring protection that are agreed on by the local integrated land and resource management panel (table de GIRT), or with the stakeholders directly concerned, and approved by the Minister. - In the future regulation, add provisions to ensure a level of protection for certain types of site or infrastructure of recognized importance (see theme 3 in the section on the future regulation). Objectif 4 : Support the development of maple syrup production - Draw up an action plan for maple syrup development on public and private land, working with the Fédération des producteurs acéricoles du Québec, the Ministère de l Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l Alimentation and the Conseil de l industrie forestière du Québec. Objectif 5 : Develop non-timber forest products from the forests - Within the local integrated land and resource management panel (table locale de GIRT), agree on harvesting or management methods for non-timber forest products (produits forestiers non ligneux, or PFNL) with economic interest, and include those approved by the Minister in the integrated forest management plan (PAFI). - Carry out forest management activities that integrates the local objectives and harmonization measures for non-timber forest products that have been agreed on by the local integrated land and resource management panel (table locale de GIRT) and approved by the Minister. SECTION 2 Photo: Geneviève Brunet, MRNF 10.The provisions currently associated with visual landscape quality are part of the OPMV Maintaining the Visual Quality of Forest Landscape. This OPMV will be maintained until 2013, when it will be replaced by this SFMS objective. 25

34 Orientation 3: Develop wood production and help generate more benefits from private forests Québec s private forests belong to around 130,000 different owners and cover an area of km 2. Most private woodlots are located in southern regions where the climate is milder and the soil more fertile. Private forests play an important role in the socioeconomic vitality of all regions. The MRNF believes that more socioeconomic benefits can be drawn from private forests, and will foster an increase in the timber capital of the private forests, which should also help consolidate jobs. In addition, if private forests are to play their role in wealth creation to the full, the MRNF will need woodlot owners to apply forest management. Objective 1: Consolidate silvicultural investments in private forests - Continue to implement current silvicultural scenarios, especially commercial thinning, on sites with the best potential wood yields. - Support the certification of productive private forest land. Indicator Target SECTION 2 Objective 2: Area of commercial thinning carried out in private forests Increase the value of private woodlots At least ha per year - Complete a technical update of the framework agreement signed by the Ministère de l Agriculture, des Pêcheries et l Alimentation and the Ministère de l Énergie et des Ressources in 1987, 11 in particular concerning the reforestation of abandoned forest and farm land under private ownership, in collaboration with the Ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l Occupation du territoire and with regional agencies for private forest development. Objective 3: Ensure the replacement of active forest landowners and maintain expertise - Update the profile of forest landowners and document their values and motivation. 11. The framework agreement plans work to develop private woodlots in agricultural zones. The Ministère de l Énergie et des Ressources has since become the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune. 26

35 Orientation 4: Sell timber at its fair market value and increase access to timber The MRNF wants to increase access to timber for all users, by giving all individuals and companies small, medium or large an opportunity to purchase volumes of timber from the public forest. This new open access will be achieved through auctions of volumes of timber from the public forest and by a review of the mechanism for allocating volumes of timber, helping to diversify the structure of the forestry and wood processing industries and ensuring that wood products respond more effectively to the new environmental values of the population. At the same time as it broadens access to volumes of timber from the public forest, the MRNF will maintain secure supplies of roundwood to wood processing plants. For example, it may grant timber supply guarantees, in particular to mills that currently hold a timber supply and forest management agreement. Objective 1: Establish the real value of timber from the public forest based on market forces - Create a timber marketing board in Québec, to be known as the Bureau de mise en marché des bois. - Define and implement the conditions required to hold wood auctions, in particular through pilot projects (for example, minimum volume and minimum number of purchasers required to hold an auction). SECTION 2 Indicator Percentage of timber harvested in the public forest sold by auction during the period Target 25% Objective 2: Broaden access to timber by relying on market forces and reviewing allocation mechanisms while maintaining a form of supply security - Create a timber marketing board in Québec, to be known as the Bureau de mise en marché des bois. - Define and implement the conditions required to hold wood auctions, in particular through pilot projects (for example, minimum volume and minimum number of purchasers required to hold an auction). - In each region, establish the volume of timber by species or species group available for the timber supply guarantees to take effect on April 1, Establish and make known the mechanism for timber allocations in order to broaden access. 27

36 CHALLENGE: Promote diversified, competitive and innovative wood products and forestry industries Fluctuations in the worldwide and Québec economies must be seen as opportunities to review business processes, develop new partnerships, introduce innovative products and services, and gain access to new markets. In addition, a more dynamic primary processing industry which is the foundation of the forest products industry will contribute to such initiatives. SECTION 2 Photo: Pavillon Gene-H.-Kruger: Laurent Goulard The establishment of new business relationships with forest management companies will help the latter improve their financial stability. The MRNF also intends to support improvements to the living conditions of forestry workers and increase recognition for the jobs they do. Initiatives connected with recreotourism, ecotourism and the development of wildlife and non-timber forest products will be encouraged. In this way, the MRNF wants to introduce more variety into regional economic activity, help create stimulating jobs, and support diversification in the forest sector. Orientation 1: Optimize the use of wood as an ideal ecological material The forest products industry plays a major role in Québec s balance of trade and in the regional economy. Many communities have a local economy based on this highly diversified industry. Innovation and the development of new market niches are key actions for ongoing improvement, and the MRNF intends to promote them. It will implement an industrial development strategy based on high value-added products and will encourage the general public to use more wood products. 28

37 Objective 1: Increase the use of wood in multi-family residential and non-residential construction in Québec - Encourage government departments to make and publicize commitments concerning the use of wood (possible commitments: promotion, education, use in buildings). - Support the creation of a charter for the use of wood in municipal buildings in order to encourage the use of wood in municipal constructions (structure, interior finishing, exterior cladding). - Support research and development work on products and technologies. - Help develop technical tools to facilitate the use of wood by various project managers (architects, engineers, promoters, contractors, etc.). - Become involved in the establishment of a culture of wood use in construction in Québec through an alliance of partners (elected officers, decision-makers, designers, manufacturers, builders, associations, etc.). Objective 2: Indicator Quantity of wood used per year in multi-family residential and non-residential construction, and in the manufacture of appearance products Support the use of forest biomass as an energy source Target million board feet by 2014 SECTION 2 - Increase access to biomass from public forests. - Increase and publicize knowledge about the use of forest biomass. Indicator Quantity of forest biomass used to produce energy in Québec Target 1.5 million BDMT by 2016 Objective 3: Establish biorefining projects, in particular to produce nanocrystalline cellulose - Establish a development strategy for the biorefining sector. Objective 4: Increase the dynamism of the primary wood processing industry and promote networking with the secondary and tertiary processing industries and other economic sectors - Establish a strategy to consolidate and promote key sectors. 29

38 Orientation 2: Promote the growth of profitable, high-performance forest management companies and the development of a range of companies developing non-wood resources Forest management companies and companies developing forest resources (such as outfitters, recreotourism firms, and companies developing non-timber forest products) help generate wealth by creating jobs and increasing the number of revenue sources in outlying regions. The MRNF is counting on entrepreneurship in the forest management firms and the development of non-wood resources. Objective 1: Support and enhance the development of a high-performance network of forest management firms SECTION 2 - Require forest management companies to hold certification in management practices recognized by the MRNF when they carry out non-commercial silvicultural work 12 in public forests. - Develop or impose a standard recognized by the MRNF for the certification of companies that carry out commercial work in public forests. - Sign multi-year contracts with forest management companies and forest cooperatives for carrying out forestry activities. The contract will clearly define the objective and results targeted. Objective 2: Encourage the development of ecotourism and recreotourism firms and other non-timber forest products firms - Review the intervention framework for the consolidation and development of the outfitting sector, and draft a policy on wildlife reserves and an intervention framework for controlled harvesting zones (zones d exploitation controlée, or ZECs). - Draw up a strategy to promote and develop hunting, fishing and trapping activities. - Develop measures and programs to support the creation and consolidation of outfitting operations and controlled harvesting zones (ZECs). - Grant concessions on public land with potential for blueberry field development. 12. Non-commercial treatments are generally carried out in young stands where the trees are not large enough for the wood to be recovered. The goal is to improve the general quality of the stand. Commercial treatments involve the recovery of a certain quantity of marketable wood. 30

39 CHALLENGE: Ensure that forests and the forest sector help fight and adapt to climate change Photo: MRNF Orientation 1: Québec s forests provide benefits beyond its frontiers with many environmental services rendered planet-wide (contribution to air quality, participation in earth s global water and carbon cycles, etc.). Forests and forest products, as important components in the global carbon cycle, can contribute to the fight against climate change. However, the forests will also suffer the effects of climate change and it is difficult to predict how and to what degree they will adapt. Climate change will affect the frequency, extent and intensity of natural disturbances such as forest fires and will therefore have a major influence on the evolution of future forests. Actions can be planned and promoted now in the forest and in the forest sector to fight climate change. Increase use of biomass and forest products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Québec SECTION 2 In November 2009, Québec announced that its greenhouse gas emissions would, by 2020, be reduced to 20% below the 1990 level. Forest products can contribute in two ways to the fight against climate change. First, forest biomass such as logging waste and low grade timber can be used to produce energy or biofuels to replace fossil fuels. Second, the use of forest products to replace energy-intensive materials such as concrete and steel can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, forest products with a long life span, such as construction lumber, effectively stock carbon and keep it out of the atmosphere, and are derived from a renewable resource. The MRNF believes that wood must become the ecological material to promote and use wherever possible. 31

40 Objective 1: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from institutional and commercial heating by using forest biomass instead of fossil fuels - Provide funding to install biomass furnaces in public and parapublic buildings. - Ensure sufficient supplies of biomass from public forests even during periods of reduced forest activities. - Encourage biomass users to source supplies from private forests. Objective 2: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the use of construction lumber and appearance wood in Québec - Implement the Wood Use Strategy for Construction in Québec (for implementation actions, see the challenge Promote diversified, competitive and innovative wood products and forestry industries). SECTION 2 Indicator Quantity of greenhouse gas emissions avoided by replacing fossil fuels by forest biomass and by using more wood in multi-family residential and non-residential construction Target 1.7 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2016 Photo: Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, Christian Desjardins 32

41 Orientation 2: Consider forest carbon and the effects of climate change in forest management Managing forest carbon is a new approach which aims to maintain as much carbon as possible in the forests while providing as many forest products as possible for society. This objective requires optimal management of the forest carbon pool, and of the allowable cut. However, despite the efforts made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the forests will be exposed to climate changes of unprecedented extent and speed. Climate change will influence the intensity, frequency, duration and extent of natural disturbances. Forest management must take into consideration and even anticipate the effects of climate change, otherwise the contribution of the forests to the fight against climate change could itself be compromised. Objective 1: Objective 2: Simultaneously optimize the forest carbon pool and the production of forest products - Develop expertise to account for and integrate forest carbon in forest management. - Render operational the tools developed to include forest carbon (pool and flow) into the model used to calculate allowable cuts. Determine and implement appropriate adaptation measures to climate change in the forest and the forest sector - As soon as possible, integrate appropriate adaptation measures to climate change in the forest planning and management process. SECTION 2 Objective 3: Update the approach used to manage natural disturbances as part of an integrated risk management process - Under Québec s Climate Change Action Plan, produce a guideline document reviewing management practices for natural disturbances based on an integrated risk management process. - Draft and implement new management practices for natural disturbances based on integrated risk management, in accordance with the commitments made by Québec for the implementation of the National Forest Pest Strategy and the Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy. 33

42 Implementation and governance The implementation of the strategy and the move towards sustainable forest management are based on certain essential conditions that also constitute objectives of the strategy, namely: SECTION 2 Photo: MRNF - Gather and share knowledge. Knowledge is gathered through research activities, ecoforest inventories, wildlife inventories and monitoring, and the monitoring of natural disturbances. It must then be distributed to planners, managers, field workers, users and others to ensure that it is taken into account in their practices. - Make enlightened decisions and ensure ongoing improvement based on a management framework. The management framework sets out MRNF vision, orientations and commitments in the area of sustainable forest management. It specifies objectives, methods, indicators and targets, along with the roles and responsibilities of the MRNF and its partners. It is also used to monitor the implementation of MRNF commitments. - Report the progress achieved to the general public on the basis of rigorous accountability. Expectations of what will be achieved through sustainable forest management are high, and the general public wants to be informed of the progress made. The Sustainable Forest Development Act requires the production of a five-year report on sustainable forest management, which will include the results of the implementation of the SFMS. The strategy will be implemented by the MRNF and its partners, each playing a precise role and using various management tools (for example, acts, regulations, plans, allowable cut calculations, programs). The MRNF will have overall responsibility for the application of the strategy. One of the roles of the State is to establish minimum requirements, and the MRNF will see to enforcement and compliance with the strategy. It will also monitor the initiatives implemented and provide feedback. In this way, it will be able to adapt its approach based on the knowledge gathered, any changes in public values, new market conditions, the actions taken and the lessons drawn from experience. After five years, the MRNF will review the strategy, taking into account all the above points. Forest stakeholders and the population of Québec will also be involved in the implementation of the strategy, and will have a key role to play in advancing sustainable forest management. The MRNF cannot implement the strategy alone, and the cooperation of all players is essential. Society as a whole stands to benefit from this shared commitment! In adopting its sustainable forest management strategy, the MRNF has officially signalled its shift towards management by objectives and results, which depends on the commitment and responsibilization of the decision-makers, and of those who apply the decision. 34

