Annual report

28 Pages·1991·6.6 MB·English

by  Alberta. Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Minister's Message , 3
Organizational Chart ; 5
Department Overview 6
In Review
April 1, 1990 - M arch 31, 1991
Forestry . o
Timber Management, Reforestation, Pine "Ridge Forest Nursery,
Forest Protection, Recreation, Watershed Management, Expert , .
Review Panel on Forest Management, Forestry Youth Programs,
Forest Industry, Research and Development, Renewable
Resource Development
Lands . ! 13
Public Land Disposition Activity, Protected Lands, Prairie
Conservation Coordinating Committee, Public. Land
Conservation^ Reclamation, Aggregate Inventory, Grazing
Reserves, Range Improvement Range Management, Integrated
Resource Planning Program, Interdepartmental Referral .
Systems, Land-Related Information Systems Project, Land
Survey System, Maps Alberta /Distribution Services, Resource
Information Services, Surveying and Mapping
Wildlife 1 ■ .... ; 18
Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, Special Investigations,
Conservation Education, Wildlife and Habitat Management,
Fisheries and Habitat Management, Resource Management
Assistant Program
Financial Statements 23
FORESTRY, LANDS
AND WILDLIFE Office of the Minister
408 Legislature Building, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5K 2B6 403/427-3674
1
April 30, 1992 • ' . : .
The Honourable Gordon Towers .
Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Alberta
May it please your Honour:
For the information of your Honour and the Legislative Assembly, it is my privilege
to present the Annual Report of the Department of Forestry, Lands and Wildlife, for
the fiscal year ended March 31, 1991.
Respectfully submitted,
LeRoy Fjordbotten
Minister of Forestry, Lands and Wildlife
MINISTER'S MESSAGE
This year marks another year of accomplishments
It was a significant year for Alberta's forest
for Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife. . industry. Four construction or expansion projects
for pulp and paper mills were completed,
During 1990-91, emphasis was placed on creating a representing a $1 .5 billion capital investment. Mills
vision for the department that will meet the completing work were Weldwood of Canada,
challenges of the future. Through the strategic Daishowa Canada, Alberta Newsprint Company
planning initiative, Creating Our Future, a mandate and Alberta Energy Company. As well, the
and mission statement were developed and Alberta-Pacific pulp and paper project received
endorsed. Operating beliefs and philosophies were approval to proceed with construction. This mill
established to support the mission statement and represents a further investment of $1.6 billion.
help guide the department in "managing for
.sustainability, the integrated use of resources and a The Prairie Conservation Coordinating Committee
healthy environment, in harmony with the needs of continued to implement the Prairie Conservation
Albertans". Action Plan, which is aimed at conserving the
biological diversity of the province's prairie and
The department took a giant step toward achieving parkland ecosystems.
this mission with the implementation of some of
the toughest reforestation standards in the world. Six new Natural Areas were designated, a
The "Free to Grow" standards set new bench marks substantial addition was made to an existing site
. f or tree establishment and growth and will be and six additional sites were placed under
significant in ensuring and maintaining the long- protective notation for Natural Area purposes.
term sustainability of new forests. As under past This designation protects sensitive or scenic public
standards, industry will be responsible for meeting land from disturbance and ensures the land
these reforestation requirements. remains in a natural state for recreation, education
and natural heritage-appreciation activities.
In order to accommodate the anticipated increased
demand for seedlings, a major retrofit and Ecological studies were completed for six Natural
expansion of the Pine Ridge Forest Nursery in Areas. Environmentally significant area (ESA)
Smoky Lake began. The expansion will increase, studies were completed for the municipal districts
of Acadia, Starland and Kneehill.
the nursery's total annual capacity to 33.5 million
seedlings from the current 24.5 million.
The Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) program
During the year, the department planted more than continued to play a key role in achieving the
9 million seedlings, seeded more than 2,000 ha and
Alberta government's philosophy of integrated
conducted site preparation on 9,483 ha. As well, resource management. Work continued on four
640 ha were manually cleaned and tended and regional, seven subregional and seven local
1,744 hectolitres of cones were collected. integrated resource plans which will guide
resource management decision making in each
The Expert Panel on Forest Management, chaired
planning area.
by Dr. Bruce Dancik of the University of Alberta,
released its findings. This report identified issues The department entered into an agreement for
of concern to Albertans and recommended actions
parcel mapping with three utility companies. As a
that could be taken. The department has begun a result, a four year $24.6 million committment was
detailed analysis of the final report. - made by the government to complete this project
Page 3
1990-91 Annual Report
and develop the Land-Related Information Systems Two important habitat protection and management
(LRIS) Network. The LRIS Network will provide projects were initiated involving municipalities and .
remote,- electronic access to integrated land-related landowners as key players. The department and
information systems across the province and will the County of Barrhead presented Partners in
be one of the most advanced systems in North Conservation. As well, the County of Strathcona,
America. Sherwood Park Fish and Game Association,
Environment Canada and the department joined
The Report A Poacher program is a continuing
together to develop CONSERV* ACTION.
success, with 3,800 reports of illegal fish and
wildlife activity received on the 1-8.00-642-3800 I w as pleased to be a partner in creating the new
pTione line or directly at Fish and Wildlife district comprehensive document, A Wildlife Policy For
offices. ' Canada. This policy, endorsed by the department
and all other wildlife jurisdictions across Canada, is
Work continued to eradicate Infectious Pancreatic intended to maintain, and enhance the health and
Necrosis (IPN). virus from Sam Livingston Fish
diversity of Canada's wildlife while recognizing
Hatchery. The facility will be restored to human enjoyment of, and the need to sustain
production in late 1991, with full production benefits from, this resource. . •
achieved in 1992-93. Eradication of IPN virus at
Raven Brood Trout Station appears to have been This was a year in which the department built
fully successful. This facility will return to full egg upon its strong foundation of responsible resource
production potential in 1992-93, as 1989 management. With a focus on the future, we know
replacement brood stock reach maturity. that, through proper management, our valuable
natural resources will continue to flourish as
The North American Waterfowl Management Plan, sources of enjoyment, providing ecological and
a wetlands conservation project funded jointly by economic diversity, for many generations to come.
partners in the United States and Canada, saw
some major accomplishments. The Buffalo Lake
First Step project acquired 800 ha of prairie upland
and wetland habitat, and several soil conservation
initiatives were implemented in cooperation with
agricultural agencies.
LeRoy Fjordbotten
Minister
Page 4
1990-91 Annual Report
MINISTER OF
FORESTRY. LANDS
AND WILDLIFE
THE HONOURABLE
L. FJORDBOTTEN
DEPUTY MINISTER
FORESTRY, LANDS
AND WILDLIFE
SENIOR
ASSISTANT
DEPUTY MINISTER
FINANCE AND
ADMINISTRATION
ADMINISTRATIVE
COORDINATOR
ASSISTANT ASSISTANT ASSISTANT ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DEPUTY MINISTER DEPUTY MINISTER DEPUTY . DEPUTY OFFICER CORPORATE
INFSOERLRMAVIANCTDEI SO N- ALBERSTEAR V FIOCREE ST . PUBMLIINCI S LTAENR DS FISHM I»N I WSITLEDRL IFE FODREEVSTE L OIPNDMUESNTTR Y SSPETLRRAVANITNECIGENISGC* COO•RSEDRIVNIACETSI ON COMMUPNUIBCLIACT IONS
SENIOR DIRECTOR
SUDMRIAVREPEYPCIITNNOGGR & LAFNODR E SUTS E ADMINILSATNDR A T. ION MAFNIASGHEERMIEESN T FEIACNNAOANNLCOYISMAIILS C ft
DIRECTOR
FOREST PROGRAM WILDLIFE FOREST INDUSTRY
LAND SURVEY PROTECTION SUPPORT MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR
RENEWABLE
PROGRAM PROGRAM LAND PROGRAM
SUPPORT SUPPORT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT
EDXIERCEUCTTIOVRE DIRECTOR
LAND RELATED RESOURCE ENFORCEMENT FOREST
INFSOYRSMTEAMTSI ON REFORESTATION PLANNING SERVICES PRREOSDEAURCCTHS
SENIOR DIRECTOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR • DIRECTORS
RESOURCE TIMBER PEACE RIVER
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ■ R EGION OPERATIONS
NORTHEAST
REGION
SUPERINTENDENTS
ATHFOARBEASSTC A ECAESNTTERRANL SRLEOGPIEOSN S f t DRIERGEICOTNOARLS
BOW/CROW FOREST SORUETGHIEONR N PEARCEEG I ROINV ER
EPSON FOREST
NORTHEAST
FOOTNER LAKE REGION
FOREST
CENTRAL REGION
GR. PRAIRIE FOREST
EAST SLOPES
LAC LA BICHE REGION
. FOREST SOUTHERN REGION
PEACE RIVER
FOREST
ROCKY/
CLEARWATER
FOREST
SLAVE LAKE FOREST
WHITECOURT
FOREST
MARCH 31, 1991
Page 5
OVERVIEW
As stewards of fish, wildlife/ forests and public lands,
Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife manages these
resources for sustainability, integrated use and to
maintain a healthy environment In harmony with the
needs of Albertaris.
