Values, Objectives, Indicators, and Targets
Version: May 1 2006
CCFM Criterion CSA SFM Element Value Objective Indicator Target1 Means to Identify Target2 Legal / Policy Requirements Means of achieving Objective and Targets2 Monitoring and Measurement Reporting Acceptable Variance Response
1. Biological Diversity 1.1 Ecosystem Diversity Conserve ecosystem diversity at the landscape level by maintaining the variety of communities and ecosystems that occur naturally in the DFA. 1.1.1. Landscape scale biodiversity 1.1.1.1. Maintain biodiversity by retaining the full range of cover types and seral stages. Area of old, mature, and young forest in each DFA subunit4 by cover class5. Over the 200-year planning horizon; a) Gross landbase greater than X% old forest, greater than Y% mature plus old forest, less than Z% young forest and b) Net landbase greater than X% old forest, greater than Y% mature plus old forest, less than Z% young forest. Note: Old forest retention shall include the full natural range of ages. Targets and seral stage definitions shall be based on sound science, ecological considerations, wildlife zones, and disturbance regimes. Target shall ensure representation of natural range of ecosystem attributes (e.g. productivity class) Planning Standard Spatial Harvest Sequence Regular updates to inventory FMP: Tables of indicators (values and targets) at 0, 10, 50, 100 and 200 years. Maps of indicators at 0, 10 yrs. 50 years Performance: Stewardship Report Area (ha) of old and mature forests in each DFA subunit by cover class shall be between 90% and 100% of target areas. Area of young forest in each DFA subunit by cover class shall not exceed 110% of target area. Adjust strategies in subsequent FMP
      1.1.1.2. Maintain biodiversity by avoiding landscape fragmentation a) Range of patch6 sizes by subunit and entire DFA a) A distribution of harvest area sizes that will result in a patch size pattern over the 200 year planning horizon approximating patterns created by natural disturbances. Targets shall be based on sound science ecological considerations, wildlife zones and disturbance regimes. Target shall ensure representation of natural range of ecosystem attributes (e.g. cover class and productivity class Planning Standard Spatial and temporal harvest planning. Patch sizes distribution targets are set for forest patches less than 20 years old. Regular updates to forest inventory FMP: Tables of area of forest in each patch size class by subunit at 0, 10, and 50 yrs. (or end of first rotation) Maps of patch size classes at 0, 10, and 50 yrs.(or end of first rotation) Performance: Stewardship Report. a) At end of the 10-year FMP term the target distribution is achieved; or demonstrated progress to achieving target in one rotation where the pattern has deviated significantly from the target. Adjust strategies in subsequent FMP
        b) Area of old interior forest7 of each cover class by subunit and entire DFA. b) Area of old interior forest will not be less than X% of each cover class over the next 200 years. Targets shall be based on sound science ecological considerations, wildlife zones and disturbance regimes. Target shall ensure representation of natural range of ecosystem attributes ( e.g. productivity class) Planning Standard Spatial and temporal harvest planning. Regular updates to forest inventory FMP: Maps and Tables of indicator at 0, 10, and 50 yrs. Performance: Stewardship Report. b) Target is achieved for at least 80% of the planning period with variance not exceeding 20% below target. Adjust strategies in subsequent FMP
      1.1.1.3. Maintain biodivesity by minimizing access. Open-all weather forestry road density by subunit. Less than X km/km2 Targets shall be based on sound science ecological considerations, harvest planning, wildlife zones and social values. Planning Standard Develop a strategy that coordinates access with other resources users, spatial/temporal sequencing of harvest, road closures and decommissioning (SHS and long-term corridor access plan) Regular updates to forest inventory FMP : Table of road density by subunit at 0 and 10 years Map of existing and proposed open and closed all weather roads Report forestry roads and total (all users) roads. Performance: Stewardship Report. A variance not exceeding +/- 20% must be achieved Adjust strategies in subsequent FMP
        Open seasonal/temporary forestry road length by DFA Less than X km by subunit Targets shall be based on sound science ecological considerations, harvest planning, wildlife zones and social values. Planning Standard Road construction maintenance and reclamation activities Road plan OGR 112 AOP Stewardship Report A variance not exceeding +/- 20% must be achieved Adjust strategies in subsequent FMP