43 The sustainable forest management strategy will be implemented gradually. Several actions are already under way, and other initiatives will take shape in coming years. The intermediate report in 2014 and the final report after the strategy s first five-year period will be used to adapt the pace of implementation and the orientations. The implementation of an environmental management system within MRNF general regional offices will help monitor the forest management process. For example, the environmental management system will make it easier to obtain forest certification based on internationally-recognized standards. Forest certification is increasingly required in the marketplace as a guarantee that products originate in sustainably managed forests. The MRNF places great importance on the certification of Québec s forests as a way of retaining its market share. Proposed actions: - Establish a reference framework for knowledge management - Update the sustainable forest management framework to include the new orientations and the other changes introduced by the reform of the forest regime, the sustainable forest management strategy and the sustainable forest management regulation - Put online a dynamic sustainable forest management framework - Submit the five-year report on sustainable forest management to the National Assembly, including the results from the implementation of the sustainable forest management strategy - In the management framework and in the various guides and guidelines it includes, define the roles and responsibilities of all the partners involved in the implementation of the SFMS - Draft and implement the sustainable forest management strategy using objective and results-based management - Adapt programs and review funding strategies based on the new forest regime and the objectives of the SFMS - Implement an environmental management system within MRNF general regional offices - To meet market needs, obtain forest certification for managed forests SECTION 2 35

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45 Conclusion A strategy to promote progress The sustainable forest management strategy helps prepare, today, the forests of tomorrow. It lays the groundwork for a model approach to management over the next five years. The forest sector will continue, as a result, to be a major driving force behind Québec s economy. The range of products and services available will be attractive to markets beyond Québec s boundaries, and thousands of people will hold stimulating and rewarding jobs. The citizens of Québec will play a role in a sustainable, exemplary approach to forest management, and the forest itself will be healthy, diversified and productive. The MRNF hopes to stimulate the Québec population s pride in its forests, timber and forest sector. Québec will become a leader in the field of sustainable forest management and make a significant contribution to planetary challenges such as climate change. This is how the MRNF envisions Québec s forests and forest sector! SECTION 2 Photo: Adeline Bazoge Note: See the complete version of the strategy for the list of references. 37

46 Table 2. Overview of the challenges, orientations and objectives of the sustainable forest management strategy ORIENTATION OBJECTIVE SECTION 2 Challenge: Take the interests, values and needs of the Québec population and Aboriginal nations into account in managing the forests 1. Enhance the forest management dialogue with the population and with Aboriginal communities 2. Bring decision-making closer to citizens, local communities and Aboriginal communities 3. Integrate the rights, interests, values and needs of Aboriginal communities into forest land and resources management Challenge: Use forest management practices that ensures ecosystem sustainability 1. Manage forests in a way that preserves the main attributes of a natural forest 2. Maintain suitable habitat for species requiring special attention and species sensitive to forest management 3. Contribute to the establishment and sustainable management of a network of protected areas representative of Québec s biodiversity 4. Integrate new knowledge about ecosystem productivity into the planning of integrated forest management 5. Develop forestry practices and protection measures to maintain the integrity and ecological functions of aquatic, riparian and wetland environments and forest soils 1. Specify the interests, values, needs and expectations of the population and of Aboriginal communities with regard to the planning and management of Québec s forests 2. Invest in forest information and education to respond to the concerns of the population and the schools community 1. Give regional conferences of elected officers responsibilities in the area of integrated resource and land management 2. Improve participation by forest stakeholders in the planning of integrated forest management 3. Offer local and Aboriginal communities opportunities for participating in and taking responsibility for forest management 1. Encourage Aboriginal communities to take part in the consultation processes on forest planning and management 2. Promote participation by Aboriginal communities in integrated land and resource planning processes (PRDIRT and PAFI), and increase their representation 3. Continue to implement agreements signed by the Québec government and Aboriginal nations and communities 1. Integrate a local analysis of ecological issues into each integrated forest management plan, with suitable actions to take in response 2. Ensure that the age structure of managed forests resembles that of natural forests 3. Apply a model for the spatial patterns and temporal distribution of forest management activities that is based on the natural forest 1. Take into account the specific requirements of certain species when preparing integrated forest management plans 2. Ensure that forest management planning helps re-establish the population of woodland caribou 3. Establish monitoring for sensitive species affected by forest management 1. Continue work to establish, obtain legal recognition for and manage the protected areas under MRNF responsibility 2. Help develop Québec s network of protected areas in the forests 3. Help define new types of protected area status in the forests and create new protected areas 1. Take into account the effect of the main natural disturbances when planning forest management and calculating allowable cuts 2. Take soil fertility into account when planning forest management activities 1. Preserve ecosystem productivity by reducing rutting in cutting areas, the area covered by forest roads, and soil disturbances along forest roads 2. Protect aquatic, riparian and wetland environments by improving forestry practices and road layouts 38

47 ORIENTATION OBJECTIVE Challenge: Ensure a productive forest that generates wealth at different levels 1. Manage wood production to respond to changes in the forest sector and increase the value of wood products 2. Increase and diversify the range of products and services generated by the integrated development of forest functions and resources 3. Develop wood production and help generate more benefits from private forests 4. Sell timber at its fair market value and increase access to timber 1. Allocate silvicultural investments using a silvicultural intensity gradient 2. Implement silvicultural practices adapted to site ecology and the target objectives 3. Target silvicultural investments taking into account their economic profitability 4. Increase and consolidate wood production in certain forest areas 1. In integrated forest management plans, include activities to develop and protect forest functions and resources, and implement the activities 2. Develop and protect recreotourism products in structured areas 3. Maintain the visual quality of forest landscapes 4. Support the development of maple syrup production 5. Develop non-timber forest products from the forests 1. Consolidate silvicultural investments in private forests 2. Increase the value of private woodlots 3. Ensure the replacement of active forest landowners and maintain expertise 1. Establish the real value of timber from the public forest based on market forces 2. Broaden access to timber by relying on market forces and reviewing allocation mechanisms while maintaining a form of supply security Challenge: Promote diversified, competitive and innovative wood products and forestry industries 1. Optimize the use of wood as an ideal ecological material 2. Promote the growth of profitable, high-performance forest management companies and the development of a range of companies developing non-wood resources 1. Increase the use of wood in multi-family residential and non-residential construction in Québec 2. Support the use of forest biomass as an energy source 3. Establish biorefining projects, in particular to produce nanocrystalline cellulose 4. Increase the dynamism of the primary wood processing industry and promote networking with the secondary and tertiary processing industries and other economic sectors 1. Support and enhance the development of a high-performance network of forest management firms 2. Encourage the development of ecotourism and recreotourism firms and other nontimber forest products firms SECTION 2 Challenge: Ensure that forests and the forest sector help fight and adapt to climate change 1. Increase use of biomass and forest products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Québec 2. Consider forest carbon and the effects of climate change in forest planning and management 1. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from institutional and commercial heating by using forest biomass instead of fossil fuels 2. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the use of construction lumber and appearance wood in Québec 1. Simultaneously optimize the forest carbon pool and the production of forest products 2. Determine and implement appropriate adaptation measures to climate change in the forest and the forest sector 3. Update the approach used to manage natural disturbances as part of an integrate risk management process 39

48 ORIENTATION Implementation and governance Essential conditions for the shift towards sustainable forest management OBJECTIVE - Gather and share knowledge to move towards sustainable forest management - Make enlightened decisions and ensure ongoing improvement based on a sustainable forest management framework - Report the progress achieved to the general public on the basis of rigorous accountability - Mobilize and ensure the cooperation of all players - Shift towards management by objectives and results - Implement the strategy gradually - Implement an environmental management system SECTION 2 40

49 Section 3. Provisions Proposed for the future regulation on Sustainable Forest Management The forest has long been regarded as an unending resource. Over the years, changes have been made to the forest management process and regulations as a result of public expectations, new knowledge and assessments of the impacts of forest management. The driving force behind all these changes has been the desire to manage the forests sustainably, and to allow the population to take full advantage of the benefits they provide. It is with this in mind that the MRNF has undertaken to convert the Regulation respecting standards of forest management in forests in the domain of the State (RSFM) into a regulation on sustainable forest management. The Commission d étude sur la gestion de la forêt publique québécoise, in its 2004 report, recommended that the RSFM should be improved to take into account forest-related environmental, social and economic aspects. Principles underlying the preparation and implementation of the future regulation on sustainable forest management The MRNF needs to review the current RSFM in order to be able to manage Québec s public forests in a truly sustainable way, so as to: - maintain or reconstitute forest cover; - protect the forest environment and reconcile forest management activities with the activities of Aboriginal communities and other forest users; - ensure that forest management activities are compatible with present and future public land and resource use designations. The future regulation, which will come into force in 2013, will also enforce some of the objectives of the Sustainable Forest Management Strategy, and will help to implement management by objectives and results. The provisions proposed for the future regulation are based on the following principles: SECTION 3 Principe 1: The future regulation must help support ecosystem-based management and diversified, harmonious use of forest resources The future regulation is part of an approach based on ecosystem-based forest management and multiple resource use. The ecosystem-based management approach aims to preserve the composition and functions of natural ecosystems in order to ensure that they are viable and sustainable. The basic elements of ecosystem-based management therefore need to be included in the future regulation. In addition, the regulation will contain provisions forcing forest managers to consider diversified, sustainable use of the forest (including wood products and all recreational services). 41

50 Principe 2: It must be possible to adjust the future regulation to regional contexts, using an approach based on objectives and results The current regulatory framework governing public forest management in Québec is based to a large extent on standards requiring the use of specific methods (e.g. distances to be respected, techniques to be applied) to achieve specific results. Although, in some cases, the imposition of specific methods is the best way to protect and promote the public interest, the future regulation will, as far as possible, promote an approach by objectives and results. Not only will such an approach help make the regulation less cumbersome, it will also give forest managers the flexibility they need to select methods suited to specific regional features - for example, the unique nature of the region s forest ecosystems, the region s specific management objectives, the stakeholder coordination requirements and the opportunities offered and restrictions imposed by the labour market. A regulation based on an approach by objectives and results is preferable when: it is possible to set a measurable outcome (target) for achievement of an objective; an outcome may be achieved using several different methods; an outcome can be quantified at a lower cost. A regulation based on specific methods is preferable when: an activity is likely to trigger a serious or irreversible consequence if the objective is not achieved; only one technical measure is known; an objective cannot be quantified, and therefore cannot be measured. SECTION 3 The approach by objectives and results will also enable forestry stakeholders to make use of their respective skills by selecting the most effective forest management measures to achieve the regulation s objectives and the anticipated results. The local integrated land and resource management panels will provide a forum for discussion, at which forestry stakeholders will be able to identify measures suited to the needs of their own region. It is important to remember that the Sustainable Forest Development Act (R.S.Q., c. A-18.1) allows the Minister to impose standards that differ from those set out in the future regulation, or to authorize derogations from established standards. The Minister s decision may be driven by the characteristics of the environment and the nature of the project. However, an equivalent or higher level of protection must be given to the forest and its resources. The future regulation will be supported by regulatory guides and good practice guides. These two documents will be legally different; the former will be a normative text to which the regulatory text will refer, whereas the latter will define a set of non-mandatory methods that may be used to achieve an objective-based standard set out in the regulation. The guides will contain the rules of good practice for sustainable forest management, and will help forestry stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the future regulation. 42

51 The good practice guide will be used when: several different methods can be used to achieve the same objective; a provision requires adaptive management, or knowledge is changing quickly; a provision concerns an objective associated with a result. The regulatory guide will be used when: a provision needs to be generalized and explained; only one technical method is known; knowledge is unlikely to result in regular or rapid changes to the technical method used. Principe 3: The future regulation must adjust to reflect changing knowledge and values The future regulation will be revised periodically to reflect changes in sustainable forest management knowledge and values. The effects of the various proposed provisions will be measured to ensure that sustainable forest management objectives have been achieved. For the general public, this periodic review process provides a guarantee that both the quality of forestry activities and the skills of forest managers will be improved constantly. The strategic elements that influence the annual allowable cuts and forest plans will be revised every five years, and other elements that need to be adjusted will be revised as required. Principe 4: The future regulation must have a positive impact on forest certification At the present time, nearly 70% of the public and private productive forest under management is certified pursuant to one of the current certification systems, namely the Canadian Standards Association (CSI), the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). The MRNF will ensure that the future regulation will provide tools allowing previously certified publicly-owned areas to keep their certification, and facilitating certification for new forest areas. The provisions proposed for the future regulation satisfy, to a large extent, the criteria used by the various certification systems. Certification of managed forests will also help in achieving the future regulation s objectives; indeed, compliance with current regulations is one of the requirements of the forest certification standards. SECTION 3 43

52 RSFM provisions maintained and removed Provisions maintained It has been suggested that several key elements of the RSFM that are regarded as being both important and effective in protecting the forest and promoting multiple, harmonious forest use should be carried forward to the future regulation. These elements will play a role in managing the forests sustainably and in ensuring compliance with some of the objectives of the Sustainable Forest Management Strategy. A list of provisions that would be maintained in the future regulation can be found in the appendix to this section. Provisions removed Some of the current regulation s provisions will not be carried forward into the future regulation. Sections 14 and 15. Timber floating There was a time when floating was the only available method of transporting large volumes of wood over long distances. However, floating was eventually replaced by other, faster and more effective transportation methods, and has not been used in Québec for many years. Section 68. Protection and management of forest and recreation zones SECTION 3 This provision will be removed, because forest and recreation zones will no longer be included in the new public land use plans. On the other hand, the plans will contain some potential or existing recreational sites or zones. The local integrated land and resource management panels will establish measures for the protection of these sites when planning forest management activities. They may also recognize other existing or potential recreation sites that are not listed in the public land use plan, and order protective measures for them too. The MRNF will take all such proposals into account when drawing up the integrated forest management plans. Section 69. Forest management in areas frequented by caribou south of the 52nd parallel The caribou habitat management plans will stipulate forest management measures, based on the recommendations made in the plan to re-establish woodland caribou in Québec. Section 76. Partial harvesting in buffer strips at least 75 m wide and at least 125 m wide Partial harvesting in buffer strips is not sufficiently widespread to justify the inclusion of this section in the future regulation. 44

