Planning & Practices
Western Forest Products Planning and Practices
Long-term. Science-based. Collaborative.
Western manages 1.62 million hectares of land with a science-based approach, utilizing the most current technology. Our 250-year planning cycle considers what will be conserved first, then makes decisions designed to never harvest more than we grow.
From the early stages of the planning process, we encourage open and frequent communication with First Nations, our stakeholders and the general public. We welcome feedback on any of these plans, or any of our forest management activities.
Advancing Reconciliation
Western acknowledges and respects the Indigenous rights, title and interests in the lands and waters of Coastal British Columbia. We believe we can play an important role in advancing reconciliation by supporting innovative initiatives in the forest sector that create mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations.
Third-party assurance
Western diligently adheres to the B.C. government’s stringent forest management standards, and we uphold all international forestry agreements endorsed by Canada or the U.S. We also voluntarily submit to annual audits by independent third parties to ensure our practices meet set objectives for soil, fish, water, wildlife, biodiversity, scenery, cultural values and timber conservation.
Continuous improvement
Led by our certified forestry professionals, Western is advancing our forest stewardship through adaptive management, research, education and investments in technology. We seek out partnership opportunities with local companies, organizations and post-secondary schools that share the goal of growing a vibrant and sustainable industry.
For generations
Products to be Proud of
We are proud of our stewardship performance. Through independent third-party certification and industry-leading partnerships and practices, our customers can be assured of our commitment to sustainability.
Practices
Our caretaking responsibilities
We employ a team of forest professionals and specialists across diverse disciplines to lead and oversee our forest stewardship activities, including reforestation, wildfire management, habitat protection and watershed care. Additionally, we collaborate with independent specialists to guide ethical, science-based forest management practices.
Environmentally appropriate
Our forest planning prioritizes the health of ecosystems, ensuring biodiversity and natural resources are protected for generations to come. We implement sustainable practices that balance resource use with environmental conservation.
Socially beneficial
We engage with First Nations and communities to create forest management strategies that respect cultural values and support social and recreational interests. By fostering collaboration, we ensure forests benefit everyone who relies on them.
Economically viable
We are proud to contribute to a sustainable source of economic growth, providing high-quality building products while supporting jobs and communities. We strive to create operational certainty for enduring success.
Plans
Tree Farm Licence (TFL) Management Plans
We develop a Management Plan for each TFL at a minimum every ten years that outlines how we manage all forest resources and includes the modelling analysis to support the timber supply review and determination by British Columbia’s Chief Forester.
Forest Stewardship Plans (FSP)
FSPs work in tandem with the legislated practice requirements of the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation and provide the “results and strategies” for designing and implementing timber harvesting.
Forest Landscape Plan (FLP) and Forest Operations Plan (FOP)
In 2021, the Province of B.C. announced it would transition Forest Stewardship Plans over to Forest Landscape Plans and Forest Operations Plans. An FLP establishes clear goals and outcomes for the management of forest resources. The FOP illustrates the tactical requirements for forest practices, silvicultural systems, stocking standards and the locations of future cut blocks and roads.
Forest Operations Maps (FOM)
FOMs are specific to each road development or timber harvesting site. These maps are created during the planning process to allow for easy viewing of proposed forest operations.