Timber Harvest versus Annual Allowable Cut

Indicator Type: Stewardship Indicator

The status of Alberta's timber stocks is measured by comparing the actual annual timber harvest with the long-term sustainable Annual Allowable Cut. This number is set by the Alberta Government within the Green Area. The Green Area is primarily the unsettled portion of the province. It is defined as lands not available for agricultural development other than grazing.

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Trend: Harvest has not exceeded the Annual Allowable Cut

What does the indicator show?

This measure reflects the government’s ability to manage Alberta’s timber resources in a sustainable manner. It indicates the status of Alberta’s timber stocks by comparing the actual annual timber harvest with the annual amount of timber allowed to be cut in the forested portion of the province.

Like other jurisdictions across Canada, Alberta's tree harvesting does not exceed the annual allowable cut. In 2005/06, Alberta's harvest was 83% of the annual allowable cut. This is similar to the national average (78% in 2005). The Annual Allowable Cut within the Green Area of the province has remained relatively stable over the past 10 years.

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Why is this indicator important?

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development monitors Alberta's timber harvest and ensures that it is below the Annual Allowable Cut. The indicator is an important tool in ensuring that Alberta's resources are managed in a sustainable manner.

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What actions are being taken?

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development is committed to encouraging sustainable land use practices through integrated land use planning by government and industry. The department revises the approved Annual Allowable Cut based on the latest information. Changes result from:

• Updating the forest inventory and growth and yield information
• Changes in the available land base (i.e. changes and additions in provincial parks and other reserved areas)
• Creation of new Forest Management Areas and Forest Management Unit amalgamations
• Updated analysis procedures
• Harvest analysis changes
• Updating for catastrophic events such as fire
• Changing forest management strategies

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Links to additional information

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Public Lands and Forests Division

Managing our Forests

The Alberta Green Area

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Feedback

E-mail the SOE Coordinator: SOE.Coordinator@gov.ab.ca or complete this short on-line questionnaire to provide your feedback: http://www.zoomerang.com/
survey.zgi?p=WEB224DW6P3E2K.

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