      1.1.1.4. Maintain plant communities uncommon in DFA or province. Area of occurrence of each uncommon plant community within DFA X% of identified community will be maintained (separate target for identified community) GIS analysis, AVI, ecosite phases, Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre (ANHIC) plant community classification and tracking list. Predict and identify occurrence of uncommon plant community. Planning Standard Coordinating with other resource users spatial planning of harvest and road construction, OGR Regular updates to inventory FMP: Tables with descriptive list and targets Map(s) displaying known locations of uncommon plant communities. Performance: Stewardship Report. At the end of the 10-year FMP term the target is achieved. Adjust strategies in subsequent AOPs
      1.1.1.5. Maintain unique habitats provided by wildfire and blowdown events. Area of unsalvaged burned forest Live trees Retain all unburned trees in green island and retain patches recognizing timber condition, access, non timber needs Burned trees- Compartment Scale Retain greater than 10% of merchantable black trees in patches greater than 100 ha. Burned trees- Harvest area scale Retain greater than 10% of merchatable black trees in patches 10-100 ha. and Retain greater than 5% of merchantable black trees in small patches, single trees according to loggers choice. Targets here based on "Free Salvage Strategy: Forest Management Planning and Operations 2002" Ensure consistency with FireSmart objectives. Fire Salvage Strategy Forest Management Planning and Operations 2002 (Forest Operations Branch Alberta) Salvage Planning Organization Reports, air photo interpretation, ground surveys, post harvest assessments. FMP: Table and map of natural disturbances within the last 10 years-salvaged and unsalvage. Report area (ha) Performance: Stewardship Report. At the end of the 10-year FMP term the target is achieved or exceeded. Adjust strategies in subsequent AOP's
        Area of unsalvaged blowdown In areas of significant blowdown greater than X% will be left unsalvaged. Targets are to be based on sound science ecological considerations, and disturbance regimes. Planning Standard Salvage Planning Inventory Updates Stewardship Report At the end of the 10-year FMP term the target is achieved or exceeded. Adjust strategies in subsequent FMP
      1.1.1.6. Retain ecological values and functions associated with riparian zones. Compliance with OGR Consistent with OGR OGR Federal Fisheries Act, Water Act Planning TSA, OGR Organization Reports, air photo interpretation, ground surveys, post harvest assessments or other existing compliance monitoring systems. Performance: Stewardship Report No variance Immediate remedial action and/or administrative penalty.
    1.1.2. Local/stand scale biodiversity 1.1.2.1. Retain stand level structure a) % area/volume/ stems residual structure (both living and dead) within a harvest area, representative of the status (live/dead), sizes, as species of the overstory trees by subunit and entire DFA. a) A combination of single stems, clumps, and islands comprising X% of the harvested area/ volume/stems within a subunit Note: A wide range in variability in harvest area-level retention within a subunit is desired as long as the target level is achieved. Wildlife zones, roadside vegetation screens, recreational values, aesthetics, local knowledge. ANHIC, Biodiversity/Species Observation Database (BSOD) Occupational Health and Safety Act, Forest and Prairie Protection Act. Implement residual structure retention strategies and OGRs. Organization reports, air photo interpretation, ground surveys, post harvest assessments. Performance: Stewardship Report At the end of the 10-year FMP term the target is achieved or exceeded. Adjust strategies in subsequent FMP
        b) Percentage of harvested area by subunit with downed woody debris2 equivalent to preharvest conditions. X% of harvest areas having downed woody debris retained on site. Assess preharvest downed woody debris condition by subunit or stand level average. Planning Standard Organizations developed standards Organizations developed during FMP planning Performance: Report % of harvest areas with retained downed woody debris. FMP determined Adjust strategies in subsequent FMPs
      1.1.2.2. Maintain integrity of sensitive sites Sensitive sites (e.g. mineral licks, major game trails) by subunit and entire DFA. Strategies to maintain consistent with provincial guidelines/OGR. Local knowledge. ANHIC, Biodiversity/Species Observation Database (BSOD) Planning Standard Organizations developed standards for sensitive site protection. OGRs 7.7.4. Organization reports, air photo interpretation, ground surveys. Performance: Stewardship Report None Adjust strategies in subsequent AOPs
      1.1.2.3. Maintain aquatic biodiversity by minimizing impacts of water crossings. Forestry water crossings in compliance with Code of Practice for Water Course Crossings within each subunit. b) Designs meet standards of the Code of Practice for Water Course Crossings. Code of Practice for Water Course Crossings Sections 7.9 and Schedule 2 Code of Practice for Water Course Crossings Road construction maintenance and reclamation activities Road plan OGR 112 Performance: 5-year Stewardship Report: AOP number of crossings by type within each subunit by compliance status. None Act immediately to eliminate problems and adjust strategies in subsequent AOPs.