This mission guides and clarifies the roles of the administration in both the White and Green Areas and
for the Foreign Ownership of Land and Land Agents
department's five divisions: Alberta Forest Service>
Forest Industry Development, Public Lands, Land - Licencing programs.
Information Services and Fish and Wildlife.
Land Information Services manages and coordinates
In the Green Area (encompassing approximately 60 per natural resource information on behalf of the
cent of the provincial land base), the Alberta Forest department and provides land and resource related
Service (AFS) is responsible for timber, range and products and services to government and the public.
watershed management; reforestation and reclamation;
The division's responsibilities include: administration of
recreational uses; regulation of petroleum and natural land survey legislation; a survey control framework;
gas exploration and development; oil sands, coal, provincial, municipal and natural resources base
geophysical and land dispositions; the Junior Forest mapping programs in hard copy and digital formats;
Warden and Junior Forest Ranger programs; and resource information collection and analysis;
protecting the forests from fire, disease and insect ! . distribution and sale of maps and other land information-
infestation.
products; and the development of the provincial Land-
Related Information System Project.
.Forest Industry Development is responsible for
encouraging responsible, sustainable use of public land Fish and Wildlife manages wildlife resources to benefit
all Albertans. A wildlife conservation and protection
and resources. This division encourages companies and '
private investors in their efforts to effectively use - agency, it manages and protects endangered and
threatened species. The division enforces big game
Alberta's timber resources to* produce a variety of forest
products; to expand export markets; to maintain their hunting and fishing regulations. As well, it manages
habitat and fish and wildlife populations to meet the
' t echnological competitiveness; and to invest in forest
products research and development. It is also needs of local residents, commercial fishermen, hunters
responsible for attracting private- sector investment in and visiting sports and recreation enthusiasts.
other uses of public land and resources such as -
recreation and tourism development. In addition to these five line divisions, three branches provide
Public Lands manages public land in the White (settled) support to the department. ' '• '.
Area which may be: leased for grazing, cultivation, Coordination Services manages activities requiring the
recreation, tourism, commercial and industrial activities; participation of more than one division or department.
designated as Natural Areas, grazing reserves or used
These include the department's involvement in Natiye
by other departments or agencies; and sold for farms, land claims, implementation of the Prairie Conservation
plant sites or various commercial-industrial purposes. Action Plan and promoting integrated resource
The division emphasizes integrated resource planning, management across Alberta through regional resource
soil and range conservation, shoreline protection and coordinators. It also operates a centralized
industrial land ,m anagement to ensure resources are correspondence unit.
maintained for the future. It is also responsible for land -
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1990-91 Annual Report
Corporate Services and Strategic Planning conducts Internal Audit examines financial and operating
issue management, policy management, policy analysis, activities -to ensure internal accounting and
process consulting, research and other support services administrative controls function properly. It reviews
for the department's senior management, the Deputy computer-based systems, helps divisional managers
Minister and the Minister. As well, this group is evaluate program efficiency and economy, and conducts
management audits. .
responsible for coordinating the department's strategic
planning initiative.
