1. Communication with our shareholders and the public
Awareness and understanding of the forest industry are improved by communicating industry achievements and challenges, as well as its importance to the economy, society and communities.
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Liaise between the public, MNR and forest workers.
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Effectively communicate forest management practices to the public.
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Facilitate public review and input on the Forest Management Plan and Annual Work Schedule; respond to comments in a timely fashion.
2. Communities and the workforce
Contribute to the local communities, their economy and workforce. Sustainable forests ensure healthy and viable communities.
- Focus on local business and talent; encourage the development of a skilled local workforce.
- Train employees and contractors to make sure that employees and contractors are knowledgeable, skilled and experienced in forest management activities.
3. Conserving the biodiveristy of the ecosystem
Forest diversity is the cornerstone of healthy forests, forest sustainability, and sustainable use of forests. Forest management practices will respect genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity for a healthy and productive forest environment.
- Maintain site specific diversity through application of forest management prescriptions at the site level.
- Maintain wildlife habitat for indigenous species on the landscape level and on the stand level for critical and sensitive habitats.
4. Forest Renewal
Successfully regenerate all harvested areas.
- Promptly regenerate the forest in accordance with recognized standards.
- Take proactive measures to renew areas lost to other causes.
- Use herbicides effectively; effective use of herbicides may reduce herbicide use by minimising the requirement for multiple treatments.
5. Working with Aboriginal Communities
Aboriginal communities value forest for their economic, spiritual, cultural and traditional uses. They bring a unique perspective to sustainable forest management.Â
- Identify and implement ways of achieving more equal participation by Algonquin First Nation communities in the benefits provided through Forest Management Planning.
- Work jointly with the MNR, local Aboriginal communities and forest operators to provide them with more forest-based opportunities.
- Participate with Aboriginal communities in developing forestry awareness, and in training Algonquin forest technicians, foresters and forest operators.
- Protect identified Aboriginal values.
6. Multiple Use of Forest Resources
Manage the forest cover to provide and protect recreation and tourism values.
- Forest operations prescriptions will take into consideration aesthetics along roadways, particularly adjacent to major tourist travel routes.
- Special measures will be taken to protect tourism values that have been identified locally.
7. Accountability
Public accountability and trust are achieved through corporate openness and public participation.
- Maintain a self-compliance program monitoring all activities undertaken by OVFI and its shareholders.
- Annually report its activities to the public through MNR.
- Undergo periodic independent external audits.
8. Forest Research and Education
OVFI will encourage scientific forest research. Best management practices will be kept current with new science and the evolution of new practices.
- Support and or contribute to monitoring and research projects that enhances resource management knowledge and provides support for sustainable forest management.
- Participate in the development of new standards and guidelines.
- Contribute to partnerships that promote forestry education and awareness.
9. Health and Safety
Health and safety of employees is paramount in all forest operations and activities. The Company's health and safety program is designed to;
- Strive to for safe working conditions for all their employees.
- Communicate safe working habits to all employees.
- Organise training programs for employees and assist shareholders in their training programs.
10. Access
Develop and manage the use and abandonment of forest access roads and water crossing to meet the needs of the forest industry, ensure public safety and minimise the risk to forest ecosystems, known values and other forest uses.
- Strive for continual improvement of road building, maintenance and abandonment practices through training and skills development.
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Ottawa Valley Forest Inc. is proud to be an associate member of the Ontario Forest Industries Association. The company and its shareholders are commited to the OFIA Code of Forestry Practice. |
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