State of the Forest Report 2006

The State of the Forest Report, 2006 (SOFR 2006) summarizes how Ontario’s forest is managed for ecological sustainability. This is Ontario’s second State of the Forest Report. The reporting period for the report is April 1999 to March 2004.

As in SOFR 2001, this report also describes long-term trends, which may originate from outside of the reporting period. In addition, where data and/or information is available and is more recent than the March 2004 reporting cut-off date, then it has been used to enhance trend analysis and to improve the utility of the report.

The report is based on a comprehensive and objective evaluation of sustainable forest management practices and results. A hierarchy (framework) of criterion, element, and indicators was used to conduct the evaluation. The aggregate performance in all aspects of forest sustainability was used, to develop an overall conclusion about the state of Ontario’s forests.

Table of Contents:

• Forward, Executive Summary (PDF, 2.0MB 8 pages)
• Acronymns, Glossary, List of species names used in the report, Acknowledgements (PDF, 1.3MB 32 pages)

Chapter 1:

Introduction (PDF, 860KB 22 pages)

• Contains background information necessary for an understanding of the various influences on the practice of sustainable forest management in Ontario. 

Chapter 2:

Forest Resources of Ontario (PDF, 3.0MB 16 pages)

• Contains a summary of related report called the Forest Resources of Ontario, which characterizes Ontario's geography, climate and forest.

Chapter 3:

Evaluationg the State of the Forests (PDF, 678KB 10 pages)

• Contains a discussion of sustainable forest management assessment and evaluation.

Chapter 4:

Indicators of Forest Sustainablity (PDF, 509KB 4 pages)

• In the following sections of Chapter 4 outlined below, each of the seven criteria of forest sustainability is described, and an evaluation of the condition of individual indicators is presented.

Chapter 5:

Discussion (PDF, 832KB 20 pages)

• Contains a discussion of the key findings from each criterion, focusing on areas where there are opportunities to continuously improve sustainable forest management in Ontario.

Chapter 4: Indicators of Forest Sustainability

Criterion 1 - Conserving Biological Diversity

Introduction and criterion flowchart (PDF, 509KB 4 pages)

Element - 1.1 Conserving Ecosystem Diversity (PDF, 428KB 1 page)

• Indicator 1.1.1 - Composition and structure of forest ecosystems (including old growth) (PDF, 716KB 13 pages)
• Indicator 1.1.2 - Fragmentation and connectedness of forest ecosystem components (PDF, 431KB 5 pages)
• Indicator 1.1.3 - Representation of ecological features by protected area category (PDF, 1.MB 9 pages)
• Indicator 1.1.4 - Anthropogenic corridors, such as roads, utility corridors and railways (PDF, 583KB 5 pages)

Element - 1.2 Conserving Species Diversity (PDF, 424KB 1 page)

• Indicator 1.2.1 - Forest-associated species of conservation concern (PDF, 601KB 15 pages)
• Indicator 1.2.2 - Provincially featured and monitored forest-associated wildlife species (PDF, 1.6MB 18 pages)
• Indicator 1.2.3 - Invasive forest-associated species (PDF, 1.1MB 7pages)

Element 1.3 - Conserving Genetic Diversity (PDF, 361KB 1page)

• Indicator 1.3.1 - Distribution and abundance of tree species of concern (PDF, 514KB 6 pages)
• Indicator 1.3.2 - Status number as an indicator of genetic diversity in seed orchards (PDF, 384KB 6 pages)
• Indicator 1.3.3 - Tree seed collection and use (PDF, 381KB 5 pages)

Criterion 1 Insets

- Old Growth Policy and Definitions (PDF, 670KB 2 pages)
- Natural Heritage Information Centre (PDF, 465KB 1 page)
- Pattern of Harvest Areas (PDF, 463KB 2 pages)
- Learning from Others: Landscape Corridors Provide Pathways for Seed Dispersal (PDF, 555KB 2 pages)
- Conserving Canada’s South (PDF, 414KB 2 pages)
- New Technology for Closing the Protected Ecosystems Gap (PDF, 470KB 1page)
- More Insight into Biodiversity (PDF, 562KB 1 page)
- Trumpeter Swans (PDF, 711KB 1 page)
- Partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (PDF, 318KB 1 page)
- Invasive Species Harms Native Hardwoods by Killing Soil Fungus (PDF, 578KB 2 pages)
- Seed Where? (PDF, 457KB 1 page)