53 Section 93. Obligation to work on frozen soil in poorly drained sites (drainage classes 5 and 6) It is difficult to verify compliance with this provision, and it will be replaced, in the future regulation, with a provision based on an approach by objectives and results (e.g. to limit rutting). Section 94. Limitation of machinery load pressure on poorly drained sites (drainage classes 5 and 6) It is difficult to verify compliance with this provision, and it will be replaced, in the future regulation, with a provision based on an approach by objectives and results (e.g. to limit rutting). SECTION 3 Photo: Sébastien Méthot, MRNF 45

54 Improvements and additions The future regulation will include a number of improvements and additions, to strengthen the basis for sustainable forest management and foster the application of ecosystem-based management, the foundations of which are set out in the Sustainable Forest Management Strategy. The proposed changes relate mainly to: - ecosystem-based management in the spruce-moss domain (introduction of aggregated cut blocks) and maintenance of large tracts of forest; - addition or clarification of sites and sectors of interest to Aboriginal communities, to ensure that forest management activities are brought into harmony with the communities ancestral rights and activities; - consideration of activities related to wildlife and recreotourism (including forest management based on the boundaries of structured areas); - consideration of new sites and infrastructures, including isolated vacation sites, managed wildlife sites and managed trails in structured areas; - control of the visual setting in specific recreotourism sites; - consideration of additional wildlife habitat needs; - protection of watercourses and lakes when constructing and maintaining multipurpose roads; - protection of wetlands during forest management activities; - conservation of soil productivity and harvesting of forest biomass; - structuring of activities near commercial sugar bushes in public forests. SECTION 3 The improvements and additions are presented below, under eight theme headings. Note to Readers To the left of each proposal for the future regulation is an indication of whether the proposal is an addition or an improvement to the RSFM. If it is an improvement, the number of the corresponding RSFM sections is mentioned. Readers can consult these sections to compare them with the proposed provisions. 46

55 T H E M E 1. Sites and sectors of interest to the Aboriginal people Contributes to the Sustainable Forest Management Strategy objective Integrate the rights, interests, values and needs of Aboriginal communities into forest land and resources management Description and extent One of the basic elements of the social aspect of sustainable forest management is consideration for Aboriginal communities rights and concerns regarding forest management. The MRNF must consult and, where applicable, accommodate the Aboriginal communities when forestry activities are likely to violate their rights. If the government is aware of the existence of sites or sectors of interest to the Aboriginal people on public land, it must ensure that they are duly protected during forest activities. Photo: Jacques Robert Impacts of forest management activities Forest management activities can damage the integrity, quality and function of sites and sectors of interest to Aboriginal communities, and may also have repercussions for traditional activities. In particular, it may alter landscape quality, the forest cover, wildlife habitats (hunting and trapping), and plant habitats (e.g. berry picking). Proposed provisions The proposals for the future regulation will introduce some improvements to the provisions of the RSFM. As a result, the concerns expressed by some Aboriginal communities with regard to temporary camps, burial and archaeological sites and portage trails will be taken into account. These concerns usually give rise to special agreements between Aboriginal community representatives and forest managers. The provisions of the future regulation will ensure that basic protection is given to certain sites and sectors of interest to all Aboriginal communities. SECTION 3 47

56 Proposed provisions concerning the protection of sites and sectors of interest to the Aboriginal communities Objectives: - Maintain the functions of sites and sectors of interest to Aboriginal communities. - Enhance the quality of the forest experience (aesthetics). Proposal 1. Improved Ss. 43 and 44 of the RSFM No forest management activities shall take place on an Aboriginal burial site or an Aboriginal archaeological site. The RSFM treats burial and archaeological sites generally. On public land, however, the vast majority of these sites are Aboriginal sites. Aboriginal burial and archaeological sites will therefore be included in the list of sites and sectors protected by the future regulation. Improved S. 50 oh the RSFM Proposal 2. No forest management activities shall take place within an area of 4,000 m 2, including the area of a temporary Aboriginal camp located within the territory of a beaver reserve. The protection measure may be applied to a maximum of two isolated camps or two clusters of camps per 100 km 2. A temporary Aboriginal camp is a rudimentary or seasonal camp, standing alone or forming part of a cluster, in a beaver reserve. A temporary camp is normally used in connection with hunting, fishing or trapping activities or berry picking for domestic, ritual or social purposes. All temporary camps must at least have a heating system, and must be recognized by an Aboriginal band council. Each camp must be shown on the integrated forest management plan for the area in question. SECTION 3 This provision would provide the same level of protection as for camps built on land covered by a lease for exclusive trapping rights (section 88 of the Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife, R.S.Q., c. C-61.1). Outside beaver reserves, Aboriginal camps, where they exist, are protected through a local usage harmonization process. 48

57 Proposed provisions concerning the maintenance of buffer strips along portage trails and around Aboriginal burial sites Objectives: - Maintain the function of portage trails (proposal 3 only). - Enhance the quality of the forest experience (aesthetics) or preserve the peace of a gathering site. - Contribute to wood harvesting (proposal 4 only). Proposal 3: Improved Ss. 43 and 47 of the RSFM A 30-metre buffer strip must be preserved on either side of an Aboriginal portage trail and around an Aboriginal burial site. The RSFM deals very generally with burial sites and portage trails comprised in a developed canoe-camping course. However, many of the portage trails and most of the burial sites located on public land are Aboriginal. Aboriginal portage trails and burial sites will therefore be included in the list of sites protected by the future regulation. Proposal 4: Improved Ss. 4 and 54 of the RSFM A partial maximum harvest of 40% of the trees or basal area is permitted in the buffer strip along or around an Aboriginal site contemplated in proposal 3. In no case shall the density of the forest be reduced to less than 700 trees/ha or 16 m 2 /ha. The trees remaining in the buffer strip must be evenly distributed. This proposal provides for protection of a denser forest canopy following partial cutting, by establishing a harvesting limit based on initial stand density, instead of simply setting a threshold of 500 stems/ha or 14 m 2 /ha, as was the case in the RSFM. In addition, it provides for a more adequate canopy in less dense stands. SECTION 3 Photo: Jacques Robert 49

58 THEME 2. Structured areas Contributes to the Sustainable Forest Management Strategy objective Develop and protect recreotourism products in structured areas Description and extent Photo: Martine Lapointe Under the provisions of the Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife, the Minister has the power to delimit areas for the purpose of conserving, managing or harvesting wildlife. The Minister may also delegate the management of these areas to organizations. The managers of these structured areas invest to acquire, develop and erect infrastructures (reception buildings, observatories, etc.) that will help them to fulfill their mission of preserving and developing wildlife. It is this feature that distinguishes the structured areas from areas of public land on which no rights have been granted. The structured areas covered by the future regulation will include wildlife sanctuaries, ZECs and outfitting operations with exclusive rights. Surveys have shown that user satisfaction in structured areas depends on the quality of landscapes, natural experiences and wildlife harvests (associated with hunting (410,000 people), fishing (680,000 people) and trapping (8,300 people)). Because so many people take part in activities in the forest, wildlife managers must offer good quality areas able to provide an experience in line with their clients expectations. SECTION 3 It is extremely important for the regional economies that economic spin-offs directly attributable to wildlife-related activities in structured areas be maintained and even increased. These spin-offs also make a significant contribution to Québec s labour market. Every year, the network of structured areas contributes roughly $125 million to the economy, in the form of annual operating expenses, as well as 7,000 jobs created or maintained inside and outside the network. Impacts of forest management activities The aim in the structured areas is to obtain a significant and sustained level of wildlife harvests while helping to maintain good quality habitats. Some types of forest management activities may have undesirable impacts on the various services available in the structured areas (hunting, fishing and tourism). When these activities are carried out without precautionary measures, they can alter habitat quality, landscapes, the forest experience and even the functions of certain sites. For example, over-logging a structured area may damage habitats, thereby reducing the quantity of game and hence the success of hunting and fishing activities. 50

59 Proposed provisions The provisions proposed for the future regulation all represent improvements or additions to the RSFM. They will ensure that the concerns of structured area managers regarding investments in managed trails, infrastructures and managed wildlife sites are taken into account. The provisions of the future regulation will also ensure that concerns regarding forest management (habitats and landscape) are considered, so that managers are able to perform their role of preserving and developing wildlife. These concerns usually give rise to special agreements between structured area representatives and forest managers. The proposals will provide basic protection for all structured areas. Proposed provisions concerning the maintenance of buffer strips along managed trails and infrastructures Objectives: - Maintain the function of managed trails and infrastructures. - Enhance the quality of the forest experience (aesthetics). - Protect investments in trails and infrastructures. - Contribute to wood harvesting (proposal 7 only). New Proposal 5. A 30-metre buffer strip must be maintained on either side of managed trails in structured areas. Managed trails are trails in which investments have been made by structured area managers or through subsidies. Managed trails are used for the services offered to users by a structured area, for example hiking, horse riding, crosscountry skiing, dog sledding, small game hunting or portage, or to provide access to a managed body of water, or an infrastructure in use, or any other service offered by the structured area. In the case of managed wildlife sites, the conditions will be established by agreement, according to their own specific features. Managed wildlife sites are sites in which investments have been made by structured area managers or through subsidies, in order to develop wildlife or habitats, and which benefit structured area users. They can include managed spawning grounds, drumming sites and other sites conducive to wildlife development. SECTION 3 New Proposal 6. In structured areas, a 60-metre buffer strip must be maintained around: - reception buildings; - cottages used for accommodation. 51

60 Proposal 7. Improved Ss. 4 and 54 of the RSFM A partial harvest of no more than 40% of the trees or the basal area is permitted in the buffer strips around recreotourism and public utility sites, as prescribed in sections 46 and 47 of the RSFM, and as set out in proposals 5 and 6. In no case shall the density of the forest fall below 700 trees/ha or 16 m 2 /ha. The trees remaining in the buffer strip must be evenly distributed. This proposal provides for protection of a denser forest canopy following partial cutting, by establishing a harvesting limit based on initial stand density, instead of simply setting a threshold of 500 stems/ha or 14 m 2 /ha, as was the case in the RSFM. In addition, it provides for a more adequate canopy in less dense stands. Proposed provision concerning the maintenance of forest stands Objectives: - Limit the impact of logging on available wildlife harvesting and recreotourism activities. - Help maintain wildlife habitats, especially those of valued species (hunting and trapping). - Enhance the quality of the forest experience (aesthetic). New Proposal 8. In structured areas, at least 30% of the total area must always be composed of stands measuring 7 metres or more in height. SECTION 3 Photo: Josée Pâquet, MRNF 52

61 THEME 3. Recreotourism and public utility sites and sectors Contributes to the following Sustainable Forest Management Strategy objectives - In integrated forest management plans, include activities to develop and protect forest functions and resources, and implement the activities - Maintain the visual quality of forest landscapes Description and extent With its millions of lakes and watercourses, its wild fauna and flora and its thousands of kilometres of passable roads, Québec has earned a reputation for the richness and accessibility of its nature and wildlife heritage. Every year, hikers and vacationers spend more than $3 billion and 290 million days on outdoor activities. In addition, some 3.4 million Quebecers nearly half the population practise at least one nature-related or wildliferelated leisure activity, mostly in the forests. And nearly 28,000 people hold vacation leases (isolated vacation sites) in the public forest. Photo: Sébastien Méthot, MRNF For the forest user, the question of maintaining landscape quality and the forest experience is vital. The beauty of the natural landscape is a significant factor in the enjoyment of people who engage in outdoor leisure activities. It is therefore essential, for the development of regional economic activity, that the recreotourism and vacation functions be maintained in the forest. Recreotourism and public utility sites and sectors in the forest include: - grouped, complementary, isolated and proposed vacation sites; - wilderness, semi-developed and developed campsites, portage trails comprised in canoecamping courses, accommodation centres, restaurant or accommodation sites and shelters; - downhill ski centres, outdoor bases and centres, public beaches, rest areas or picnic grounds, and dock and boat ramp sites with service areas; - observatories, observation sites, including their access trails, scenic routes and access trails to interregional trails or concentrated trail networks; - fish hatcheries and existing or proposed ecological reserves; - multipurpose roads that are road corridors ; - sanitary landfill and in-trench disposal sites, technical landfill sites, trench landfill sites and landfill sites in isolated areas; - burial sites, archaeological sites and sectors, historic or natural sites and districts, and the most densely populated portions of communities. SECTION 3 53

62 Impacts of forest management activities Forest management activities may alter landscape quality if logged areas become dominant. Logging may also be detrimental to the forest experience if it alters the forest cover in recreotourism sites. As a result, it can have economic repercussions on the forest-based recreotourism industry. Proposed provisions The provisions proposed for the future regulation represent improvements over the RSFM. They will ensure that the concerns of many forest users regarding the quality of the forest experience and protection of investments in portage trails and isolated vacation sites are taken into account. The provisions of the future regulation will also ensure that the concerns of forest users regarding maintenance of the visual setting around recreotourism and public utility sites are considered. These concerns usually give rise to special agreements between forest users and forest managers. The proposed provisions will therefore provide basic protection for all forest users. Proposed provisions concerning the protection of recreotourism and public utility sites Objectives: - Maintain the function of recreotourism and public utility sites (including private properties in the public forest). - Enhance the quality of the forest experience (aesthetics). - Protect investments in recreotourism and public utility sites. SECTION 3 Proposal 9: Improved Ss. 43 and 44 of the RSFM No forest management activity shall take place on an isolated vacation site. A territorial unit known as an isolated vacation site will be added to the list of sites presented in sections 43 and 44 of the RSFM. An isolated vacation site is a site that does not form part of a grouped or complementary vacation site. Although isolated vacation sites are protected pursuant to section 52 of the RSFM, the fact of grouping them together with other sites in a single provision will help avoid any ambiguity regarding their protection. 54

