WHITE RIVER FOREST SUSTAINABLE FOREST LICENCE # INDEPENDENT FOREST AUDIT FOR THE FIVE-YEAR PERIOD APRIL 1, 2003 TO MARCH 31, 2008 ACTION PLAN

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1 WHITE RIVER FOREST SUSTAINABLE FOREST LICENCE # INDEPENDENT FOREST AUDIT FOR THE FIVE-YEAR PERIOD APRIL 1, 2003 TO MARCH 31, 2008 ACTION PLAN

2 INDEPENDENT FOREST AUDIT ACTION PLAN APPROVAL for the WHITE RIVER FOREST Prepared by: Keith Ley, R.P.F. Manager, Forest Planning and Environment Domtar Inc. David de Geus, R.P.F., Area Forester Wawa-White River Area, Ministry of Natural Resources Reviewed by: Keith Ley, R.P.F. Manager, Forest Planning and Environment, Domtar Inc. Michelle Miller Wawa and White River Area Supervisor Ministry of Natural Resources Submitted by: John Peluch Wawa District Manager Ministry of Natural Resources

3 Endorsed by: Eric Doidge, R.P.F., Regional Director Northeast Region Ministry of Natural Resources Richard B. Greenwood, R.P.F., Director Forest Management Branch Ministry of Natural Resources Approved by: Frank Kennedy, Assistant Deputy Minister Science and Information Resources Division Ministry of Natural Resources Approved by: David de Launay Assistant Deputy Minister Field Services Division Ministry of Natural Resources

4 Introduction ArborVitae Environmental Services Ltd., conducted an Independent Forest Audit (the Audit) of the management of the White River Forest, for the period April 1, 2003 to March 31, Domtar Inc. (Domtar) holds forest tenure rights for the White River Forest under Sustainable Forest Licence (SFL) # The Independent Forest Audit Process and Protocol (IFAPP) February 2008 prepared by the Ministry of Natural Resources provided the framework for the audit. The purpose of the Independent Forest Audit of the White River Forest was to assess compliance with the Crown Forest Sustainability Act (CFSA), the Forest Management Planning process, and planned versus actual management activities. The Audit also assessed the effectiveness of forest management activities in achieving audit criteria and management objectives, and the Licensee s compliance with the terms and conditions of the Sustainable Forest Licence (SFL). The focus of the Audit s activities was a site visit to the White River Forest, which included: An in-depth review of management documents at the offices of Domtar and at the Ministry of Natural Resources office in Wawa; Interviews with staff of Domtar, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and overlapping licencees; Consultations with members of the public, and the White River Area Co-Management Committee (WRACC); and Intensive field inspections of a variety of management activities that took place within the review period. The Audit Team issued 16 recommendations and two best practices. This Action Plan addresses the recommendations made by the Audit Team. Responses addressing each recommendation are broken up into four sections: 1. Specific action to be taken. 2. Organization/individual responsible for completing the action. 3. Deadline date. 4. Method of tracking progress of the action. The current version of the IFAPP requires this Action Plan to address the 12 recommendations directed at the Company and Wawa District MNR. Corporate recommendations (# s 2, 6, 7 and 14) are not part of this action plan. Although the audit identified 12 recommendations for Domtar and Wawa District MNR, this was a very positive audit. The Audit Team s conclusion is: The audit team concludes that management of the White River Forest was generally in compliance with the legislation, regulations and policies that were in effect during the term covered by the audit, and the Forest was managed in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Sustainable Forest Licence held by Domtar (SFL # ). Forest sustainability is being achieved, as assessed through the Independent Forest Audit Process and Protocol. The audit team recommends the Minister extend the term of Sustainable Forest Licence # for a further five years. 10/13/2009, 4:38 PM. 1