Criterion 2 - Monitoring and Maintaining Forest Productivity and Resilience

Introduction and criterion flowchart (PDF, 593KB 1 page)

Element 2.1 - Monitoring and Modeling Forest Productivity (PDF, 449KB 1 page)

• Indicator 2.1.1 - Forest Growing Stock Indices (PDF, 1.2MB 8 pages)
• Indicator 2.1.2 - Net primary productivity (PDF, 453KB 5 pages)

Element 2.2 - Monitoring and Managing Incidences of Forest Disturbance (PDF, 429KB 1 page)

• Indicator 2.2.1 - Fire and weather disturbance (PDF, 604KB pages 9 pages)
• Indicator 2.2.2 - Biotic disturbance - insects and disease (PDF, 834KB 8 pages)
• Indicator 2.2.3 - Biotic disturbance - invasive species (PDF, 660KB 8 pages)
• Indicator 2.2.4 - Anthropogenic disturbance (forest harvest) (PDF, 453KB 4 pages)

Element 2.3 - Maintaining and Conserving Forest Ecosystem Resilience (PDF, 435KB 2 pages)

• Indicator 2.3.1 - Forest regeneration  (PDF, 1.0MB 19 pages)
• Indicator 2.3.2 - Downed woody debris (PDF, 472KB 6 pages)
• Indicator 2.3.3 - Logging damage to residual trees and regeneration (PDF, 465KB 7 pages)

Criterion 2 Insets

- Prescribed Fire in Quetico Provincial Park (PDF, 527KB 2 pages)
- An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada (PDF, 571KB 1 page)
- Public Cooperation a Keystone in the Fight Against Invasive Species (PDF, 748KB 2 pages)
- Sirex Woodwasp (PDF, 320KB 1 page)
- Forest Vegetation Management (PDF, 459KB 1 page)
- Tree Planting in Ontario (PDF, 460KB 2 pages)
- Research and Technology Development (PDF, 631KB 4 pages)
- Structural Legacy Following Harvest (PDF, 1.0MB 4 pages)

Criterion 3 - Protecting and Conserving Ontario's Forest Soil and Water Resources

Introduction and criterion flowchart (PDF, 401KB 1 page)

Element 3.1 - Minimizing Effects of Forest Management Practices on Forest Soil Resources (PDF, 421KB 1 page)

• Indicator 3.1.1 - Compliance with forest soil protection guidelines (PDF, 445KB 4 pages)

Element 3.2 - Minimizing Effects of Forest Management Practices on Water Resources (PDF,  418KB 2 pages)

• Indicator 3.2.1 - Proportion of watersheds with stand-replacing disturbance (PDF, 434KB 4 pages)
• Indicator 3.2.2 - Compliance with forest management guidelines for protecting water quality (PDF, 435KB 4 pages)
• Indicator 3.2.3 - Compliance with forest management guidelines for protecting fish habitat (PDF, 435KB 4 pages)
• Indicator 3.2.4 - Watershed road and water crossing density (PDF, 425KB 3 pages)

Criterion 3 Insets

- Minimizing the Environmental Impact of Forest Roads and Water Crossings on Water Resources (PDF, 1.2MB 2 pages)

Criterion 4 - Monitoring Forest Contributions to Global Ecological Cycles

Introduction and flowchart (PDF, 437KB 2 pages)

Element 4.1 - Managing Ontario's Forest Sector Contributions to Global Carbon Enrichment(PDF, 499KB 1 page)

• Indicator 4.1.1 - Net Carbon Balance (PDF,  822KB 6 pages)
• Indicator 4.1.2 - Carbon Dioxide Emissions per unit of wood produced (PDF, 665KB 4 pages)
• Indicator 4.1.3 - Use of recycled versus virgin fibre (PDF, 480KB 4pages)

Element 4.2 - Managing Conversion of Forest Land to Other Uses (PDF, 490KB 1 page)

• Indicator 4.2.1 - Area of deforestation (Article 3.3 of the Kyoto Protocol) (PDF, 494KB 5 pages)
• Indicator 4.2.2 - Area of afforestation (Article 3.3 of the Kyoto Protocol) (PDF, 799KB 5 pages)

Element 4.3 - Monitoring Nutrient Cycles in Ontario's Forests (PDF, 474KB 1 page)

