Species at Risk

Ontario forest practices are governed by a world-class, platinum standard regulatory framework which provides for all forest values – environmental, social and economic – including the protection of species at risk and their habitat.

Forestry in Ontario has an established track record in managing for species at risk. In 1987 the forest sector implemented a new Guideline for the protection of bald eagle, a provincially endangered species. Today, the bald eagle is no longer endangered in Northern Ontario, due in part to forest management practices, yet remains endangered in Southern Ontario.

Similar good news stories exist for other species, including the red-shouldered hawk, southern flying squirrel, and, most recently, forest dwelling woodland caribou.

For woodland-caribou:

Caribou range has extended to the south in some regions of Ontario (i.e. recovery) since the 1950s.

Studies have indicated that caribou will use second growth forests, including previously harvested areas.
Studies further indicate that forest management can create new caribou habitat more quickly than natural disturbance (e.g. fire).
Caribou continue to be observed in suitable habitat in forests where management is occurring.
On the Trout Lake Forest in northwestern Ontario, population surveys conducted indicate moderate increase in the number of individuals since 2003

A recent Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) lecture series, at which scientists and managers from across the country showcased research and management initiatives on caribou, showed Ontario guidelines strive to emulate natural disturbance patterns and to provide a supply of habitat in natural amounts for all wildlife (not only caribou), and are the most progressive of the approaches used across the country.

The Ontario Forest Industries Association encourages people to know the facts about caribou and its various sub-species and ecotypes like the forest-dwelling woodland caribou. For instance, North America is home to approximately 3 million caribou with Canada being home to about 2 million individuals.

For more information about caribou and forestry click on www.fpac.ca to view a copy of a Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) document titled Woodland Caribou and Sustainable Forest Management.