CMFN and the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement
On the evening of September 19, representatives of the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN) and the International Model Forest Network attended an event hosted by the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and the Canadian Geographic Society at the Canadian Museum of Nature. It involved a panel discussion with some of the key signatories of the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement (CBFA) - including Avrim Lazar, President and CEO of FPAC, Richard Brooks, Forests Campaign Coordinator for Greenpeace, and Tim Gray, Program Director for the Ivey Foundation. Overviews were provided and interesting questions posed to the group for their response. Daniel Arbour, Chair of the CMFN, then had the opportunity to make a short presentation highlighting the CMFN's interest in becoming a supporter and contributor to the CBFA, and the value the CMFN's involvement could have on the agreement.
The CMFN is in a unique position to contribute to the CBFA not only because of its varied work in the boreal forest across Canada, but also due to its decades of combined experience, through its members, in engaging with both conservation groups and the forest industry, as well as other stakeholder interests. There is wide recognition, in Canada and around the world, of Model Forests' reputation for creating stakeholder tables that help forge consensus and workable solutions to often divisive forest management and regional economic issues. Within the context of the CBFA, the CMFN can offer the experience of 10 of its sites in the boreal, plus its reputation as a proven and effective intermediary at the local, regional, national, and international levels. Currently the CBFA signatories include nine conservation groups and FPAC who in turn represents its 21 members comprised of Canada's largest forest companies. The CMFN was proud to be part of celebrating this daring vision for forestry, which the existing CBFA partners have laid out.
Looking Ahead to Model Forests’ 20th Anniversary
In 1992, the International Model Forest initiative was announced by Canada's Prime Minister at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. Many successes have been realized in Canada, as well as internationally, as a result of this initiative. Now there are 58 Model Forests that spread across the globe, with many more in development.Next year will be the 20th anniversary of Model Forests, with many activities will take place around the world celebrating this milestone. One such occasion is the Rio +20 conference being held next June. This, together with the 2011 recognition of the International Year of Forests, can help us remember how Canada's forest management has had an impact on a worldwide scale. Stay tuned for upcoming events and activities over the coming year!
CMFN's Annual General Meeting a Success!
From June 21st - 23rd, more than 60 members and guests of the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN) gathered in picturesque Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan for their 2011 Annual General Meeting. Co-hosted by the Prince Albert Model Forest, each day was packed with a stimulating and productive blend of workshops, presentations, business meetings, networking, and fantastic food! There were also field trips that opened and closed the event, plus entertainment from local Aboriginal youth that ushered in a lively closing banquet.
Throughout the two-day session, sharing experiences and working together were maximized. Summaries of the year's achievements on the national initiatives and projects were presented. Engaging committee workshops were held, focusing on: Policy & Partnerships, Member Services, Communications, International Engagement, Science& Research, and Business Development. This provided opportunities to be creative and work collaboratively towards common goals and developing new ideas. These activities were aimed to further provide benefits to the CMFN, its members, forest communities, partners, as well as other target audiences, now and into the future.
This successful multi-day event once again reinforced to its members and guests that the CMFN has a strong foundation, which is supported by a common sense of purpose, dedication, and commitment towards the ideals, values, strengths and potential of a unified and strong organization. Through its many members and partners, the CMFN is making a difference in the sustainability and health of our forests and the communities that depend upon them, with influence at the local, national and international scales. The CMFN wishes to thank everyone for their enthusiastic participation and valuable contributions, making the meeting an incredible success!
AGM Guest Speakers Explore Opportunities
There were many highlights throughout the meeting, including presentations from Canadian Model Forests, partners, and International participants. There were educational and enlightening presentations from our visiting guests, including the: Ibero-American Model Forest Network; Mediterranean Model Forest Network; Alto Malleco Model Forest in Chile; Vilhelmina Model Forest in Sweden; the Forest Products Sector Council; and, Canadian Biosphere Reserves. Networking and knowledge sharing were key elements of the meeting, where linkages were strengthened and new opportunities explored between members and our visiting international colleagues and partners.
AGM Field Trips both Unique and Educational
Participants at this year's CMFN Annual General Meeting were treated to two outstanding field trips on either end of their stay. The first stop was at the Wanuskewin Heritage Park in celebration of National Aboriginal Day. The Northern Plains Indians have gathered at this location for over 6,000 years, to gather plants and hunt Plains bison, which sustained their peoples and cultures. The second field trip consisted of a horse-led bison expedition in Prince Albert National Park where riders viewed Canada’s only free ranging herd of Plains bison, still within their historic range. The day was topped off by an outdoor Swedish Midsummer’s Eve feast, honouring the Scandinavian festival celebrating the summer solstice.
CMFN Set for June AGM in Saskatchewan
The CMFN's 2011 Annual General Meeting, being held June 21-25th in Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan, will have over 60 participants representing all Canadian Model Forests, as well as some international Model Forest guests, the International Model Forest Network representatives, the Canadian Forest Service, and other network partners. This event will include: business meetings, workshops, and two field trips, to celebrate National Aboriginal Day and a horseback ride to view Canada's only herd of free-ranging Plains bison.
If you are a Model Forest colleague and are interested in attending our AGM, please contact Leanne Elliott at 613-258-8400 or, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
All participants are asked to register for the event online at: CMFN AGM Event
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The Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN) is a not-for-Profit organization that connects stakeholders, facilitates knowledge transfer and develops practical tools, programs, and best practices that support responsible resource management.
Recent Publications
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Biomass Heating & Electricity Production: A Guide for Rural Communities in Canada
Canada is a resource rich country, supporting a wealth of renewable and non-renewable resource industries. Canadians are stewards to a large portion of the world’s temperate and boreal forests. These forests provide a range of ecological services: from water purification and storage, erosion and flood control and air quality protection, to the provision of wildlife habitat. Forests also play a critical role in climate change mitigation, with Canadian forests sequestering an estimated 95 billion tonnes of carbon. Forests provide a range of economic values: from traditional forest products, recreational values and trapping, to the potential for energy production.
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Building on the strengths of your community
Each Model Forest works regionally to promote the sustainable management of large forest landscapes through research, education and applied projects. Model Forests support forest- based communities by bringing together the information, tools and best practices needed to overcome obstacles and identify new opportunities. This guide was developed under the national Socio-Economic Indicators program. It is supported by a steering committee of CMFN members and partners from across the country.
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Pathways to Climate Change Resilience
This Guidebook and the accompanying Community Resource Collection has
been crafted based on the idea that Canadian rural communities in forest settings want guidance in
understanding and acting to reduce community impacts from the changing climate. Collecting information
and existing tools into a useful framework has been the first step for this initiative.For Resource Collection Click Here and for the Guidebook Click Here