63 Proposed provisions concerning the maintenance of buffer strips around recreotourism and public utility sites Objectives: - Maintain the function of recreotourism and public utility sites (proposals 10 and 11 only). - Enhance the quality of the forest experience (aesthetics). - Protect investments in sites and trails (proposals 10 and 11 only). - Contribute to wood harvesting (proposal 12 only). Improved S. 47 of the RSFM Improved S. 46 of the RSFM Proposal 10. Proposal 11. A 30-metre buffer strip shall be preserved on both sides of portage trails comprised in developed canoe-camping courses. The buffer strip for portage trails, which was 20 metres under the RSFM, is increased to 30 metres in the future regulation, in order to provide the same level of protection as for the other elements listed in section 47 of the RSFM. A 60-metre buffer strip shall be preserved around isolated vacation sites and shelters serving the users of a concentrated trail network, an interregional trail, an outlying trail of the concentrated networks, a snowmobile trail or a quad bike trail. Territorial units designated as isolated vacation sites and shelters serving the users of a concentrated trail network, an interregional trail, an outlying trail of the concentrated networks, a snowmobile trail or a quad bike trail will be added to the list of sites in section 46 of the RSFM. This proposal will help improve the quality of the forest experience near isolated vacation sites. Moreover, although shelters are protected pursuant to section 53 of the RSFM, the fact of grouping them together with other sites in a single provision will help avoid any ambiguity regarding their protection. Proposal 12. Improved Ss. 4 and 54 of the RSFM A partial harvest of no more than 40% of the trees or the basal area is permitted in the buffer strips around recreotourism sites and public utility sites, as prescribed in sections 46 and 47 of the RSFM, and as set out in proposals 10 and 11. In no case shall the density of the forest fall below 700 trees/ha or 16 m 2 /ha. The trees remaining in the buffer strip must be evenly distributed. SECTION 3 This proposal provides for protection of a denser forest canopy following partial cutting, by establishing a harvesting limit based on initial stand density, instead of simply setting a threshold of 500 stems/ha or 14 m 2 /ha, as was the case in the RSFM. In addition, it provides for a more adequate canopy in less dense stands. 55

64 Proposed provisions concerning management of the visual setting on recreotourism and public utility sites and sectors Objectives: - Maintain landscape quality. - Enhance the quality of the forest experience (aesthetics). - Protect investments made in the sites. - Contribute to wood harvesting. Proposal 13. Improved Ss. 58 and 59 of the RSFM At all times, cuts visible from the following recreotourism and public utility sites should account for less than one-third (33%) of the total area of their visual setting: - scenic routes; - historic or natural districts; - semi-developed or developed campgrounds; - rest areas or picnic grounds; - public beaches; - dock and boat ramp sites with services; - proposed vacation development sites. The visual setting corresponds to the landscape that is visible within a radius of 1.5 km from the said sites. Forest planners should refer to the best practices for visual landscape management (distribution of logged areas, shape of logged areas, ridge management, selection of silvicultural treatments, etc.) when harvesting wood within the visual setting of such sites. SECTION 3 The future regulation will give planners the flexibility they need to propose a form of management suited to the features of the visual setting surrounding recreotourism and public utility sites. Unlike the RSFM, it will therefore not contain provisions governing the shape, number and maximum size of cutting areas within the visible landscape (e.g. the requirement for at least three openings in the visual setting). Photo: Marc-André Bouchard, MDDEP 56

65 Proposal 14. Improved Ss. 58 and 59 of the RSFM At all times, cuts visible from the following recreotourism and public utility sites should account for less than one-third (33%) of the total area of their visual setting: - outdoor bases and centres; - accommodation centres; - downhill ski centres; - the most densely populated portions of a community; - observation sites; - grouped and complementary vacation sites. The visual setting corresponds to the landscape that is visible within a radius of 3 km from the said sites. Forest planners should refer to the best practices for visual landscape management (distribution of logged areas, shape of logged areas, ridge management, selection of silvicultural treatments, etc.) when harvesting wood within the visual setting of such sites. The future regulation will give planners the flexibility they need to propose a form of management suited to the features of the visual setting surrounding recreotourism and public utility sites. It will therefore not contain provisions governing the shape, number and maximum size of logged areas within the visible landscape. The distance proposed in the future regulation (3 km) is an improvement over that stipulated in the RSFM (1.5 km), which was insufficient to provide a quality visual setting for the sites in question. SECTION 3 Photo: Wendy Giroux, MRNF 57

66 THEME 4. Wildlife Habitats Contributes to the Sustainable Forest Management Strategy orientation Maintain suitable habitat for species requiring special attention and species sensitive to forest management Description and extent Wildlife habitats contain the elements required for a species survival and to meet its basic needs for shelter, food and reproduction. The features of the habitat should be such that wildlife is protected from the weather and from predators, while meeting its nutritional requirements throughout the four seasons. In addition, the habitat must support enough individuals to guarantee the survival of all the species. Several different environments are often needed for breeding, migration and hibernation. Also, an adequate spatial distribution of those habitats is essential. Photo: Martine Lapointe Not only is habitat maintenance important for the preservation of biodiversity and the forest wildlife heritage, but it also helps to create good conditions for hunting, trapping and wildlife observation enthusiasts. Every year, more than a million people visit the forest to take part in a wildlife-related activity, generating nearly $163 million in economic spin-offs. SECTION 3 Eleven wildlife habitats are protected by the Regulation respecting wildlife habitats (R.R.Q., c. C-61.1, r. 18). Since the regulation first came into force in 1994, it has contained a section (s. 8) referring to the RSFM for forest management activities in wildlife habitats. The habitats protected by the RSFM are fish habitats, white-tailed deer yards ( 2.5 km 2 ), woodland caribou habitats (south and north of the 52 nd parallel), heronries, salt licks, muskrat habitats, bear dens, waterfowl gathering areas, cliffs inhabited by a colony of birds, and islands or peninsulas inhabited by a colony of birds. Impacts of forest management activities Forest management activities can alter the quality of some species habitats. For example, harvesting reduces the forest cover, alters its composition and structure, and changes the distribution of environments that are essential to species life cycles. When a habitat is of poor quality, the species must move around more, thereby consuming more energy and becoming more vulnerable to predators. Forest management activities can also disturb wildlife populations during reproductive periods or at other times when they are sensitive to disturbance. 58

67 Proposed provisions The provisions proposed for the future regulation represent improvements and additions to the RSFM. They will ensure that new knowledge on the basic needs of certain wildlife species (shelter, food, breeding, movement) are taken into account. Proposed provisions concerning the preservation of buffer strips around wildlife habitats Objectives: - Preserve the components of the forest cover that serve as shelter and food for white-tailed deer, and that are suited to its movements in winter (proposals 15, 16 and 17 only). - Ensure connectivity between white-tailed deer yards and nearby large tracts of forest (proposal 18 only). - Foster the reconstitution of the forest canopy (proposal 17 only). - Maintain a riparian zone that is suitable for use by wildlife (proposals 15 and 17 only). - Contribute to wood harvesting (proposal 17 only). - Foster the movement of wildlife by providing lateral cover (proposals 18 and 19 only). - Foster the movement of moose by ensuring connectivity between salt licks and nearby forests (proposal 19 only). - Avoid causing disturbances during the nesting period of the great blue heron, the blackcrowned night heron and the great egret (proposal 20 only). - Maintain the function of the heronries (proposal 20 only). New Proposal 15. The width of a buffer strip alongside a marsh, lake or permanent watercourse located in a white-tailed deer yard may vary from 20 metres to 150 metres. The 20-metre buffer strip prescribed by the RSFM is unsuited to the shelter and nutritional needs of the white-tailed deer, and is not conducive to the species movements in winter. Locally, significant accumulations of snow in a 20-metre buffer strip may hinder deer movements. The future regulation will give forest planners the flexibility they need to establish the width of the buffer strip, based on local conditions and the needs of the white-tailed deer population. SECTION 3 New Proposal 16. No forest management activities shall take place in the first 20 metres of a buffer strip alongside a marsh, lake or permanent watercourse located in a white-tailed deer yard. 59

68 New Proposal 17. Partial harvesting in a buffer strip alongside a marsh, lake or permanent watercourse located in a white-tailed deer yard is permitted beyond the first 20 metres adjacent to the protected environment. A maximum of 40% of the trees or basal area may be harvested. In no case shall the density of the forest fall below 700 trees/ha or 16 m 2 /ha. Residual trees remaining in the buffer strip must be evenly distributed. This proposal provides for protection of a denser forest canopy following partial cutting, by establishing a harvesting limit based on initial stand density, instead of simply setting a threshold of 500 stems/ha or 14 m 2 /ha, as was the case in the RSFM. In addition, it provides for a more adequate canopy in less dense stands. Improved S. 75 of the RSFM Proposal 18. Contact must be maintained between a white-tailed deer yard and the nearby residual forest. A buffer strip measuring at least 60 metres in width and at least 7 metres in height must be preserved between a large tract of forest and a deer yard. No forest management activity may take place in the buffer strip, and the strip must be preserved until the adjacent stands are 7 metres high. Residual forests from mosaic cutting may be used as connectors between white-tailed deer yards and large tracts of forest. This proposal increases the height of the buffer strip between white-tailed deer yards and nearby residual forest from the 3 metres prescribed in the RSFM to 7 metres. The fact of preserving a buffer strip will provide the species with a minimal amount of cover during bad weather. The strip will also serve as a visual screen (to protect the deer from predators) until the nearby stands have grown sufficiently to be used as shelter. SECTION 3 Proposal 19. Improved Ss. 75 anf 79.5 of the RSFM Contact must be maintained between a salt lick and the nearby residual forest. A buffer strip measuring at least 60 metres in width and at least 7 metres in height must be preserved. No forest management activities may take place in the buffer strip. This proposal increases the height of the buffer strip between white-tailed deer yards and nearby residual forest from the 3 metres prescribed in the RSFM to 7 metres. It will help create conditions in which the deer are able to move around. 60

69 Improved S. 63 of the RSFM Proposal 20. No forest management activities, including construction of roads or recreational trails, shall take place on the site of a heronry. A 200-metre buffer strip must be left intact around the site. The strip shall be located no more than 500 metres from the site at which the nests are located, depending on the availability and location of the forest cover. All forest management activities are prohibited within 500 metres of a heronry from April 1 to August 31. Research has shown that the protection provided by the RSFM was insufficient. The possibility of preserving a buffer strip up to 500 metres from the nests allows for the provision of a lateral screen composed of trees, and so limits disturbances during the nesting period. The period during which management activities are prohibited has been changed to reflect nesting periods in the northern part of the range used by the great blue heron, black-crowned night heron and great egret. Proposed provision concerning white-tailed deer yards and the residual forest from mosaic cutting Objective: - Preserve stands over time to serve as shelter and food for white-tailed deer populations in deer yards. New Proposal 21. In mosaic cutting carried out in a sector in which a white-tailed deer yard is located, residual forest must not be left systematically within the deer yard. In mosaic cutting, the fact of systematically leaving residual forest within a white-tailed deer yard may limit the forest s ability to reconstitute shelter and food for the species. Proposed provisions concerning the construction of roads and piling areas in whitetailed deer yards and woodland caribou habitats SECTION 3 Objectives: - Minimize loss of area in white-tailed deer yards (proposals 22 and 23). - Discourage predator movements in woodland caribou habitats (proposal 24). - Limit any decrease in woodland caribou s use of protection and replacement forest areas by reducing disturbances created by motor vehicles and vacation, recreational, commercial and industrial activities (proposals 24 and 25). - Describe the characteristics needed to establish woodland caribou habitats (proposal 26). 61

70 Improved S. 72 of the RSFM Proposal 22. The width of a multipurpose road right-of-way located in a white-tailed deer yard shall not exceed three times the maximum width of the roadway, which is 6.5 metres. The RSFM allows for deforestation of a wider strip, causing greater loss of forest area within the deer yard. Nouveau Proposal 23. Piling areas may be created along a maximum of 15% of the length of the roads located within or adjacent to a white-tailed deer yard (measuring 2.5 to 5 km 2 ) composed of hardwood, white pine and red pine stands. Nouveau Proposal 24. Class 1 and Class 2 multipurpose roads (new roads or existing roads converted into Class 1 and Class 2 roads) must be located at least 1 kilometre from the boundaries of protection forest areas (woodland caribou habitat). Nouveau Proposal 25. Construction of multipurpose roads and trails in a replacement forest areas (woodland caribou habitat) is permitted for forest management purposes only (i.e. no vacation roads). Nouveau Proposal 26. The following definition of woodland caribou habitat is proposed: a forest territory frequented and used by caribou for calving, breeding or winter feeding, as demarcated on a chart prepared by the Minister. SECTION 3 The definition of woodland caribou habitat in the RSFM is outdated. The proposed new definition was taken from the Regulation respecting threatened or vulnerable wildlife species and their habitats (R.R.Q., c. E-12.01, r ). Photo MRNF 62

