About

The development of The Lesser Slave Lake Regional Forest Management Plan is a cooperative forest planning process governing 2.1 million hectares in north central Alberta. A Forest Management Plan (FMP) is a strategic planning tool that directs timber harvesting and forest renewal activities over a ten year period. It prescribes the sustainable amount and location of timber to be harvested over the next ten years, considering impacts on biodiversity, wildlife, water resources, First Nations and Métis communities, and other users of the forest. In the case of the Lesser Slave Lake Regional FMP, the developers are three companies that have intertwining operating areas in the Slave Lake region: Tolko Industries Ltd., Vanderwell Contractors (1971) Ltd. and West Fraser Mills Ltd. These companies are building the plan over a 5 year period, with submission for Government of Alberta approval in 2021. During this 5 year period, the companies work closely with First Nations and Métis communities, stakeholder groups, public groups, the Government of Alberta, and consultants to develop a well rounded plan. The forest management planning process is described on the Government of Alberta's website, and FMP requirements are listed in the Alberta Forest Management Planning Standard.

The objective of the regional approach is to produce a single regional FMP for the management area with common forest management strategies, values-objectives-indicators-targets (VOITs), forest health strategies, growth and yield program, public involvement plan and consultation processes. All of the companies and timber quota holders within the area will follow this FMP. Follow the links below to learn more about the FMP:

The FMPs the companies are currently operating under are available on the Government of Alberta's website:

Plan Timelines and Progress