Overview
The details of where, when and how trees on Crown land in Alberta are sustainably harvested and managed are outlined in forest management plans (FMPs). These map-based plans are approved by the Government of Alberta with input from the public, interest groups and Indigenous communities.
Forest management plans:
- look beyond sustained timber yield
- focus on how forestry activities will be managed to reduce negative impacts on other resource users and resource values
- describe how operational plans are linked
- describe monitoring programs and the associated evaluation of actual and expected outcomes
The Alberta Forest Management Planning Standard (the Standard) and its annexes and interpretive bulletins make up the standard for preparing and implementing FMPs in Alberta.
Types of plans
Plans prepared by the Crown – The Crown is responsible for preparing FMPs for forest management units (FMU) not included in forest management agreement (FMA) defined forest areas. See Plans prepared by the Crown below.
Plans prepared by forest companies – FMPs prepared by forest companies are a requirement of FMAs. Each FMA provides forest companies with rights to harvest and reforest trees on Crown land. See Plans prepared by forest companies below.
Public involvement and Indigenous consultation
Developing FMPs is a dynamic process, incorporating knowledge from research, policy, legislation and ongoing performance reviews. FMPs are prepared and implemented through collaboration with forest companies and government agencies with input from the public, interest groups and Indigenous peoples.
Public involvement and Indigenous consultation are key components of FMP development. FMP developers must:
- inform and invite public involvement into the development of FMPs
- consult Indigenous communities following the Government of Alberta’s Indigenous consultation policies and guidelines
FMP implementation involves the development of operational plans that may require further engagement with the public and interest groups, as well as Indigenous Consultation as per Alberta’s policies and guidelines.
As of August 12, 2024, Indigenous consultation process administration and support for relevant activities approved under the Forests Act and Forest and Prairie Protection Act is now provided to proponents directly by the Ministry of Indigenous Relations’ Aboriginal Consultation Office (ACO). Proponents submit their new assessment applications and associated documents directly to the ACO through the ACO’s Digital Service (ACO DS).
Additionally, the Information Sharing and Exploring Concerns for Forestry Planning and Operations has been developed to provide relevant forestry specific guidance and direction to proponents. This document will be used in association with the Government of Alberta’s Proponent Guide to First Nations and Metis Settlements Consultation Procedures (current version).
These updates do not, in any way, change Alberta’s associated Indigenous consultation policies or guidelines.
More information and assistance with application submissions is on the ACO DS website, or contact the ACO.