Genuine Ecosystem-Based Forestry: Impossible in Alberta?

Wild Lands Advocate article, October 2014, by Brittany Verbeek. Alberta adopted the ‘sustained yield’ model (SYM) of timber production, which utilized clearcut harvesting with zero retention in the early 1900’s. There is growing recognition that SYM methods do not adequately address maintaining ecosystem functioning. Promises for ecosystem-based management were introduced in the 1990s, but lack regulations to ensure they are implemented properly and stakeholders are hesitant to follow them. Current forest management strategies in Alberta score poorly and may benefit by looking at those in place in other provinces. AWA hosted a June 2014 forum discussing forestry management in Alberta.