• Indicator 4.3.1 - Nitrogen Cycling (PDF, 563KB 4 pages)
• Indicator 4.3.2 - Sulphur Cycling (PDF, 528KB 5 pages)

Element 4.4 - Monitoring the Water Balance in Ontario's Forests (PDF, 478KB 1 page)

• Indicator 4.4.1 - Evapotranspiration and water balance (PDF, 686KB 5 pages)

Criterion 4 Insets

- Carbon Assessment in Boreal Wetlands (PDF, 718KB 1 page)
- Biomass Innovation Network (PDF, 468KB 1 page)
- Forest Bio-Products (PDF, 548KB 2 pages)
- Managing Conversion of Forest Land to Other Uses in Ontario (PDF, 792KB 1 page)
- The Greenbelt Act (PDF, 322KB 1 page)
- The RHYSys Model (PDF, 320KB 1 page)

Criterion 5 - Providing for a Continuous and Predictable Flow of Economic and Social Benefits from Ontario's Forests

Introduction and flowchart (PDF, 438KB 2 pages)

Element 5.1 - Maintaining or Enhancing the Resource Productive Capability of Ontario's Forests (PDF, 484KB 1 page)

• Indicator 5.1.1 - Managed Crown forest area available for timber production (PDF, 1.4MB 3 pages)
• Indicator 5.1.2 - Habitat for selected wildlife species (PDF, 1,2MB 18 pages)
• Indicator 5.1.3 - Economic benefits from selected wildlife species (PDF, 1.3MB 10 pages)
• Indicator 5.1.4 - Sustainable annual removal of forest products (PDF, 493KB 5 pages)

Element 5.2 - Monitoring and Supporting Forest Sector Employment, Investment, and Competitiveness (PDF, 488KB 1 page)

• Indicator 5.2.1 - Rate of return by sector (PDF, 495KB 7 pages)
• Indicator 5.2.2 - Trends in forest-related employment (PDF, 487KB 3 pages)
• Indicator 5.2.3 - Capital and repair expenditures in forest-resource-based industries (PDF, 497KB 4 pages)
• Indicator 5.2.4 - Investment in research and technology development (PDF, 487KB 3 pages)

Element 5.3 - Monitoring and Supporting Value-Added Products and Services (PDF, 496KB 1 page)

• Indicator 5.3.1 - Green GDP related to forest-resource-based management activities (PDF, 485KB 3 pages)
• Indicator 5.3.2 - Trends in value-added wood products (PDF, 500KB 8 pages)
• Indicator 5.3.3 - Trends in value-added non-timber forest resources (PDF, 496KB 5 pages)
• Indicator 5.3.4 - Natural capital values (PDF, 492 KB 6 pages)

Element 5.4 - Maintaining or Enhancing Recreation, Tourism, and Other Social and Benefits from Ontario's Forests

• Indicator 5.4.1 - Old growth (PDF, 780KB 8 pages)
• Indicator 5.4.2 - Opportunities for forest-based recreation and tourism (PDF, 622KB 12 pages)
• Indicator 5.4.3 - Identification and protection of cultural resources (PDF, 489KB 4 pages)

Criterion 5 Insets

- Silvicultural Systems Used in Ontario (PDF, 461KB 2 pages)
- Recent Economic Factors Affecting the Forest Industry (PDF, 462KB 2 pages)
- Forest Industry Update (PDF, 462KB 2 pages)
- World Bank Supports Green Accounting (PDF, 570KB 1 page)
- A Study of the Economic and Social Benefits of the Nine Ontario Living Legacy Signature Sites (PDF, 319KB 2 pages)
- Parks are an Economic Driver (PDF, 307KB 1 page)

Criterion 6.0 - Accepting Social Responsibilities for Sustainable Development

Introduction and criterion flowchart (PDF, 423KB 2 pages)

Element 6.1 - Respecting Aboriginal Rights and Supporting Aboriginal Participation in Sustainable Forest Management Activities (PDF, 500KB 2 pages)

• Indicator 6.1.1 - Extent of Aboriginal participation in forest-based economic opportunities (PDF, 495KB 3 pages)
• Indicator 6.1.2 - Aboriginal participation in the forest management planning process (PDF, 497KB 5 pages)
• Indicator 6.1.3 - Protection of Aboriginal spiritual values, cultural heritage, & traditional knowledge in Ontario's FMP process (PDF, 494KB 2 pages)

Element 6.2 - Forest Community Wellbeing and Resilience (PDF, 475KB 1 page)