5 Actions to Address Audit Team Recommendations Recommendation #: 1 Audit Principle: Public Participation Subject Area: Local Citizens Committee Wawa District MNR is to ensure that minutes of all LCC meetings are available in its records. Wawa District MNR will ensure that minutes of all LCC meetings are available in its records by: 1. The MNR Wawa District will continue to print and file copies of all LCC meeting minutes received from the LCC secretary. 2. LCC Meeting minutes and correspondence will be filed by fiscal year in binders and will be located in the MNR Wawa District Central File. 1. MNR, Wawa District Manager; MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR Wawa and White River Area Forester (lead) 2. MNR, Wawa District Manager; MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR Wawa and White River Area Forester (lead) 1. April 3, 2009 and ongoing thereafter 2. April 3, 2009 and ongoing thereafter MNR initiated this action in and minutes from that point forward are complete and available in the MNR Wawa District Central File. The audit recommendation reflects the inconsistent filing of meeting minutes prior to that time. 10/13/2009, 4:38 PM. 2

6 Recommendation #: 3 Audit Principle: Public Participation Subject Area: Local Citizens Committee Wawa District MNR is to continue its efforts to maintain a constructive relationship with the WRACC. MNR Wawa District will continue its efforts to maintain a constructive relationship with the WRACC by: 1. Assessing WRACC and MNR needs on an annual basis. MNR will forward WRACC an annual letter identifying the status of WRACC and expectations for the coming fiscal year. 2. Working with WRACC to review the WRACC Terms of Reference annually during a WRACC meeting and renew the Terms of Reference as necessary. 3. Ensuring an MNR Representative is present at WRACC Meetings. 4. Ensuring that annual MNR funding is made available to WRACC for expenses related to the operation of WRACC to meet the requirements of its mandate, outlined in the WRACC Terms of Reference. 1. MNR, Wawa District Manager (lead); MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR Wawa and White River Area Forester 2. MNR, Wawa District Manager; MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR Wawa and White River Area Forester (lead) 3. MNR, Wawa District Manager; MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor (lead); MNR Wawa and White River Area Forester 4. MNR, Wawa District Manager; MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor (lead); MNR Wawa and White River Area Forester 1. September, 2009 and ongoing annually thereafter 2. September, 2009 and ongoing annually thereafter 3. April 3, 2009 and ongoing monthly thereafter 4. April 3, 2009 and ongoing annually thereafter 1. MNR annual letter to WRACC identifying the status of WRACC and expectations for the coming fiscal year. 2. WRACC Terms of Reference and WRACC meeting minutes. 3. WRACC meeting minutes. 4. WRACC invoice tracking by MNR Wawa District. 10/13/2009, 4:38 PM. 3

7 Recommendation #: 4 Audit Principle: Public Participation Subject Area: Aboriginal Involvement in Forest Management Planning That MNR and Domtar work with Pic River and Pic Mobert to provide a more sound legal basis for the allocations which have been granted to Pic River First Nation (through PRDC) and Pic Mobert First Nation. MNR and Domtar will work with Pic River First Nation and Pic Mobert First Nation to provide a more sound legal basis for the allocations which have been granted to Pic River First Nation (through Pic River Development Corporation) and Pic Mobert First Nation (through White Lake Resources Corporation) by: 1. Convening a meeting(s) between Domtar, Pic River First Nation and Pic Mobert First Nation to discuss the need for a more sound legal basis for harvest operations. 2. If a need is identified in the meeting, then, MNR will work with Domtar and the MNR Forest Industry Relations Branch to determine the appropriate time and means by which to establish a more sound legal basis for harvest operations for Pic River First Nation and Pic Mobert First Nation. 1. MNR, Wawa District Manager (lead); MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR Wawa and White River Area Forester 2. MNR, Wawa District Manager (lead); MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR Wawa and White River Area Forester 1. March 31, Timeframe and action dependent upon outcome of step Meeting minutes and Class EA for Forest Management Term and Condition 34 Annual Report on negotiations with Aboriginal communities 2. Meeting minutes and Class EA for Forest Management Term and Condition 34 Annual Report on negotiations with Aboriginal communities 10/13/2009, 4:38 PM. 4

