SNC Forestry Policy

1. South Nation Conservation shall comply with all local municipal, provincial and federal laws applicable to the management of its forest properties.
2. South Nation Conservation shall promote sustainable forests on its lands for improved environmental quality, including water quality and quantity.
   
   This shall include:
   1. The use of tree planting when it can advantageously affect water levels, surface and ground water and streambank erosion.
   2. The support of silvicultural non-point source pollution best management practices.
   3. South Nation Conservation shall identify, protect and preserve rare, threatened and endangered species of flora and fauna.
3. South Nation Conservation will practice forest management to maintain or enhance long-term forest health and productivity.
   
   This shall include:
   1. To encourage that reforestation in the watershed be done with native species.
   2. To maintain or increase fibre capital.
   3. To maintain or increase forest annual growth.
   4. To improve forest structure by encouraging age class distribution.
   5. To improve and upkeep the health of forest stands through protection against fire, insects and disease.
   6. To preserve and conserve old growth forest characteristics.
   7. To provide for the conservation and restoration of natural forest ecosystems in a landscape context.
   8. To encourage reforestation based on present and future needs for value-added forest products.
4. South Nation Conservation will provide opportunities for the public to provide advice on forest management on Authority owned forests.
   
   This shall include:
   1. To establish a Forestry committee with representation of industry, government, science and the public.
   2. To provide adjacent landowners with notification prior to the commencement of forestry operations.
   3. To provide the opportunity for all South Nation Conservation employees the opportunity to provide feedback on forest management decisions and policy formulation.
   4. To provide local communities and local organizations the opportunity to participate in forest management planning prior to any final forest management decisions being taken.
   5. To make summary information on forest management plans and activities available to the public.
5. South Nation Conservation forest operations will be continuously evaluated for impacts on community relations, human health, and the natural environment, in addition to compliance with current laws and regulations.
   
   This shall include:
   1. South Nation Conservation shall ensure that protection of public health and safety is an integral part of its forest operations.
   2. Compliance with South Nation Conservation health and safety policies.
   3. Local hiring, contracting, marketing and procurement policies.
   4. Modification of forestry operations to minimize environmental and aesthetic impacts.
   5. That the well being of the forest ecosystem shall be a priority in the planning and implementation of all activities.
   6. Organizing training programs for South Nation Conservation employees and volunteers and assisting contractors and clients in their training programs.
   7. Maintaining an emergency response plan.
   8. South Nation Conservation shall encourage scientific forest research.
6. South Nation Conservation shall regularly review the forest policy and incorporate new objectives and knowledge.
7. South Nation Conservation will conduct periodic audits of forestry operations to ensure consistency with the forest policy. This shall include:
   1. Maintaining a database of current forest information.
   2. Development of a 20-year forest management plan.
   3. Development of a 5-year operational plan.
   4. Preparation of annual reports of forestry operations.
   5. Appointment of external auditors to evaluate compliance with forest management plans at 5-year intervals.
8. South Nation Conservation shall provide for the promotion and optimization of social and economic use of the forest through environmentally sound and sustainable silvicultural practices. This shall include:
   1. That all forest operations be economically viable.
   2. That indices of traditional, educational and recreational use of the forest be included as value added.
   3. Utilization of the area as a recreational and educational base.
9. South Nation Conservation shall administer and manage the forest to provide effective attainment of all the objectives. This shall include:
   1. Maintenance of legal, financial, and silvicultural records of forest operations.
   2. Development of a rationale for the acquisition and disposal of lands for forest management purposes.

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