  1.2. Species Diversity Conserve species diversity by ensuring that habitats for the native species found in the DFA are maintained throughtout time. 1.2.1 Variable populations of identified plant and animal species. 1.2.1.1. Maintain habitat for identified high value species (i.e.economically valuable, socially valuable, species at risk, species of management concern) Area of suitable habitat within the DFA or subunit OR Specific population parameter(s) (e.g. trends, distribution, absolute size, recruitment) for the DFA or subunit. Maintain above X hectares OR Maintained or increased Based on sound science, ecological considerations, wildlife zones, Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) list, provincially listed species, BSOD, ANHIC, Recovery plans, Fish and Wildlife Division priorities, public consultation, habitat suitability analysis, literature review, observation data, local and traditional knowledge. Recovery plans for species at risk, Federal Species at Risk Act. Harvesting plans, road construction, OGR, planning and implementation, adherence to provincial wildlife guidelines. Habitat assessment mapping, population monitoring. FMP: For species with a suitable habitat target provide tables of area of suitable habitat at 0, 10, 50, 100 and 200 years. Map of suitable habitat at 0, 10, and 50 years. OR For species with population parameter targets provide table with current parameter Performance: 5-year Stewardship Report. At the end of the 10-year FMP term the target is achieved or exceeded. Adjust strategies in subsequent FMP
  1.3. Genetic Diversity Conserve genetic diversity by maintaining the variation of genes within species. 1.3.1. Genetic integrity of natural tree populations. 1.3.1.1. Retain "wild forest populations"9 foe each tree species in each seed zone through establishment of in-situ reserves by the organization or in cooperation with Alberta. Number and area of in-situ genetic conservation areas. Number (X) of genetic conservation areas for each seed zone conforming with Section 3 of the Green Area section of Standards for Tree Improvement in Alberta. Target is a portion of the required number of genetic conservation areas determined in consultation with other FMAs in the same seed zone and Alberta. Standards regulated through Timber Management Regulation 144.2 Conservation areas are designated by a notation (PNT, CNT) AVI updates, ground, or air checks to confirm status, FMP planning and 5-year stewardship reporting. FMP: Table showing number of genetic conservation areas required in each seed zone and number provided in DFA. Map showing locations of genetic conservation areas. Performance: Stewardship Report. At the end of the 10-year FMP term the target is achieved or exceeded. Adjust strategies in subsequent FMP
      1.3.1.2. Retain wild forest genetic resources through ex-situ conservation. Number of provenances and genetic conservation areas. Active conservation program for all Controlled Parentage Program plan species in cooperation with Alberta. Proportion of projects and species. Standards regulated through Timber Management Regulation 144.2 Standards for Tree Improvement in Alberta and government/industry genetic cooperatives. Conservation activities identified in FMP as per Standards for Tree Improvement in Alberta. FMP: Table showing number of genetic conservation areas required in each seed zone and number provided in DFA. Map showing locations of genetic conservation areas. Confirmed program plan Organization/Alberta/ cooperatives.