• Indicator 6.2.1 - Resilience of forest-based communities (PDF, 687KB 11 pages)

Element 6.3 - Maintaining Fair and Effective Public Participation in Sustainable Forest Management Decision-making (PDF, 466KB 2 pages)

• Indicator 6.3.1 - Public consultation in the design of new decision-making processes (PDF, 650KB 6 pages)
• Indicator 6.3.2 - Fairness, effectiveness, and public satisfaction with decision-making processes and their outcomes (PDF, 538KB 10 pages)

Criterion 6 Insets

- First Nations Natural Resources Youth Employment Program (FNNRYEP) (PDF, 2.2MB 2 pages)
- Lake Superior First Nations Development Trust (PDF, 1.2MB 3 pages)
- Northern Boreal Initiative (PDF, 457KB 1 page)
- Forest-Dependent Communities (PDF, 527KB 3 pages)
- What is Public Involvement? (PDF, 836KB 1 page)
- Testing Interactive Visualization of Forest Management Planning Scenarios for Enhancing Public Participation (PDF, 307KB 1 page)

Criterion 7 - Maintaining and Enhancing Ontario's Framework for Sustainable Forest Management

Introduction and criterion flowchart (PDF, 441KB 2 pages)

Element 7.1 - Maintaining and Enhancing Ontario's Legal Framework for Sustainable Forest Management (PDF, 478KB 1page)

• Indicator 7.1.1 - Changes in laws, policies, and regulations (PDF, 14KB 1021 pages)

Element 7.2 - Maintaining and Enhancing Ontario's Institutional Framework for Sustainable Forest Management (PDF, 506KB 1 page)

• Indicator 7.2.1 - Forest management workforce competency (PDF, 1.2MB 12 pages)
• Indicator 7.2.2 - Perception and knowledge of forest managers concerning public forest use and values (PDF, 520KB 5 pages)
• Indicator 7.2.3 - Forest access roads (PDF, 502KB 8 pages)
• Indicator 7.2.4 - Public review and consultation infrastructure (PDF, 586KB 9 pages)

Element 7.3 - Maintaining and Enhancing Ontario's Economic Framework for Sustainable Forest Management (PDF, 506KB 1 page)

• Indicator 7.3.1 - Pricing system for forest products (PDF, 495KB 5 pages)
• Indicator 7.3.2 - Private land forestry (PDF, 515KB 13 pages)

Element 7.4 - Maintaining and Enhancing Ontario's Monitoring Framework (PDF, 484KB 2 pages)

• Indicator 7.4.1 - Support provided by monitoring programs for forest management (PDF, 1.5MB 15 pages)
• Indicator 7.4.2 - Progress in inventory and monitoring programs (PDF, 486KB 2 pages)
• Indicator 7.4.3 - Investment in forest-based inventory and monitoring (PDF, 492KB 3 pages)
• Indicator 7.4.4 - Licensee compliance with provincial forest mgmt. legislation, policies & guidelines - assessed through independent audits (PDF, 967KB 16 pages)
• Indicator 7.4.5 - Compliance in forest operations inspections (PDF, 561KB 9 pages)

Element 7.5 - Maintaining and Enhancing Ontario's Research and Development Framework for Sustainable Forest Management (PDF, 480KB 1 page)

• Indicator 7.5.1 - Investment in forest-based research and development (PDF, 500KB 5 pages)
• Indicator 7.5.2 - Investment in forest-based knowledge and technology transfer (PDF, 497KB 3 pages)

Criterion 7 Insets

- Dryden High School Conservation Course (PDF, 497KB 1 page)
- Promoting Access to Ministry Data for Municipal Planning (PDF, 455KB 1 page)
- Public Involvement Best Practices (PDF, 596KB 2 pages)
- Environmental Bill of Rights - A Gateway for Public Participation (PDF, 457KB 1 page)
- Ontario’s Stumpage System (PDF, 458KB 2 pages)
- Socioeconomic Impacts of the Softwood Lumber Trade Dispute (PDF, 466KB 5 pages)
- Ontario Forestry Association (PDF, 309KB 2 pages)
- Forest Ecosystem Science Co-operative Inc. (PDF, 455KB 1 page)
- The Canadian Ecology Centre Forestry Research Partnership (PDF, 456KB 1 page)

Ministry of Natural Resources
Natural Resources Information Centre
300 Water Street, Peterborough, ON K9J 8M5