71 THEME 5. Aquatic, riparian and wetland environments Contributes to the Sustainable Forest Management Strategy objective Protect aquatic, riparian and wetland environments by improving forestry practices and road layouts and the orientation Maintain suitable habitat for species requiring special attention and species sensitive to forest management Photo: Sébastien Méthot, MRNF Description and extent Aquatic, riparian and wetland environments make a significant contribution to the biodiversity of Québec s forests, play a number of biological, hydrological, physical and chemical roles, and fulfill some key functions in terms of: - the habitats they constitute for a wide variety of animal and plant species (aquatic and terrestrial); - water purification, by retaining sediments, nutrients and pollutants; - supplying reserves of surface and underground water; - the stability of the water drainage pattern and flood prevention. Aquatic, riparian and wetland environments also contribute to the well-being of the population. They offer a potential for sustainable economic development in all Québec s regions, through the following resources: - drinking water; - wood and forest products; - wildlife resources for hunting, fishing and trapping; - sites for tourist and vacation activities; - navigable waters; - quality landscapes. SECTION 3 Aquatic environments Québec encompasses thousands of lakes and rivers, and has some of the largest freshwater reserves in the world. Its water network is enjoyed by sailing enthusiasts, and is a veritable paradise for fishers. Every year, more than 800,000 Quebecers practise sport fishing in Québec, and 60% (632,000) travel outside their home regions in order to fish. Also, approximately 50,000 visitors from the other Canadian provinces and the United States come to enjoy the excellent fishing available in Québec. Sport fishing plays a key role in Québec s tourist industry, generating a total expenditure (from domestic and foreign fishers) of more than $1 billion. These revenues help dynamize regional economies by creating or maintaining more than 9,300 jobs in Québec. 63

72 The most sought-after species for fishing are brook trout and Atlantic salmon. Québec s salmon rivers have earned a reputation that extends well beyond its borders, and the Cascapédia River in Gaspésie is ranked as one of the ten best salmon rivers in the world, due to the size of the fish it contains. In addition to the lakes and rivers, intermittent watercourses can serve as fish habitats. They are also used by aquatic wildlife as migration routes between two habitats or to breeding grounds. They are commonly used as habitats by other species, including amphibians and invertebrates. Wetlands Wetland environments are rich and diversified ecosystems that can take several different forms, including marshes, swamps and peat bogs (see box). They account for nearly 10% of Québec s total area. All are flooded or saturated for a sufficiently long period to affect soil type and vegetation composition. Wetlands are known to play a number of essential hydrological and ecological roles. They help regulate water drainage basin runoff, filter sediments from the water, act as carbon wells and are used as habitats by many plant and animal species, some of which are threatened or vulnerable (rare amphibians, reptiles and plants). Wetlands also form attractive landscape elements and are suitable for hunting and trapping activities. They contribute to economic development by hosting a number of recreotourism activities, and by serving for the wood, peat and berry harvesting. SECTION 3 Definitions Swamp: Habitat comprising a shallow, stagnant body of water, overgrown by herbaceous vegetation growing in a mineral substrate that is fully or partly submerged during the growing season. A swamp is generally riparian (adjacent to a lake or watercourse). Marsh: Land permanently steeped in or covered by water, occupied by woody, shrub-like or arborescent vegetation growing on a mineral soil. A marsh is flooded on a seasonal basis, or is characterized by a high water table and the circulation of water enriched with dissolved minerals. A marsh may be riparian or isolated. Peat bog: A plant formation in a wetland, resulting from an accumulation of partially decomposed and poorly-drained organic matter reaching a depth of over 40 cm. A peat bog may be open (unwooded) or wooded (with trees 4 metre tall and higher and forest cover greater or equal to 25 %). A peat bog with a pond includes one or more small, isolated bodies of stagnant water forming one or more round or oblong swamps. 64

73 Riparian environments Riparian environments are composed of strips of land alongside aquatic and wetland environments that stretch inland. They are used on a daily basis by many animal species for a variety of reasons, including their rich vegetation that attracts herbivorous animals, a plentiful supply of water and prey in the adjacent aquatic and wetland environments, and their suitability as movement corridors for certain species. Riparian vegetation stabilizes the soil, prevents erosion and helps regulate the water drainage pattern. It also maintains and improves water quality by acting as a filter, absorbing nutrients and trapping soil particles carried by runoff water. Riparian zones are therefore vital to the health of wetlands, lakes and watercourses. They are also extremely important to the human population. They help to protect drinking water resources, preserve beautiful landscapes and maintain a pleasant forest atmosphere for recreational activities such as hiking and nature observation. By providing wood and other forest products, they also contribute to the wealth and quality of life of the entire population. Impacts of forest management activities Forestry management activities can disturb aquatic, wetland and riparian environments if certain precautions are not taken. One of its most significant impacts is the damage caused to fish habitats by introducing sediments into watercourses. This occurs during road building and maintenance work, and during logging operations. These same activities can also disturb the water regime, by increasing the flow of water and provoking erosion of the beds and banks of watercourses, and can alter the physical and chemical composition of watercourses by introducing sediments, nutrients and pollutants. Forest management activities carried out in or close to wetlands can damage certain ecological and wildlife functions. For example, drainage and logging can generate impacts that are harmful to wildlife and the hydrologic properties of wetlands, including loss of interenvironment connections required for wildlife movements, or degradation of water quality. Forest management activities in or close to wetlands can also trigger windfall, alter landscape quality and hinder vacation activities. In addition, they can disturb soils, cause inflows of sediment into aquatic environments and compromise the quality of plant and wildlife habitats. SECTION 3 Proposed provisions The provisions proposed for the future regulation represent improvements and additions to the RSFM. They will ensure that new knowledge on the protection of aquatic, riparian and wetland environments and the basic needs of certain plant and wildlife species are taken into account. The future regulation will incorporate some major elements from the Forest Act (R.S.Q., c. F-4.1) concerning the protection of aquatic environments that were not carried forward into the Sustainable Forest Development Act. It should be noted that proposals for the protection of aquatic, wetland and riparian environments during construction of multipurpose roads and other forest infrastructures are presented in section

74 Proposed provision concerning the protection of lake and watercourse beds Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Avoid disturbing the beds of lakes and watercourses. Improved S. 28 of the Forest Act Proposal 27. A forest machine cannot be operated on the bed of a lake or watercourse, except: - to install a bridge or culvert, or to build a removable structure (see the definition in proposal 71); - in compliance with the standards established by regulation pursuant to the Environment Quality Act (chapter Q-2). This proposed provision, adapted from the Forest Act (s. 28), is designed to avoid sediment inflows into the aquatic environment. Proposed provision concerning the protection of riparian treed swamps Objectives: - Maintain the integrity of riparian treed swamps (ecological, hydric, wildlife and vegetation functions). - Ensure that the composition and structure of the swamp s vegetation remains intact. SECTION 3 Nouveau Proposal 28. Harvesting is prohibited in riparian treed swamps. This proposal is designed to give full protection to riparian treed swamps of the following ecological types: silver maple/elm-ash (FO18), black ash/fir (MF18), yellow birch/fir (MJ28) and fir/cedar (RS18). The provisions of the RSFM currently apply only to shrub swamps, and are considered insufficient to protect the wildlife and ecological functions of forest wetland environments composed of treed swamps. 66

75 Proposed provisions concerning the protection of open peat bogs with ponds, marshes, riparian bush swamps and treed swamps, lakes and watercourses Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Avoid disturbing the water regime and soil. - Avoid inflows of sediment into aquatic and wetland environments. - Help to maintain wildlife habitats and species. - Help to maintain plant habitats and species. - Ensure connectivity between riparian and non-riparian forest environments (except proposals 31, 33 and 34). - Enhance the quality of the forest experience (aesthetics) (except proposals 31, 33 and 34). - Contribute to wood harvesting (proposal 30 only). Improved S. 2 of the RSFM Proposal 29. During harvesting, a buffer strip at least 20 metres wide must be preserved around open (unwooded) peat bogs with ponds, swamps, riparian bush swamps and treed swamps, lakes and permanent watercourses. The buffer strip is measured from the line of the stand adjacent to the environment to be protected, or from the upper border of the treed riparian ecotone where it exists. Compared to the RSFM, this proposal indicates more precisely the environments to be protected. The protection of the first 20 metres of forest along an aquatic environment provides basic protection to both the environment itself and several of the animal species that use it. Improved S. 4 of the RSFM Proposal 30. Partial harvesting in a buffer strip around an open (unwooded) peat bog with a pond, a swamp, a riparian bush swamp or treed swamp, a lake or a permanent watercourse is permitted when the slope is less than 30%. No more than 40% of the trees or basal area of the stand can be harvested. In no case shall the density of the forest fall below 700 trees/ha or 16 m 2 /ha. The trees remaining in the buffer strip must be evenly distributed. SECTION 3 This proposal is designed to avoid sediment inflows into aquatic and wetland environments. It allows harvesting to take place while protecting riparian and aquatic species, and helps in maintaining the ambiance of the forest and protecting the visual landscape. It provides for protection of a denser forest canopy following partial cutting, by establishing a harvesting limit based on initial stand density (basal area), instead of simply setting a threshold of 500 stems/ha or 14 m 2 /ha, as was the case in the RSFM. In addition, it provides for a more adequate canopy in less dense stands. 67

76 Improved S. 27 of the Forest Act Proposal 31. A forest machine cannot be operated in a 20-metre buffer strip along an open (unwooded) peat bog with a pond, a marsh, a riparian bush swamp or treed swamp, a lake or a permanent watercourse, except for the purpose of building a road or installing infrastructures. This proposal, adapted from the Forest Act (s. 27), is designed to avoid soil erosion and sediment inflows into aquatic and wetland environments, caused by forest machinery. New Proposal 32. One of the following two options will be selected to protect open (unwooded) peat bogs with ponds: 1. A buffer strip at least 20 metres wide must be preserved along an open (unwooded) peat bog with a pond. 2. A buffer strip at least 60 metres wide must be preserved along 30% of the perimeter of an open (unwooded) peat bog with a pond. However, the use of forest machinery is prohibited in the first 20 metres along an open (unwooded) peat bog with a pond. The buffer strip must be connected to the residual forest. The first option is similar to section 2 of the RSFM, concerning the protection of peat bogs with ponds. The second, regarded as an alternative solution to section 2, is intended to preserve wildlife and plant habitats, reduce the risk of windfall and help enhance landscape quality. New Proposal 33. A forest machine cannot be operated in an 8-metre buffer strip around an open (unwooded) peat bog without a pond. Harvesting may take place in the strip, provided the vegetation cover and stumps are protected. SECTION 3 Improved S. 7 of the RSFM Proposal 34. This proposal protects open (unwooded) peat bogs without ponds, while avoiding soil disturbances such as rutting, alterations to the drainage pattern and sediment inflows into the environment. A forest machine cannot be operated within 8 metres of an intermittent watercourse. Harvesting may take place inside this strip, provided the vegetation cover and stumps are protected. This proposal increases the protective area around intermittent watercourses from 5 metres to 8 metres. It is designed to avoid sediment inflows caused by soil erosion, and to ensure that rutting or soil compaction caused by forest machinery does not disturb the natural water flow. The 8-metre distance corresponds to the length of a tree feller boom and therefore does not hinder harvesting activities. 68

77 Proposed provision concerning the preservation of a buffer strip along salmon rivers Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Enhance the quality of the fishing experience (aesthetics). Proposal 35. Improved S of the Forest Act A buffer strip at least 60 metres wide must be preserved alongside a river or part of a river identified as a salmon river. In the case of lands submerged through the erection of dams, the zone of 60 metres begins at the limit defined by the trees that have perished from being submerged. This proposal, adapted from the Forest Act (s. 28.2) and the Sustainable Forest Development Act (s. 39), is designed to protect the integrity of aquatic environments and preserve visual landscapes. Proposed provision concerning silvicultural drainage Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Preserve water quality. - Avoid sediment inflows into aquatic and wetland environments. New Proposal 36. A silvicultural drainage ditch must include a sedimentation basin at its outlet. The drainage ditch and basin shall not allow sediments to flow into an open (unwooded) peat bog with a pond, a marsh, a riparian bush swamp or treed swamp, a lake or a watercourse, or into a 20-metre strip measured from the line of the stand adjacent to the aquatic or wetland environment to be protected, or from the upper border of the shrubby riparian ecotone, where applicable. Confirmation that there has been no sediment inflow into the drainage network must be sent to the MRNF two years after the work has been completed. SECTION 3 Proposed provision concerning the discharge of wash water from a forest machine 13 Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic and wetland environments. - Preserve water and soil quality. 13. The proposed provisions concerning the washing of forest machinery were established by a committee composed of representatives from the MRNF and the MDDEP, with support from the Conseil de l industrie forestière du Québec (CIFQ). 69

78 New Proposal 37. The discharge of wash water from a forest machine may be dispersed into the environment on the following conditions: - the machine must be washed more than 60 metres from a peat bog, marsh, swamp, lake or watercourse; - the machine must not be washed at the top of a slope leading to a peat bog, marsh, swamp, lake or watercourse; - only the space reserved for the engine must be washed; - the machine must be washed using high-pressure equipment, with no degreasing agents; - a geotextile sheet must be placed under the machine in order to collect the waste materials dislodged during washing; - the sheets (e.g. geotextile) used and waste materials dislodged must be salvaged and eliminated in accordance with the Regulation respecting hazardous materials (R.R.Q., c. Q-2, r. 15.2) SECTION 3 New Proposal 38. If any one of the foregoing conditions is not met, the water used to wash the machine must be salvaged and treated. If treated on site, the waste water must not contain more than 30 mg/l of suspended matter and 15 mg/l of hydrocarbons (C10-C50) before being dispersed into the environment. The owner of the machine must obtain an attestation from the company that treats the waste water, confirming that these standards have been met. The attestation must also contain the contact information and signature of the company that treated the water, as well as the contact information and signature of the owner of the machine, GPS location data for the site at which the machine was washed, and the volume of water treated. The attestation must be kept for at least one year and presented to MRNF personnel upon request. Any mud and solid waste recovered during washing and water treatment must be managed in accordance with the Regulation respecting hazardous materials. Proposed provision concerning dumping and spillage Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic and wetland environments. - Preserve water and soil quality. Improved S of the Forest Act Proposal 39. The dumping of earth, slash, oil, chemical products or other contaminants in a peat bog, marsh, swamp, lake or watercourse is prohibited. This proposal was adapted from the Forest Act (s. 28.1). New Proposal 40. Soils and other matter affected by accidental spillage of fossil fuels must be salvaged. All forest machines must be equipped with a salvage kit for petroleum products, approved by a competent organization. 70