  1.4. Protected Areas-Respect protected areas identified through government processes. 1.4.1. Areas with minimal human disturbances within managed landscapes. 1.4.1.1. Integrate transboundary values and objectives into forest management. Stakeholder consultation Ongoing consultation with relevant protected areas agencies. Link to consultation objective in planning standard or other existing consultation processes. Planning Standard Management planning Documentation of consultation process Performance: Stewardship Report. None Adjust strategies in subsequent FMP
2.) Ecosystem Productivity 2.1 Ecosystem resilience 2.1.1. Reforested harvest areas 2.1.1.1. Meet reforestation targets on all harvested areas. Annual % of SR regeneration surveys Set target based on timber supply analysis. ARIS or equivalent reports. Timber Management Regulation Silviculture program Regeneration surveys ARIS, AOP stewardship Report None Alberta adjust AACs.
        Cumulative % of reforested areas that meet reforestation target As above ARIS or equivalent reports and stewardship report. Planning Standard Silviculture program Regeneration surveys AOP and stewardship Report None Alberta adjust AACs.
    2.1.2. Maintenance of forest landbase. 2.1.2.1. Limit conversion of productive forest landbase to other uses. Amount of change in forest landbase. A program to maintain the forest landbase. Forest inventory and land use data. Planning Standard Maintain current forest cover inventory and land use updates. Inventory and land use systems Stewardship Report Report actual Adjust net landbase projections in next TSA.
      2.1.2.2. Recognize lands affected by insects, disease or natural calamities Amount of area affected. Area (ha) affected by significant outbreaks, infestations, natural calamities. Forest health surveys, inventory updates. Planning Standard, Alberta Forest Health Strategy and Shared Roles and Responsibilities between SRD and the Forest Industry. Maintain up-to-date information. Annual surveys AOP and stewardship Report Report actual Event specific
    2.1.3 Control invasive species 2.1.3.1. Control non-native plant species (weeds). Noxious weed program Noxious weed program in place and implemented. Field inventories Directive 2000/06 Co-operative program Field inventories Inspections summarized in Stewardship Report Report actual Improve weed program
3. Soils and water 3.1. Soil quantity and quality 3.1.1 Soil productivity. 3.1.1.1. Minimize impact of roading and bared areas in forest operations Compliance with OGRs Less than 5% Direction from Alberta OGRs and Soil Guidelines Effective planning and supervision of operations Field inspection reports and audits Inspection reporting None Immediate remedial action to correct
      3.1.1.2. Minimize incidence of soil erosion and slumping Incidence of soil erosion and slumping Complete compliance Direction from Alberta OGRs and Soil Guidelines Effective planning and supervision of operations and adherence to relevant OGRs Field inspection reports and audits Inspection reporting None Immediate remedial action to correct
  3.2. Water Quantity and Quality 3.2.1. Water quantity 3.2.1.1. Limit impact of timber harvesting on water yield. Forecast impact of timber harvesting on water yield. Zero Water Act penalties, Complete Compliance with FMP Water Strategy and local needs. Water Act, Planning Standard Adherence to forecast harvest sequence and relevant OGRs. Report on area (ha) harvested compared with planned harvest area. Stewardship report Report actual Adjust harvest pattern if problems arise.
    3.2.2. Effective riparian habitats 3.2.2.1. Minimize impact of operations in riparian areas. Riparian buffers maintained as outlined in ground rules. Complete compliance Direction from Alberta OGRs Effective planning and supervision of operations AOPs Stewardship reports AOP None Immediate correction and/or administrative penalty.
4. Global Ecological Cycles 4.1 Carbon uptake and storage To be determined To be determined Results of Carbon budget modeling To be determined              
  4.2 Forest land conversion Sec.2.1.2 above                    
5. Multiple Benefits to Society 5.1 Timber and non-timber benefits 5.1.1 Sustainable timber supplies 5.1.1.1. Establish appropriate AACs Process described in Annex 1 is followed and standards are met Complete compliance Consultation in planning process Forests Act and Timber Management Regulation Effective implementation of planning process Multiple means: TPRS, ARIS, AOPs, Stewardship reports, filed inspection reports. Progressive and continuous Issue specific Adjust AAC using most current and relevant information.