8 Recommendation #: 5 Audit Principle: Public Participation Subject Area: Aboriginal Involvement in Forest Management Planning Wawa District MNR is to initiate consultation with Michipicoten First Nation and the Hornepayne aboriginal community to identify ways for each of them to achieve a more equal participation in the benefits provided through forest management planning on one or more of the forests in Wawa District. Wawa District MNR will initiate consultation with Michipicoten First Nation and the Hornepayne aboriginal community to identify ways for each of them to achieve a more equal participation in the benefits provided through forest management planning on one or more of the forests in Wawa District by: 1. Convening meeting(s) with Michipicoten First Nation and Hornepayne Aboriginal community separately to discuss their interests and collaboratively identify ways for each of them to achieve a more equal participation in the benefits provided through forest management planning. 2. Continuing to provide opportunities for Michipicoten First Nation and Hornepayne Aboriginal community to participate in Forest Management Planning in those forests which the communities have traditional territories. MNR will ensure that the Aboriginal Consultation requirements of the Forest Management Planning Manual, 2004, are followed. 1. MNR, Wawa District Manager (lead); MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR Wawa, White River Area Forester and MNR Resource Planner 2. MNR, Wawa District Manager (lead); MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR Wawa, White River Area Forester and MNR Resource Planner 1. March 31, At Invitation to Participate Stage in those forests which the communities have traditional territories in the Forest Management Planning process 1. Class EA for Forest Management Term and Condition 34 Annual Report on negotiations with Aboriginal communities 2. In the Aboriginal Consultation section of the applicable Forest Management Plans and Class EA for Forest Management Term and Condition 34 Annual Report on negotiations with Aboriginal communities 10/13/2009, 4:38 PM. 5

9 Recommendation #: 8 Audit Principle: Plan Implementation Subject Area: Harvest The Company is to review and improve the implementation of its slash pile management approach so that it is more effective at minimizing the loss of productive area across all forest types. 1. Domtar will conduct a review of historic slash pile management results on the White River Forest. This review will examine treatment rates by treatment type and forest unit, and investigate and recommend methods of improvement. 2. The investigations and recommendations from the review of slash pile management results will be used to refine the management of roadside slash so that it is more effective at minimizing the loss of productive area across all forest types. 1. Domtar Inc., Operations Forester (lead). 2. Domtar Inc., Operations Forester (lead). 1. Following the resumption of Domtar Inc. operations on the White River Forest, or no later than March 31, Following the resumption of Domtar Inc. operations on the White River Forest. 1. Report on current slash pile management results. 2. Implementation of slash pile management will be documented in the Management Unit Annual Reports. 10/13/2009, 4:38 PM. 6

10 Recommendation #: 9 Audit Principle: Plan Implementation Subject Area: Access The Company is to remove the culvert at water crossing 76-5 immediately after harvesting and silviculture work on areas accessed by road has been completed. 1. The culvert at crossing # 76-5 will be removed following completion of silvicultural activities as indicated in FOIP inspection report # MNR will consider the installation of a ford depending on the recreational use of the area. 2. The MNR Wawa District and Domtar will monitor the culvert annually following spring freshet, until it is removed to track any adverse environmental impacts which indicate the need for more urgent corrective action by Domtar. Baseline photos have been taken (June, 2009) to compare with future observations. 1. Domtar Inc., Operations Forester (lead), MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor. 2. Domtar Inc., Operations Forester (lead), MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR Wawa and White River Area Forester (lead), MNR Wawa/White River Area Technician. 1. Following resumption of Domtar Inc. operations on the White River Forest and the completion of silvicultural activities. 2. June, 2009 and ongoing annually thereafter 1. FOIP inspection will be completed following removal of culvert. 2. FOIP inspection will be completed following observation of culvert. 10/13/2009, 4:38 PM. 7

11 Recommendation #: 10 Audit Principle: Plan Implementation Subject Area: Access The Company is to identify and implement means to ensure thorough compliance inspections of culvert installations. 1. A review of the requirements for the inspection of water crossings will take place with all compliance inspectors when operations resume on the White River Forest. 2. A sample of FOIP inspection reports of water crossings will be reviewed to verify conformance with requirements. 1. Domtar Inc., Operations Forester (lead). 2. Domtar Inc., Operations Forester (lead), MNR, Wawa / White River Area Technician (lead); MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR Wawa and White River Area Forester. 1. Following the resumption of Domtar Inc. operations on the White River Forest. 2. At the end of the first season following the resumption of Domtar Inc. operations on the White River Forest. 1. Records of training and/or meeting minutes will be used to document personnel who have gone through the review. 2. Records of review of sample FOIP inspections. 10/13/2009, 4:38 PM. 8