79 THEME 6. Multi-purpose roads and other forest infrastructures Contributes to the following Sustainable Forest Management Strategy objectives - Protect aquatic, riparian and wetland environments by improving forestry practices and road layouts. - Support the development of maple syrup production. Description and extent Photo: Sylvie Delisle, MRNF Forest management and forest-based leisure requires the development of infrastructures, such as a network of multipurpose roads 14 (including trails). Québec s forests are criss-crossed by a variety of logging roads, hauling trails and recreational trails (for hiking, cross-country skiing, cycling, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, horse riding and quadbiking). Every year in Québec, nearly 5,000 km of new forest roads are built, providing access to logging sites, vacation sites and wildlife harvesting zones. A bridge or culvert is needed each time one of these roads crosses a watercourse, and approximately 10,000 of these infrastructures are built in Québec s forest land each year. Sand pits, in a variety of locations, are also needed to develop and maintain a network of multi-purpose roads. The sand, gravel and earth extracted from the pits are used to build and repair the roadways. When logging activities take place far from the nearest town or village, it is often necessary to build a forest camp to provide accommodation and facilities for the forestry workers. The wood that is harvested must also be transported to piling areas alongside roads or railways. The cut trees or logs are brought together in piles for lopping, slashing, debarking, chipping and transhipment. SECTION 3 Lastly, buildings and motorized equipment are needed to cultivate and operate a sugar bush for maple syrup production. 14. Multi-purpose roads are roads built or used in the forest to give access to the forest and its various resources (logging, wildlife harvesting, nature observation, landscapes, hiking, quad bikes, snowmobiles, etc.). A mining road is not considered to be a multi-purpose road within the meaning of the Sustainable Forest Development Act; the legislative framework applicable to mining roads is set out in sections 242 to 250 of the Mining Act (R.S.Q., c. M-13.1). For the new regulation, a multi-purpose road, depending on its width and level of sophistication, may be a road, a lane (groomed or ungroomed), a hauling trail or a recreational trail. 71

80 Impacts of forest management activities The construction of multi-purpose roads, sand pits, piling areas and forest camps can have negative impacts on aquatic, wetland and riparian environments, as well as on wildlife, plant life, visual landscapes and territorial access. One of the most significant impacts of multi-purpose road development is the introduction of sediments into watercourses and the resulting damage to spawning grounds. Sediment inputs usually occur when bridges or culverts are built across watercourses, although poor route planning is also a factor (e.g. roads crossing several watercourses, or bridges or culverts located at the bottom of long, steep slopes). Over time, roads, bridges and culverts inevitably deteriorate, which also causes sediment to enter aquatic environments. Poor maintenance can cause culverts to become obstructed, limiting water and fish movements. Ultimately, poor maintenance can even limit access to the forest, if a road, bridge or culvert deteriorates to such an extent that it becomes impassable. In winter, roads built to provide access to harvesting areas are often rudimentary, and may be impassable during the remainder of the year. If they are very long, they may actually limit access to the area, hindering forest management activities such as restoration of production. Sand pits, piling areas, forest camps and the buildings and equipment used to cultivate and operate sugar bushes for maple syrup production may also have similar impacts if they are located too close to watercourses, wetlands or wildlife habitats. They can cause sediments to be introduced into aquatic and wetland environments, and may also disturb the soil drainage pattern, damage visual landscapes and disturb wildlife. Proposed provisions SECTION 3 The provisions proposed for the future regulation represent improvements or additions to the RSFM. They will ensure that new knowledge is taken into account, and that the concerns regarding multi-purpose roads and other forest infrastructures, expressed by various forestry stakeholders, are considered. The provisions of the future regulation will provide better protection for aquatic, wetland and riparian environments by regulating recreational trails, and will improve upon some of the provisions in the RSFM concerning installations built across watercourses (to limit the introduction of sediments into aquatic environments and allow for the free passage of water and fish). The future regulation will also contain provisions concerning the location of and access to sand pits, piling areas and maple syrup production buildings. 72

81 Multi-purpose roads Proposed provision concerning the location of a multi-purpose road along a marsh, riparian swamp, lake or watercourse Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic and wetland environments. - Avoid disturbing the water regime and soil in wetland environments. - Avoid inputs of sediment into aquatic and wetland environments. Improved S. 17 of the RSFM Proposal 41. No multi-purpose road (except for a hauling trail or recreational trail not used by quad bikes or snowmobiles) shall be built or improved within 60 metres of a lake, permanent watercourse, marsh or riparian swamp, or within 30 metres of an intermittent watercourse. This section shall not apply to a person who, in accordance with section 41 of the Sustainable Forest Development Act (R.S.Q., c. A-18.1), has been authorized by the Minister to build or improve a multi-purpose road in the area covered by this proposal, nor to a person who has obtained such an authorization in a forestry permit or a contract or agreement entered into under the said Act. This proposal adds a number of elements to the measures prescribed in the RSFM. For example, it covers multi-purpose roads but excludes hauling trails and recreational trails not used by quad bikes or snowmobiles (e.g. crosscountry ski trails, hiking trails and cycling trails). It prohibits improvements to (and construction of) multi-purpose roads, in order to protect aquatic and wetland environments. In addition to the lakes and permanent watercourses protection provided by the RSFM, the future regulation will protect marshes and riparian swamps. Where the provisions does not apply, the steps required to protect aquatic and wetland environments will be stipulated in the authorization. Proposed provisions concerning the diversion of runoff water from a multi-purpose road SECTION 3 Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic and wetland environments. - Ensure the sustainability of multi-purpose roads (preserve access to the forest, protect investments). - Avoid inputs of sediment into aquatic and wetland environments. New Proposal 42. The runoff water from the surface of a multi-purpose road must be diverted at regular intervals outside the right-of-way, towards areas located outside the 20-metre buffer strip along a watercourse. To facilitate the application of this measure, the road surface above a culvert may be raised, to ensure that the lowest points of the roadway are located more than 20 metres from the watercourse. 73

82 Proposal 43. Improved Ss. 19 and 40 of the RSFM Improved S. 16 of the RSFM Proposal 44. The water flowing at the foot of the embankment of a multi-purpose road (other than a hauling trail) shall be diverted at regular intervals outside the right-of-way, towards a vegetation area located outside the 20-metre buffer strip along the watercourse. The distance (in metres) between diversions shall be calculated using the following formula: 500 divided by the percentage of the road s slope. This proposal applies to all multi-purpose roads (except for hauling trails), regardless of their slope, whereas the RSFM provision covered only roads with slopes in excess of 9%. The proposal will ensure that water flowing at the foot of the embankment is diverted at regular intervals, to limit erosion and the introduction of sediment into aquatic and wetland environments. The diameter of a drainage pipe used to divert water from one side of a road to the other shall be at least 450 mm. The RSFM stipulates a minimum diameter of 300 mm. The size of the pipe will be increased to 450 mm to reduce the risk of obstruction by granular or organic materials from the forest. Proposed provision concerning the stabilization of multi-purpose road embankments Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic and wetland environments. - Ensure the sustainability of multi-purpose roads (preserve access to the forest, protect investments). - Avoid inputs of sediment into aquatic and wetland environments. SECTION 3 Proposal 45. Improved Ss. 16, 17, 18, 19, 25 and 26 of the RSFM The methods used to stabilize a multi-purpose road embankment shall apply to all roads located near a lake or watercourse, marsh, riparian swamp, peat bog or riparian ecotone. This proposal will help to protect marshes, riparian swamps, peat bogs and their riparian ecotones, and is in addition to the protection already given to lakes and watercourses by the RSFM. 74

83 Proposed provision concerning the maximum width of a multi-purpose road right- of- way Objectives: - Maintain growing forest stands. - Reduce losses of productive forest area. Proposal 46. Improved Ss. 20 and 24 of the RSFM The maximum width of a multi-purpose road shall be four times the width of the roadway, but less than 25 metres. In the case of a sugar bush operated for maple syrup production, the maximum width of the right-ofway shall be 20 metres. This section shall not apply to a person who, in accordance with section 41 of the Sustainable Forest Development Act (R.S.Q., c. A-18.1), has been authorized by the Minister to build a multipurpose road with a right-of-way that is wider than that stipulated in this section, nor to a person who has obtained such an authorization in a forestry permit or a contract or agreement entered into under the said Act. The maximum width of a right-of-way is reduced from 30 metres, as stipulated in the RSFM, to 25 metres in the future regulation. A different maximum width will apply to sugar bushes operated for maple syrup production, a distinction that is not made in the RSFM. Where this provisions does not apply, the necessary amendments will be stipulated in the authorization. Proposed provision concerning the closure of a multi-purpose road Objectives: New - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Ensure the free passage of water and fish. - Avoid inputs of sediment into aquatic environments. Proposal 47. The techniques used for temporary or permanent closure of a multipurpose road should ensure that the free passage of water and fish is not obstructed, and should prevent the introduction of sediments into watercourses. The free passage of water and fish, and inputs of sediment into watercourses, may be caused by the deterioration or collapse of unmaintained structures. SECTION 3 75

84 Proposed provisions concerning the restoration of disturbed road infrastructures Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Ensure the sustainability of road infrastructures (preserve access to the forest, protect investments). - Ensure the free passage of water and fish. - Avoid inputs of sediment into aquatic environments. New Proposal 48. Forest management activities should not cause road infrastructures to deteriorate, nor should they hinder the operation of the roads. If they do so, the infrastructures must be restored immediately. For example, a piling area should not hinder the operation of a ditch or drainage pipe used to divert water from one side of the road to the other. New Proposal 49. Steps must be taken to avoid situations in which uncrushed materials used to sand roads during winter fall are deposited on the stabilized embankment and are carried into watercourses and lakes or into the 20-metre buffer strip around them. Proposed provisions concerning replacement of the term winter road by ungroomed road SECTION 3 Objectives: New - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Ensure the free passage of water and fish. - Avoid disturbing the beds of watercourses. - Avoid inputs of sediment into aquatic environments. Proposal 50. The term ungroomed road will replace the term winter road used in the RSFM (s. 27). An ungroomed road is a route along which all or some of the roots and vegetation cover have been removed, but which has not undergone any excavation work other than that required to grade the surface, and which may be used for the harvesting and transportation of wood only when the ground is frozen. Grading must not create a ditch effect, in order to preserve the natural drainage of the soil. New Proposal 51. No bridge or culvert may be installed on an ungroomed road. Only removable structures are allowed. 76

85 Proposed provisions concerning the development of a recreational trail Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic, wetland and riparian environments. - Foster the use of all forest resources. New Proposal 52. The proposed provisions concerning multi-purpose roads also apply to recreational trails. New Proposal 53. The development of light or rudimentary structures (e.g. pedestrian bridges, small installations made of logs, etc.) is permitted for recreational trails (e.g. cross-country skiing, hiking and cycling) not used by quad bikes or snowmobiles. Photo: MRNF Proposed provision concerning access controls on roads used for the cultivation and operation of a sugar bush for maple syrup production Objective: - Protect investments in maple syrup production buildings and motorized equipment. SECTION 3 New Proposal 54. The holder of a permit for the cultivation and operation of a sugar bush for maple syrup production in a public forest is permitted to install a means (e.g. a gate) to control vehicle access to the sugar house. However, the following conditions must be met: - the main building must be located in a sugar bush operated for maple syrup production, for which a permit has been issued; - the road on which the means of control is installed must lead only to the main building (cul-de-sac); - the means of control must be installed within the boundaries of the site covered by the permit, and at a maximum of 100 metres from the main building. 77

86 Bridges, culverts and removable structures Proposed provisions prohibiting the construction of a bridge across a lake or a bay within a lake Objective: - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. Improved S. 35 of the RSFM Proposal 55. Constructing a bridge across a lake or a bay within a lake is prohibited. This provision shall not apply to a person who, in accordance with section 41 of the Sustainable Forest Development Act (R.S.Q., c. A-18.1), has been authorized by the Minister to build a bridge across a lake or a bay within a lake, nor to a person who has obtained such an authorization in a forestry permit or a contract or agreement entered into under the said Act. Moreover, this section shall not apply to an activity for which a certificate of authorization must be issued following a decision by the government pursuant to section 31.1 of the Environment Quality Act (R.S.Q., c. Q-2). This proposal replaces section 35 of the RSFM, which stipulates that a person who builds a road crossing a lake or a bay within a lake must construct a bridge. Proposed provision prohibiting the construction of a bridge or culvert near a spawning area Objectives: - Avoid the destruction of spawning areas. - Preserve the quality of spawning areas. - Avoid sediment flow into spawning areas. SECTION 3 Improved S. 39 of the RSFM Proposal 56. Construction of a bridge and installation of a culvert or removable structures is prohibited in a spawning area or in the first 500 metres upstream of a spawning area mentioned in an integrated forest management plan. This section shall not apply to a person who, in accordance with section 41 of the Sustainable Forest Development Act (R.S.Q., c. A-18.1), has been authorized by the Minister to build a bridge or install a culvert or removable structure in the area stipulated in this proposal, nor to a person who has obtained such an authorization in forestry permit or a contract or agreement entered into under the said Act. The sediment generated when constructing a bridge or installing a culvert or removable structure may easily settle beyond the 50-metre limit prescribed by the RSFM (and, indeed, beyond the 500-metre limit). Under this proposal, the distance is extended to 500 metres, which will help reduce sediment deposits in spawning areas. Where this section does not apply, the steps required to protect spawning areas will be stipulated in the authorization. 78

