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| Wood
Products Trade Introduction North America Europe South America Asia Forests of the World Australia Brazil Canada Chile China Finland Germany Indonesia Japan Korea Mexico Russia United Kingdom Oregon's Forests Forestry Links |
The Forests of Canada | |||
| Canadians
value their forests for many reasons. Forests are a dominant feature
of our economy, culture, history and traditions.
Canadians appreciate
that the forest is not only a source of economic well-being, but also a
home for wildlife and a filter of air and water. Canada is the steward
of one tenth of the world's forest and one fifth of the world's fresh water.
Our softwood resources represent 16% of the world total and our hardwoods
account for three percent.
The Canadian forest is not homogenous: there are many different types of forest cover which vary west to east, north to south. The boreal forest covers the most northerly forest region, giving way gradually to Acadian forest in the east, the Great Lakes forest in central Canada, and a mosaic of forest types in the west. The species and dimensions of the trees change with each forest type, as do the most suitable management techniques. Our forest industry is very strong: it accounts for 16% of world pulp production and almost a third of the total production of newsprint. We are the main exporter of manufactured forest products, with a 20% share in the market. The forest generates 800 000 jobs for Canadians, or one in every sixteen. Approximately 350 communities are almost entirely dependent on the forestry sector for their survival. All in all, in 1990, exports of forest products contributed $18.8 to Canada's net balance of trade - almost as much as energy, fishing, mining and agriculture combined. Canadian forests are publicly owned. The provinces have the responsibility for regulating the management of 88% of Canadian forests. Harvesting licenses are granted to industry in long term agreements, and industry is subject to strict regulations. Streamside zones are protected, as is special wildlife habitat, and there are limits on the size of harvested areas. The federal government, while not directly responsible for the management of much forest land, is responsible for forestry research, development and technology transfer, and manages federal and Native lands. The federal and provincial governments contribute funds to forest management activities through cost-shared forest resource development agreements. In 1990, the federal government issued the Green Plan for a Healthy Environment, with the goal of promoting the sustainable use of Canada's natural resources. As part of this plan, the Model Forest Network was created. This network is a group of ten forests, distributed among the five major Canadian ecoregions. This network of forests serves to increase experimentation in sustainable management techniques, and to showcase the best forestry practices currently known. The Model Forest network is growing: there are now three model forests abroad, with two in Mexico and one in Russia. Canadian forest management has changed markedly in recent years, and continues to change and adapt to the public's perception of the forest. Industry, government and the public will continue to work together, to better our understanding of forest ecosystems and wise use of our most important natural resource. |
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