  5.2 Communities and Sustainability 5.2.1 Risk to communities and landscape values from wildlfire is low 5.2.1.1. To reduce wildlife threat potential by reducing fire behaviour, fire accurrence, threats to values at risk and enhancing fire suppression capability 1) Percentage reduction in Fire Behaviour Potential Area (ha) within the FireSmart Community Zone. 2) Percentage reduction in Fire Behaviour Potential Area (ha) across the DFA now and over the planning horizon. 1) Reduce the area in the extreme and high Fire Behaviour Potential rating categories by X% within the FireSmart Community Zone. 2) Reduce the area (ha) the extreme and high Fire Behaviour Potential rating categories by X% across the DFA. Planning process, wildfire threat assessment Planning Standard Spatial harvest sequence, thinning, partial harvest techniques, prescribed burns AOPs Compartment Assessments FMP: Maps and Tables of Indicator at 0, 10, 20, and 50 yrs. Performance: Stewardship Report. Issue specific Adjust harvest sequence.
    5.2.2. Provide opportunities to derive benefits and participate in use and management 5.2.2.1. Integrate other uses and timber management activities Extent of various uses. To be determined in planning process Consultation and co-operation Legislation and policy Effective implementation of plans AOPs Compartment Assessments Stewardship Report. Issue specific Adjust activities
    5.2.3. Forest Productivity 5.2.3.1. Maintain Long Run Sustained Yield Average Regenerated stand yield compared to natural stand yield No net decrease from the natural stand productivity FMP Timber Supply Analysis Planning Standard Effective implementation of plans. Stewardship Report Timber Supply Analysis, Stewardship Report Report actual Adjust AAC using most current and relevant information.
6. Accepting society's responsibility for sustainable development 6.1. Aboriginal and treaty rights and aboriginal forest value. 6.1.1. Compliance with government regulations and policies. 6.1.1.1 Implement Public Involvement Program Meet Alberta's current expectations for aboriginal consultations Consult at the community level with designated representatives of affected aboriginal communities Alberta to provide direction Planning Standard Effective implementation of public involvement program.   Reports as required in Public Involvement plan To be determined Adjust activities
  6.2. Public participation and information for decision-making 6.2.1. Meaningful public involvement is achieved 6.2.1.1. Implement public involvement program Meet expectations of Section 5 of CSA Z809-02 To be determined in planning process Consultation Planning Standard Effective implementation of public involvement program.   Reports as required in Public Involvement plan To be determined Adjust activities

Footnotes:

(1) "X" variable in target description to be determined by the FMP planning process.
(2) Items noted under the "Means to Identify Targets" and "Means of Achieving Objectives and Targets" are intended as suggestions and not meant to limit potential approaches. The list is not comprehensive or mandatory.
(3) Seral Stage: Seral stages definitions shall include the following categories: Initiation, Establishment, Aggradation (stem exclusion), Mature and Old (Song 2002), Ecological Basis for Stand Management in Alberta. Old forest is defined as stands 40 years older than MAI culmination age.
(4) Subunit: any acceptable stratification of the DFA. Delineation of planning "subunits" for the DFA will be made during FMP planning. However delination shall reflect ecological considerations. Planning subunit may correspond to planning compartments.
(5) Cover-classes definition will be developed through FMP planning. In general cover class is a coarser grouping than the cover type (AVI stand label) but provides finer resolution than the cover groups (C, CD, DC, D) and will reflect leading species and mixed wood types.
(6) Patch: a stand of forest in the same seral stage and not split by a linear feature greater than 8m wide. Linear features in this definition include roads, pipelines, powerlines and rivers but does not include seismic lines.
(7) Interior forest: a forested area greater than 100 hectares in size located beyond edge effect buffer zone (7.2) along the forest edge (7.1). For interior forest objective use a common age definitions for all cover classes to prevent breaking up forest patches that have a common origin date.
(7.1) Forest edge: any of the following: a) a linear disruption in forest cover greater than 8 in width, or, b) the line along which forest seral stage class changes.
(7.2) Edge effect buffer zone: 60 m where adjacent area is non-forested or less than 40 years old; 30 m where adjacent forest stand is >= 40 years and less than mature forest; 0 m where adjacent stand is mature forest.
(8) Downed woody debris: wood lying at an angle of less than 45 degrees from the ground and having a diameter greater than 7.5 cm.
(9) Wild: genetic materials of native species originating from natural regeneration (Standards for Forest Tree Improvement in Alberta).