12 Recommendation #: 11 Audit Principle: Monitoring Subject Area: District Compliance Planning and Associated Monitoring Wawa District MNR is to resume its production of annual compliance plans in accordance with the requirements of the Forest Compliance Handbook (2008) and structure them to provide information summaries and forecasts at the Forest/SFL level. The MNR Wawa District will resume its production of annual compliance plans in accordance with the requirements of the Forest Compliance Handbook (2008) and structure them to provide information summaries and forecasts at the Forest/SFL level by: 1. Preparing a Annual Compliance Plan for the Wawa District which will include compliance planning summaries and forecasts at the White River Forest level. 1. MNR, Wawa District Manager (lead); MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR, Wawa Forestry Technical Specialist 1. September, 2009 and ongoing annually thereafter Annual Compliance Plan for the Wawa District, compliance planning summaries for the White River Forest. 10/13/2009, 4:38 PM. 9

13 Recommendation #: 12 Audit Principle: Monitoring Subject Area: SFL-Holder Compliance Planning and Associated Monitoring The Company is to ensure that its future compliance plans comply with the requirements for the Annual Compliance Schedules of Action as outlined in Directive and Procedure FOR in the Forest Compliance Handbook (2008) 1. The White River 10 year compliance plan (April 1, 2008 March 31, 2018) has been prepared in accordance with the Guideline for Forest Industry Compliance Planning (FOR , April 1, 2008). 2. Annual Compliance Schedules will be prepared in accordance with the Guideline for Forest Industry Compliance Planning (FOR , April 1, 2008). 1. Domtar Inc., White River Forest Plan Author (lead). 2. Domtar Inc., Operations Forester (lead) year compliance plan was completed and approved prior to April 1, 2008 (complete). 2. Annual Compliance Schedules of Action will be completed annually as part of AWS commencing April 1, Approved 10-year compliance plan 2. Approved annual compliance schedule within AWS 10/13/2009, 4:38 PM. 10

14 Recommendation #: 13 Audit Principle: Monitoring Subject Area: Silviculture Standards and Assessment Program Wawa District MNR is to ensure that the staff and resources are made available to plan and implement an appropriate level of field validation and quality assurance surveys for the Company s program of silvicultural effectiveness monitoring for the White River Forest. The MNR Wawa District will ensure that the staff and resources are made available to plan and implement an appropriate level of field validation and quality assurance surveys for Domtar s program of silvicultural effectiveness monitoring (SEM) for the White River Forest by: 1. Preparing an annual SEM project description outlining the proposed tasks based on the core district tasks and the resources required to undertake the project. 2. Undertaking the annual SEM program on the White River Forest. 3. Preparing an annual silvicultural effectiveness monitoring program report for inclusion in the Wawa District SEM Report to the MNR Northeast Region. 1. MNR, Wawa District Manager; MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR Wawa and White River Area Forester(lead) 2. MNR, Wawa District Manager; MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR Wawa and White River Area Forester(lead) 3. MNR, Wawa District Manager; MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR Wawa and White River Area Forester (lead) 1. October 2009 and ongoing annually (spring) thereafter. 2. November 2009 and ongoing annually (summer field season) thereafter. 3. December 2009 and ongoing annually (fall) thereafter. 1. MNR Wawa District initiated this action in with the preparation of the Wawa District Silvicultural Effectiveness Monitoring Report. The program undertaken on the White River Forest was documented in this report. 2. Annually in the Wawa District Silvicultural Effectiveness Monitoring Report. 3. Program planning documentation 10/13/2009, 4:38 PM. 11