87 Proposed provisions prohibiting the construction or improvement of a bridge or structural plate culvert during certain periods Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Ensure the durability of culverts (preserve access to the forest, protect investments). - Ensure the free movement of fish during upstream migration and spawning. - Avoid sediment flow into aquatic environments during fish reproduction periods. Improved S. 37 of the RSFM Proposal 57. Building or improving a bridge or structural plate culvert is prohibited during fish reproduction periods (upstream movement, spawning, incubation and fry rearing). A table setting out the critical periods for each species shall be included as an Appendix in the future regulation. This section shall not apply to a person who, in accordance with section 41 of the Sustainable Forest Development Act (R.S.Q., c. A-18.1), has been authorized by the Minister to build a bridge or structural plate culvert during the periods stipulated in this proposal, nor to a person who has obtained such an authorization in a forestry permit or a contract or agreement entered into under the said Act. This proposal replaces the section of the RSFM that prohibits the installation of a structural plate culvert and the construction or improvement of a bridge during the upstream migration of fish. In the future regulation, the construction or improvement of a bridge or structural plate culvert will be prohibited throughout the whole fish reproduction period, including upstream migration, spawning, incubation and fry rearing. Where this section does not apply, the steps required to protect the fish reproduction period will be stipulated in the authorization. New Proposal 58. No culvert shall be installed between December 15 and March 15. This section shall not apply to a person who, in accordance with section 41 of the Sustainable Forest Development Act (R.S.Q., c. A-18.1), has been authorized by the Minister to install a culvert during the period stipulated in this proposal, nor to a person who has obtained such an authorization in a forestry permit or a contract or agreement entered into under the said Act. It is necessary to prohibit the installation of culverts during the period indicated because there is usually snow on the ground, making it impossible to compact materials around the pipe or to armour the culvert. This causes the culvert to deteriorate, and results in significant quantities of sediment being deposited in the aquatic environment at snowmelt. Where this provision does not apply, the steps required to protect aquatic environments will be stipulated in the authorization. SECTION 3 79

88 Proposed provision prohibiting the use of smooth-walled circular pipes when constructing culverts Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Maintain an adequate waterflow in the culvert to ensure the free movement of fish. - Avoid erosion of the watercourse bed at the culvert outlet. New Proposal 59. Building a culvert composed of one or more smooth-walled circular pipes in a permanent watercourse is prohibited. Proposed provisions concerning calculation of the size of bridges and culverts Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Ensure the durability of bridges and culverts (preserve access to the forest, protect investments). - Ensure the free movement of water and fish. - Avoid scouring of the watercourse bed at the culvert outlet. Improved S. 26 of the RSFM Proposal 60. The maximum flow of the watershed must be calculated in order to establish the type of development that is appropriate as a watercourse crossing. In the table used to determine the size of a culvert (Appendix 5, RSFM), a factor of 10% shall be added to the result of the maximum flow calculation. The diameter of a pipe shall be at least 600 mm, but the pipe shall not have the effect of widening the watercourse. Where widening may occur, a 450 mm pipe shall be installed instead. SECTION 3 Under the future regulation, the maximum flow for the drainage basin must be calculated for the construction of any structure across a watercourse. The RSFM only requires this calculation (Appendices 3 and 4) for structures that would reduce the width of the watercourse by more than 20%. In the future regulation, the 10% factor is added to the results of the maximum flow calculation (in the table in Appendix 5 of the RSFM) as a safety margin, to consider variations in maximum flows caused by climate change. In the RSFM, the minimum diameter of a culvert was 450 mm. This value will be increased to 600 mm in the future regulation, to reduce the risk of obstruction by granular or organic materials. New Proposal 61. The theoretical velocity of water in a culvert must be calculated in order to establish the size of the materials that will be used to stabilize the watercourse bed at the culvert entrance and exit, and hence to limit scouring. The calculation method required, and the theoretical velocities that are acceptable for each material used, will be provided in an Appendix to the future regulation. 80

89 Proposed provisions concerning the allowable reduction in the width of a watercourse by a bridge or culvert Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Ensure the durability of bridges and culverts (preserve access to the forest, protect investments). - Ensure the free movement of water and fish. - Avoid scouring of the watercourse bed at the culvert or bridge outlet. Improved S. 26 of the RSFM Proposal 62. The construction of a bridge or the installation of a culvert shall not reduce the width of a watercourse by more than 20% (measured from the natural high-water mark), where the slope is 5% or more in the first 50 metres upstream of the proposed site of the bridge or culvert. In the future regulation, the amount by which the width of a watercourse may be reduced by a bridge or culvert will be calculated on the basis of the watercourse slope and the results of the maximum flow calculations, as required in the RSFM. This measure helps to prevent water velocity from increasing under bridges or in culverts, thereby hindering the free movement of fish. This explanation also applies to Proposal 63. Improved S. 26 of the RSFM Proposal 63. The construction of a bridge or the installation of a culvert shall not reduce the width of a watercourse by more than 50% (measured from the natural high water mark), where the slope is less than 5% in the first 50 metres upstream from the proposed site of the bridge or culvert. SECTION 3 Photo: MRNF 81

90 Proposed provisions concerning the conditions for installation of a culvert with a closed contour Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Ensure the durability of culverts (preserve access to the forest, protect investments). - Ensure the free movement of fish. - Avoid scouring of the watercourse bed at the culvert outlet. Proposal 64. Improved Ss. 28 and 29 of the RSFM The installation of a closed contour culvert is permitted on certain conditions: - the closed contour structure must be installed with a zero slope, so that a waterfall effect is not created at the outlet; - the closed contour structure must be no longer than 25 metres; - the base of the closed contour structure must be buried below the natural bed of the watercourse, at a depth equivalent to 10% of the culvert s height; - the clearance after burial of the pipe must allow for an evacuation surface equivalent to the size of the pipe established from the maximum flow calculation (Appendix 5, RSFM). Under the future regulation, a pipe may not be more than 25 metres long, and the post-installation slope must be zero. This proposal differs from the RSFM, which allows for the installation of pipes measuring more than 25 metres in length, and requires that the pipe slope be equivalent to that of the watercourse ( 1 %). This proposal will help prevent the formation of waterfalls at culvert outlets, and will also help maintain a water velocity conducive to the movement of fish. Under the future regulation, closed contour structures may only be installed on sites where they can be buried; this requirement did not exist in the RSFM. SECTION 3 Proposal 65. If the conditions in Proposal 64 cannot be met, an open contour structure (e.g. an arch culvert) must be installed instead. Improved Ss. 28 and 29 of the RSFM 82

91 Proposed provisions regarding the conditions for construction of a parallel pipe culvert Objectives: New - Preserve the quality of aquatic and wetland environments. - Ensure the durability of culverts (preserve access to the forest, protect investments). - Maintain an adequate waterflow in the culvert to ensure the free movement of fish. - Avoid inputs of sediment into aquatic environments. Proposal 66. A culvert may not be composed of more than two parallel pipes. However, a third pipe may be installed where the width of the watercourse would be reduced by a percentage in excess of that permitted (proposals 62 and 63) if only two pipes were installed. A culvert composed of more than two pipes is less resistant to strong flooding on wider watercourses, and may be damaged or washed away. New Proposal 67. Parallel pipes of different diameters may be installed, provided the total dimension of the pipes, established from the maximum flow calculation for the watershed, is respected. The difference in size must not be more than one diameter class. For example, instead of three pipes of 3,000 mm, one pipe of 3,300 mm, one pipe of 3,000 mm and one pipe of 2,700 mm may be installed. Proposed provisions concerning the drying out of working areas when building a bridge or culvert Objectives: New New - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Ensure the durability of bridges and culverts (preserve access to the forest, protect investments). - Avoid inputs of sediment into aquatic environments. - Limit the time during which the movement of fish is prevented. Proposal 68. Proposal 69. The work area must be dried out when constructing or removing a bridge or culvert located in the first 500 metres upstream of a spawning area mentioned in an integrated forest development plan, or in the first 100 metres upstream of a potential spawning area. This section shall not apply to a person who, in accordance with section 41 of the Sustainable Forest Development Act (R.S.Q., c. A-18.1), has been authorized by the Minister not to dry out a work area when constructing or removing a bridge or culvert, nor to a person who has obtained such an authorization in a forestry permit or a contract or agreement entered into under the said Act. The movement of fish may be obstructed for a maximum of 48 hours when a work zone is dried out for the purpose of constructing or removing a bridge or culvert. This measure applies mainly to small watercourses. SECTION 3 83

92 Proposed provisions concerning removable structures Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Ensure the free movement of water and fish. - Avoid inputs of sediment into aquatic environments. - Avoid disturbing watercourse beds. Improved S. 27 of the RSFM Proposal 70. On an ungroomed road, only a temporary structure may be installed across a watercourse. Under the RSFM, culverts may be built on ungroomed roads (winter roads). However, the snow on the ground makes it impossible to compact the materials around the pipe or to stabilize the culvert. This causes the culvert to deteriorate, and results in significant quantities of sediment being deposited in the aquatic environment when the snow melts. The use of a removable structure helps prevent situations such as these. New Proposal 71. The term removable structure is proposed as a replacement for bridging. A removable structure is a structure that is installed on a temporary basis to cross a watercourse. The removable structure must ensure that the forest machine does not come into contact with the watercourse, while allowing for free passage of water and fish. At the end of the activity, it must be removed so as to avoid inputs of sediment into the watercourse and potential obstruction of the water. A removable structure may be installed only on a trail used for forestry activities or on an ungroomed road. A removable structure may be: SECTION 3 - a structure that crosses a watercourse; - a structure composed of one or more pipes at least 60 cm in diameter, installed on the bed of a watercourse, with fill composed of tree trunks or snow and covered with a biodegradable geotextile membrane and granular material; - a structure composed of compacted snow or frozen water, covered with a biodegradable geotextile membrane and granular material; - a structure composed solely of frozen water (ice bridge). 84

93 Proposed provision concerning the stabilization of a watercourse bed, bank or shore that has been disturbed Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Avoid inputs of sediment into aquatic environments. New Proposal 72. A watercourse bed, bank or shore that has been disturbed during the installation or removal of a bridge, culvert or removable structure must be stabilized. Other forest infrastructures Proposed provision concerning the location of a sand pit in relation to a marsh, bush swamp, lake or watercourse Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic, wetland and riparian environments. - Preserve the hydric properties of sites and adjacent environments. - Avoid inputs of sediment into aquatic, wetland and riparian environments. Proposal 73. Improved Ss. 22 and 23 of the RSFM The proposals concerning sand pit location are : - The operating area of a sand pit and the area used to store excavated earth and topsoil must be located 30 metres and 20 metres, respectively, from a permanent or intermittent watercourse, lake, marsh or bush swamp, measured from the tree line adjacent to the aquatic or wetland environment, or from the upper border of the bushy riparian ecotone, if one exists. - The bottom of the sand pit must, at all times, be above the groundwater level. - For operations below the groundwater level, a hydrogeological study must show that there will be no impact on the environment or on the performance of the groundwater intake structures of users of the groundwater resource, located within a radius of 1 kilometre. Mitigation measures may be proposed where applicable. SECTION 3 85

94 Proposed provision concerning the location of a sand pit in relation to a park, protected area or habitat of a threatened or vulnerable plant or wildlife species Objective: - Preserve the integrity of a park, a protected area and the habitat of a threatened or vulnerable plant or wildlife species. New Proposal 74. A distance of at least 100 metres must be preserved between the operating area of a sand pit and the boundaries of a park (in accordance with the Parks Act [R.S.Q., c. P-9]), a protected area (in accordance with the Natural Heritage Conservation Act [R.S.Q., c. C-61.01]) and the habitat of a threatened or vulnerable plant or wildlife species (in accordance with the Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife and the Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species [R.S.Q., c. E-12.01]). Proposed provision concerning the location of a piling area in relation to an open (unwooded) peat bog, marsh, swamp, lake or watercourse Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic and wetland environments. - Ensure the durability of road infrastructures (preserve access to the forest and protect investments). - Avoid inputs of sediment into aquatic, wetland and riparian environments. Improved S. 13 of the RSFM Proposal 75. A piling area may not be laid out within 20 metres of an open (unwooded) peat bog, marsh, bush swamp, lake or watercourse. The purpose of this proposal is to protect open (unwooded) peat bogs, marshes and bush swamps, as well as lakes and watercourses. SECTION 3 Proposed provision concerning the location of buildings and motorized equipment needed to cultivate and operate a sugar bush for maple syrup production Objectives: - Preserve the quality of aquatic environments. - Prevent the contamination of aquatic environments by various pollutants (fossil fuels, tube cleaning products, etc.). New Proposal 76. No building or motorized equipment required to cultivate and operate a sugar bush for maple syrup production shall be set up within 30 metres of a lake or watercourse. 86

