Indicator: Forest area with long-term management plans

Of Canada’s 347 million hectares (ha) of forest land, more than 200 million ha are managed with a long-term management plan of 10 years or longer. This is an increase of 8% since 1990.

• In Canada, a managed forest is often considered to include only areas managed for timber production. However, to align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, this indicator also includes forest lands managed in protected areas.
• Forest areas without a long-term management plan may include areas with short-term management plans, private land, or public land with no planned forest harvesting or operations.

Why is this indicator important?

• In Canada, forest management planning is one of the primary tools used to ensure that the country’s publicly owned forests remain healthy and vibrant and are managed sustainably.
• Key to this approach is that public lands managed for forestry must, by law, have a forest management plan approved by the government before harvesting can take place. As well, parks and protected areas must have a government-approved management plan to guide conservation.
• Public participation fosters a planning process that is transparent and gives Canadians real influence in decision making.

What is the outlook?

• The forest area covered by a long-term management plan is expected to remain stable or increase slightly in the near future.
• Some increases may occur as plans are developed for new areas, including areas managed by Indigenous peoples, or as plans are developed for new parks and protected areas.