Financial Services provides all departmental accounting
Public Communications advises the department on all functions including accounts receivables/accounts
aspects of public relations through consultation and ptraaycakbilnegs., budgeting, financial planning and expenditure
services that include: communication planning; issues
management; development and placement: of electronic
and print advertising; media relations; display Automated Information Systems Division provides
coordination, design and production; creative design consultation in automated data and office automation
and printing coordination; and audio-visual production.
systems with the aim of increasing' productivity through
the introduction of new technology. As well, the
Division is responsible for maintaining, enhancing and
•Forestry, Lands and Wildlife shares, with the department of
Energy, the Finance and Administration area which provides integrating existing corporate systems.
a number of a dditional support services.
Human Resources provides Services related to
recruitment, classification, wage and salary
General Services manages the Province's Registry of
Crown Land and the corporate record systems. This administration, employee relations, staff and
Division provides mail and messenger services, operates organizational development, human resource
the reference library, manages the public information information management, security and occupational
centres and provides editorial, drafting and health and safety. The Forest Technology School in
accommodation services. Hinton, which operates as part of Human Resources,
provides training facilities for the department.
Page 7
IN REVIEW
April 1, 1990 - M arch 31, 1991
The department of Forestry, Lands and Wildlife is As well, negotiations were underway to draft or amend
four other agreements.
dedicated to responsible management of Alberta's fish,
wildlife, forests and public lands. Of the 1,650 full-time
employees, almost 60 per cent are professional and
TIMBER DISPOSITIONS ISSUED 1990-91
technical (seasoned scientists, technologists, educators,
planners and agents) with an accumulated 10,000 years . F orest Management Agreement ,
o.f post-secondary education and experience. In order to (Slave Lake Pulp Corporation) 1
Coniferous Timber Quota (CTQ) 3
meet the growing public demand, the department's 40.
services were offered throughout more than 100 Alberta- 2
communities. Half of the department's staff live outside DLiecceindcueosu s Timber Allocation" (DTA)
Edmonton and in the communities they serve. It is their
Coniferous, CTQ
familiarity with the unique needs of their community,
Deciduous, DTA 11
coupled with their professional skills in resource
management, that has become a strong human resource Commercial Timber Permits
foundation for the work of the department. Coniferous (green) 15
Coniferous (dead/damaged) 11
Deciduous (green)
84
FORESTRY FACTS 1990-91 Deciduous (dead/damaged)
Productive forest land - Local Timber Permits
Potentially productive land 183,000 km2 Forest Product Permits 18,195221
Standing forest volume 2.22 0 b,i0l0li0o n k mm32 Christmas Tree Permits
Annual Allowable Cut TOTAL (1)
. 24,829,963 m3 245,,206189
1990-9.1 Total Timber Harvest
1 1 ,645,085 m3
Coniferous k 80% (1 ) Timber Dispositions decreased 21 .7% from the 1 989-
9,326,603 m3 90 level which was 30,994. Of the total dispositions,
Deciduous = 20% - 176 were considered major dispositions.
2,318,482 m3
7 . 7 %
Sawlogs & peeler-logs
22%
Pulp wood
1 %
Other During the year, one preliminary and two detailed FMA
Albertans Received:
management plans were approved, while seven other '
Christmas Trees ,: 26,341 FMA plans were worked on. - .
Tree Transplants 10,444
A public involvement process was introduced for forest
1990-91 chip sales to Alberta; 2,070,297. m3
B.C. and U.S. pulpmills management planning on FMAs. This process requires. 9
FMA holders to consult with the public in the
development of their detailed forest management plan,
Timber Management
and then provide opportunities for public review of the
completed draft plan. In addition, companies are
Alberta's productive and potentially productive forest encouraged to establish public liaison committees,
lands cover 183,000 km2 and 20,000 km2 respectively, or comprised of local interest groups, to provide ongoing
a total of over 30 per' cent of the province. Alberta has advice on forest management issues.
approximately 2.2 billion m3 of standing coniferous and
deciduous timber. _ .
The record timber harvest. of 9,326,603 m3 of coniferous
timber and 2,318,482 m3 of deciduous:timber was an
The increased pace of forestry development in Alberta increase of 26 per cent and 65 per cent, respectively, over
led to an unprecedented level of timber management
the previous year. The 1990-91 harvest represented 65
activity. One new Forest Management Agreement per cent of the coniferous annual allowable cut and 22
(FMA) was signed with Slave Lake Pulp Corporation. per cent of the deciduous annual allowable cut.
Page 8