95 THEME 7. Optimum wood harvesting, forest regeneration and soil protection Contributes to the following Sustainable Forest Management Strategy objectives - Take soil fertility into account when planning forest management activities - Support the use of forest biomass as an energy source - Support the development of maple syrup production - Preserve ecosystem productivity by reducing rutting in cutting areas, the area covered by forest roads, and soil disturbances along forest roads Description and extent In Québec, the average volume of wood harvested annually on public land, over the last ten years, has been around 26 million cubic metres. Commercial silvicultural treatments, mainly felling, have been carried out on around 500,000 hectares each year. Steps have been taken to avoid wood wastage and to reduce the loss of productive areas. Photo: MRNF The MRNF gives priority to the natural regeneration of harvested sites. Forest management activities must be carried out in a way that protects the soil and existing regeneration. The aim of this guideline is to perpetuate the natural forest by promoting growth of the species originally present on the site and genetically adapted to the local ecological conditions. Sand pits, camp sites and piling areas must also be brought back into production. Forest management activities also take place on public land for purposes other than mill supply. Maple syrup production is carried out on almost 35,000 hectares. From the standpoint of integrated resource management, it is important to protect the maple stands used for syrup production, and to harmonize the activities that take place in the stands. Impact of forest management activities SECTION 3 Forest harvesting must be carried out in a way that avoids wasting any commercially usable wood. Forest management activities can also have consequences for long-term forest productivity. For example, logging can disturb the soil and regeneration and delay re-establishment of the forest cover. Logging along the boundary of a sugar bush used for maple syrup production can trigger major changes that damage tree health and syrup yields. The harvesting of forest biomass is also a concern because it may impoverish the soil. Forest roads, the sand pits used for road construction, forest camps and piling areas all occupy productive forest land for an indeterminate period. 87

96 Proposed provisions The provisions proposed for the future regulation will improve the existing regulatory measures and introduce some new measures in response to the concerns raised by stakeholders concerning the re-establishment of the forest cover, protection for sugar bushes used for maple syrup production, ongoing productivity of forest soils, and the management of sand pits and piling areas. Proposed provisions concerning the optimum use of wood Objective: - Avoid wastage of wood. Proposal 77. Improved Ss. 87 and 88 of yhe RSFM The management polygon is the unit used to assess the volume of usable wood residue that may be recovered from cutting areas after harvesting. In the future regulation, the management polygon will replace the forest management sector as the unit used to assess the volume of usable wood residue that may be recovered. The management polygon is a continuous area of forest to which the same silvicultural treatments are applied. The characteristics of the usable wood residue will be recorded on the management permit. SECTION 3 Improved S. 86 of the RSFM Proposal 78. During the summer, the maximum stump height is 15 cm. When there is snow on the ground, the maximum stump height is 30 cm. If the snow on the ground is equal to a water column of 20 cm or more, the maximum stump height is 45 cm. The aim of this proposal is to maximize the use of the resource by recovering a volume of wood that would otherwise be left in the cutting area. The maximum stump height is lower than in the RSFM. Considering that tree diameter is greatest at the base, harvesting this portion makes sense, and current harvesting methods already make this possible. 88

97 Proposed provisions concerning protection for pre-established regeneration and soils Objectives: - Protect natural forest regeneration. - Minimize delays in forest regeneration. - Minimize the impacts of forest machinery on soils to maintain productivity. - Avoid disturbances to the water regime. - Reduce losses of productive forest areas. Improved S. 89 of the RSFM Proposal 79. Felling and hauling trails must take up no more than 33% of the area of a forest management sector. Pre-established regeneration of target species must be protected, at the rates set out in the RSFM. The aim of this proposal is to provide better soil and regeneration protection. It is generally accepted that when trails are limited to 25% of a management sector (section 89 of the RSFM), this does not provide adequate protection for regeneration. When the occupation rate is reduced, the arm of the tree feller must cover a greater distance to harvest trees, increasing the risk of damage to smaller trees. New Proposal 80. Rutting in felling and hauling trails must not occur over more than 25% of the trails, by length, in a cutting zone. Proposed provision concerning the retention of a buffer strip around sugar bushes used for maple syrup production Objective: New - Prevent tree decline around maple stands to maintain their potential for syrup production. Proposal 81. When a regeneration cut is carried out around a productive maple stand, a 20 metre buffer strip must be maintained along the boundary of the maple stand to provide protection. A partial cut within the buffer strip is possible, on the same harvesting conditions as in proposal 30. A clearcut around a sugar bush used for maple syrup production may trigger a major change in the environmental conditions likely to damage tree health and syrup production. This proposal mitigates the impact of the change around maple stands. The 20-metre buffer strip can also be used as a passage to maintain the equipment used for syrup production. SECTION 3 89

98 Proposed provision concerning the retention of forest biomass on sensitive soils Objective: - Prevent soil impoverishment in order to maintain the productivity of sensitive sites. New Proposal 82. On sites recognized as having a long-term fertility problem, the removal of branches and crowns left on the ground following harvesting will be prohibited. The sites will be described in the future regulation. On low-fertility sites, the removal of all or most of the woody debris left after harvesting may impoverish the soil and compromise tree growth. Leaving branches and crowns on the ground may mitigate the problem. Proposed provision concerning the management and rehabilitation of sand pits and piling areas Objectives: - Reduce losses of productive forest areas. - Ensure that sites are returned to production after use. New Proposal 83. Sand pits and piling areas must, when no longer used, be replanted with suitable species within a maximum of two years, after the conditions required for forest growth have been recreated. Current and future sand pits must comply with the standards in force. A management plan for sand pits and piling areas must be produced. SECTION 3 The management plan must specify the location and expected duration of use of each site. The requirement to produce a management plan should encourage long-term assessment of the use and future of such sites. Every integrated forest management plan must include a section on the management of current and future sand pits and piling areas. Photo: Stéphane Déry, MRNF 90

99 THEME 8. Spatial patterns and temporal distribution of forest management activities and residual forests Contributes to the following Sustainable Forest Management objectives - Ensure that the age structure of managed forests resembles that of natural forests - Apply a model for the spatial patterns and temporal distribution of forest management activities that is based on the natural forest Photo: Marc Leblanc, MRNF Description and extent Most public forest land in Québec is managed. This vast forested area is subdivided into bioclimatic domains, each of which has its own climate, soil and vegetation conditions, and constitutes an ecologically distinct zone. In an ecosystembased management approach, all forest management activities must be adapted to the prevailing conditions. In the spruce-moss domain, the most northerly part of the managed forest, an area of 412,000 km 2 is under forest management. One of the key issues is to maintain the habitat of the woodland caribou (a vulnerable species) and large tracts of forest. Further south, the balsam fir-white birch and balsam firyellow birch domains cover an area of 551,400 km 2. The management issues in the balsam fir domain are numerous and complex. The spatial patterns and temporal distribution of forest management activities and residual forests is more likely to affect other forest users (Aboriginal people, forest operators, cottage owners, environmental groups, etc.) in this zone, because they are present in greater numbers. Last, the deciduous domains of maple-yellow birch, maple-basswood and maple-bitternut hickory are found in southern Québec, where a large part of the forest is under private ownership. These ecosystems also exhibit considerable biological diversity. The forest landscape is shaped by natural disturbances such as forest fires and insect epidemics, as well as forest management activities. The spatial patterns and temporal distribution of forest management activities and residual forests generates a number of environmental, social and economic issues that must be taken into account in the application of ecosystem-based management. These issues include: SECTION 3 91

100 - biological and ecosystem diversity; - the need for fauna and flora habitat; - the acceptance of forestry practices by the general population (social acceptability), particularly regarding the quality of landscapes and the forest experience; - access to forest land by users associated with both the forestry and the recreotourism industries; - the cost of road construction and wood harvesting and transportation. Impacts of forest management activities The impacts of how forest management activity is distributed are felt at several levels. In the short term, harvesting reduces the quantity of mature forest in the landscape, and generally reduces the age of the forest mosaic. These changes can have impacts for wildlife habitats and biodiversity, depending on the distribution model chosen. Harvesting can also cause some forest species to disappear locally, although in most cases the disappearance is temporary. Over the medium term, it promotes the species associated with young forests rather than those associated with mature forests. On a larger scale, the spatial patterns and temporal distribution of forest management activities can fragment large tracts of forest and have repercussions for wildlife habitats and biodiversity, depending on the distribution model chosen. Harvests of different intensity may also influence the hydrological cycle and disturb aquatic environments. The model used to distribute forest management activities and residual forests determines the location and extent of the forest road network. Road access to managed areas has major environmental implications, in particular for aquatic habitats (because of sedimentation), but also for some terrestrial species such as woodland caribou (which is more vulnerable to predation and disturbance). SECTION 3 The construction of access roads has several advantages. It provides access to wood and wildlife resources, and allows for vacation development, the application of silvicultural treatments and forest fire fighting operations. On the other hand, it causes losses of productive forest area and increases the pressure on ecosystems (risk of human-induced fires, increased harvesting of wildlife species, disturbance of wildlife species, degradation of the aquatic environment, etc.). The distribution model chosen determines the cost of road construction and maintenance. In aesthetic terms, the spatial patterns and temporal distribution of forest management activities and residual forests mark the forest landscape for many years. 92

101 Proposed provisions The proposals for the future regulation introduce provisions that are not found in the RSFM. The future regulation will set out the basic rules for ecosystem-based management in the spruce-moss domain 15 to reduce the gap between natural and managed forests and prevent loss of biodiversity. For the balsam fir-white birch and maple domains, block cutting will remain the chief model for the spatial and temporal distribution of forest management activities and residual forests, until new guidelines are determined. Proposed provisions concerning the spatial patterns and temporal distribution of forest management activities and residual forests in the spruce-moss domain To maintain or reconstitute the main spatial attributes of a natural forest in the longer term, the MRNF has been working for several years on the development of a distribution model for the spatial patterns and temporal distribution of forest management activities and residual forests in the spruce-moss domain. The ecosystembased forest management model has already been incorporated into the general forest management plan for several management units, by way of a departure from the regulation under section 25.3 of the Forest Act. The basic rules for this management model in the spruce-moss domain will be included in the future regulation. Objectives: New - Contribute to ecosystem-based forest management. - Contribute to biological diversity. - Help to preserve the habitats of certain wildlife species, such as woodland caribou. - Maintain and distribute a minimum number of sectors with the characteristics of an almost undisturbed forest. - Distribute cuts and residual forests in a way that harmonizes different forest uses and mitigates the visual impact of cuts. - Create refuges and recolonization bases for plant life and wildlife. Proposal 84. The model for the spatial patterns and temporal distribution of forest management activities and residual forests in the spruce-moss domain will include aggregated cut blocks, adjacency zones and large tracts of forest. SECTION Except for the area covered by the Agreement Concerning A New Relationship Between the Gouvernement du Québec and the Crees of Québec. 93

102 New Proposal 85. Aggregated cut blocks are areas of 30 to 250 km 2 (3,000 to 25,000 ha) in which cutting zones are concentrated, with or without zones of recent natural disturbance (fire, windfall, etc.). Aggregated cut blocks are divided into size classes: 30 to 70 km 2, 70 to 110 km 2 and 110 to 150 km 2. In some sectors of the spruce-moss domain where woodland caribou management plans are in effect, they can be as large as 250 km 2. The size classes for aggregated cut blocks are close to the size of natural disturbances in the spruce-moss domain. In addition, they are determined on the basis of what is socially acceptable in terms of cutting area dimensions. The use of large aggregated cut blocks 250 km 2 ) in woodland caribou habitats is intended, over the long term, to recreate large forest blocks that meet the species needs. New Proposal 86. Within each aggregated cut block, at least 30% of the intact residual forest measuring 7 metres or more in height must be maintained at all times, and must be evenly distributed and representative of the area. The MRNF will publish a guide on the rules for distributing forest management activities and residual forests. It will focus in particular on the distribution of cutting areas, forest composition, and recommended silvicultural treatments (including variable retention harvesting). The information provided in the document will complement the guidelines of the sustainable forest management strategy and the basic rules for ecosystem-based management in the future regulation. SECTION 3 New Proposal 87. Adjacency zones are forest areas at least 1 km wide between two regenerating aggregated cut blocks (in which the stands are less than 3 metres high) or between a regenerating aggregated cut block and a zone having suffered a natural disturbance (fire, windfall, etc.). Each adjacency zone must contain more than 70% of stands measuring 7 metres or more in height, evenly distributed over the zone. The MRNF will publish a guide on the rules for distributing forest management activities and residual forests, setting out the required elements for meeting the objective of distributing aggregated cut blocks in a way that promotes the creation of a well-connected forest landscape and minimizes the use of adjacency zones. New Proposal 88. Large tracts of forest are forest areas of at least 30 km 2 in which the productive forest contains at least 70% of stands measuring 7 metres or more in height, evenly distributed over the area. 94

103 New Proposal 89. A management plan for large tracts of forest must be produced to ensure a sufficient number of large tracts of forest and a suitable distribution over the management unit. Proposed provisions concerning the spatial patterns and temporal distribution of forest management activities and residual forests in the balsam fir-white birch and balsam fir-yellow birch domains The provisions of the RSFM concerning the distribution of forest management activities and residual forests (including block cutting) in the balsam fir-white birch and balsam fir-yellow birch domains will be included in the future regulation. However, the MRNF will set up four test areas in these domains, in four different management units. Provincial working groups will determine the key parameters for the tests and the preliminary guidelines for responding to the issue of spatial forest organization in the balsam fir domains. The results of the tests will be used to set guidelines for a new approach to the spatial patterns and temporal distribution of forest management activities in ecosystem-based management. This new approach may be included in the future regulation. Under the Sustainable Forest Development Act, a departure from the regulatory standards on block cutting will be necessary to implement the four tests. Proposed provisions concerning the spatial patterns and temporal distribution of forest management activities and residual forests in the deciduous forest sub-zone The provisions of the RSFM concerning the distribution of forest management activities and residual forests (including block cutting) in the deciduous forest will be transferred to the future regulation. At a later stage, the MRNF will have to determine the issues for spatial forest organization in the deciduous forest through ecosystem-based forest management. Once the issues have been determined, new proposals, better suited to conditions in the deciduous forest, will be defined and possibly included in a revision of the future regulation. SECTION 3 Photo: Geneviève Brunet, MRNF 95