15 Recommendation #: 15 Audit Principle: Contractual Obligations Subject Area: Inventory and Monitoring Obligations The Company and District MNR are to determine the data requirements, corresponding acquisition processes, and subsequent analyses which are most appropriate for determining the reasons for the low level of regeneration success. The Company and District MNR will jointly develop and implement a silvicultural effectiveness monitoring program to meet these needs and develop a strategy for the use of free-to-grow assessment information in the development of the next FMP. 1. A task team will be formed to examine the data requirements, acquisition processes, subsequent analyses and make recommendations for a silvicultural effectiveness monitoring program on the White River Forest. Task team members will be drawn from Domtar and District MNR. Regional MNR and NER Science and Information may provide technical assistance. 2. Domtar and District MNR will implement the recommendations of the task team in advance of development of the next FMP. 1. Domtar Inc., Operations Forester (lead), MNR, Wawa District Manager; MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR Wawa and White River Area Forester (lead). 2. Domtar Inc., Operations Forester (lead), MNR, Wawa District Manager; MNR, Wawa and White River Area Supervisor; MNR Wawa and White River Area Forester (lead), Ministry of Natural Resources, Area Forester. 1. Task team will meet following the resumption of Domtar Inc. operations on the White River Forest, or no later than March 31, Following preparation of the report and recommendations of the task team. 1. Task team minutes/report and mention of progress will be documented in the appropriate Wawa District SEM report. 2. SEM monitoring results used as inputs in the development of the next FMP. 10/13/2009, 4:38 PM. 12

16 Recommendation #: 16 Audit Principle: Contractual Obligations Subject Area: Silvicultural Achievements The Company is to ensure that any untreated harvest area on the White River Forest receives appropriate silvicultural treatment and is satisfactorily regenerated as per the Company s contractual obligations, and according to the approved FMP. The Company will also conduct silvicultural effectiveness monitoring on these areas, to determine the most appropriate treatment needs, and to monitor the effectiveness of the applied treatments, including natural regeneration. 1. Records of harvest depletion and subsequent regeneration treatments are maintained and provided to the MNR through submission of Annual Reports. Note that Annual Reports contain text, tabular and geographic information coverages. These records can be used to summarize the regeneration status of all harvest depletions. 2. The Annual Report information will be used by Domtar to determine and assess the untreated areas and the most appropriate silvicultural treatment package will be determined and implemented. 3. All silvicultural treatments are monitored as part of the silvicultural effectiveness program. 1. Domtar Inc., Operations Forester (lead). 2. Domtar Inc., Operations Forester (lead). 3. Domtar Inc., Operations Forester (lead). 1. September, 2009 and ongoing annually thereafter. 2. No later than March 31, Following the implementation of the appropriate silvicultural treatment package. 1. Submission of Management Unit Annual Reports. 2. Treatments will be reported as conducted in the appropriate Management Unit Annual Report. 3. The results of SEM will be reported in the appropriate Management Unit Annual Report. 10/13/2009, 4:38 PM. 13

17 Concluding The audit team concludes that management of the White River Forest was generally in compliance with the legislation, regulations and policies that were in effect during the term covered by the audit, and the Forest was managed in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Sustainable Forest Licence held by Domtar (SFL# ). Forest sustainability is being achieved, as assessed through the Independent Forest Audit Process and Protocol. The audit team recommends the Minister extend the term of Sustainable Forest Licence # for a further five years. 1. MNR Forest Management Branch will seek a decision by the Minister on licence extension according to Section 9 of the SFL. 2. A letter will be developed, for the Minister s signature, to notify the SFL holder of this decision. 1. Supervisor, Forest Evaluation and Reporting Unit, Forest Evaluation and Standards Section, FMB (lead). 2. Supervisor, Forest Evaluation and Reporting Unit, Forest Evaluation and Standards Section, FMB (lead). 1. Forecasted to occur at approximately the same time as the material prepared to table the 2008 IFAs (two months after MNR receives all of the final audit reports for 2008). 2. Forecasted to occur at approximately the same time as the material prepared to table the 2008 IFAs (two months after MNR receives all of the final audit reports for 2008). 1. Minister s decision as documented in the letter to the SFL holder as per action 2 above. 2. Minister s decision as documented in the letter to the SFL holder as per action 2 above 10/13/2009, 4:38 PM. 14