Whiskey Jack Forest - Ontario · LCC meeting minutes, updated Terms of Reference. 2 The Forest Manager must ensure that available survey information (regeneration surveys, Free -to-Grow,

Whiskey Jack Forest

Independent Forest Audit

April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2009

Management Unit Action Plan

Status Report

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Independent Forest Audit Action Plan – Status Report

Whiskey Jack Forest – Independent Forest Audit 2004-2009

Introduction:

The Independent Forest Audit (IFA) of the Whiskey Jack Forest was conducted by KBM Forestry Consultants Inc. for the period April 1, 2004 to

March 31, 2009. The Action Plan was approved June 7, 2011 and the Final Status Report is due June 6, 2013.

R# Audit Recommendation Action Required and Progress to Date

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MNR Kenora District and MNR Red

Lake District must ensure that the

LCC Terms of Reference for the

Kenora and Red Lake LCCs meet the

content requirements of the FMPM

regarding a protocol for the

functioning of multiple LCCs.

Action Required:

1. Review FMPM requirements with LCCs.

2. Work with the Red Lake and Kenora LCCs to develop a protocol for the roles and responsibilities

and include the protocol in the LCC TOR.

3. Work with planning team and Red Lake and Kenora LCCs to outline in the FMP TOR how they

will participate in the Desired Forest & Benefits process and meeting.

Progress to Date:

1. Not Completed – A review of the FMPM requirements with the LCC has not occurred.

2. Not Completed – A protocol has not been developed for the roles and responsibilities of the LCCs.

3. Completed – Both the Kenora and Red Lake LCCs participated in the DF&B process and

meetings.

Future Tracking:

1. Complete a review of the FMPM requirements with the LCC by September 2013. Responsibility

MNR Kenora District Planner. Method of Tracking Progress: LCC meeting minutes.

2. Edit the LCC Terms of Reference to include a protocol for the functioning of multiple LCCs by

September 2013. Responsibility MNR Kenora District Planner. Method of Tracking Progress:

LCC meeting minutes, updated Terms of Reference.

2

The Forest Manager must ensure that

available survey information

(regeneration surveys, Free-to-Grow,

silviculture effectiveness monitoring,

etc.) is used in the development of the

silviculture program in the next FMP.

Action Required:

1. All available survey information will be compiled for use in the development of the 2012-2022

Whiskey Jack Forest FMP.

2. The available survey information will be analyzed and the analysis results will be used in the

development of post renewal succession rules for use in SFMM modeling for the 2012-2022

Whiskey Jack Forest FMP.

3. The available survey information will be used to assist in the development of regeneration

standards for the 2012-2022 Whiskey Jack Forest FMP (FMP-4 Silvicultural Ground Rules).

Progress to Date:

1. Completed - Silviculture Effectiveness Monitoring (SEM) surveys from the MNR and Free-to-

Grow (FTG) and other regeneration surveys that were collected from industry were compiled into a

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data base during the spring of 2010. This database was then made available for the development of

the Whiskey Jack Forest 2012-2022 FMP (see actions 2 and 3).

2. Completed - The survey data was formatted and analyzed by Kenora District staff in the spring of

2010. The analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the projected

development and the actual development – both in development rate and forest unit. This

information was used to develop the silviculture options for each forest units silviculture intensity.

These options have strong links to the development of yield curves and succession rules. These

new renewal successions would be consistent with current operations, inventory background and

SEM information.

3. Ongoing - The survey information was used to develop more stringent regeneration standards in

the Silviculture Ground Rules (SGRs) that were produced for the Whiskey Jack 2012 LTMD in

January 2011 - 60-90% stocking in the 2012-2022 FMP vs 40% stocking in the 2004 – 2009 FMP.

These regeneration standards addressed the timing of assessment, targets and acceptable crop

species, minimum crop tree heights, species composition, stocking and survey methodology. Using

the survey information and the Caribou Conservation Plan (CCP), acceptable stocking percentages

and densities (trees/ha) were included in SGRs to improve site occupancy and to provide for future

forest conditions as modeled. Refer to future tracking below for 2012-2022 FMP approval and

2012-2014 Contingency Plan.

Future Tracking:

3. SGRs in approved 2012-2022 FMP, approval forecasted for December 2013. Responsibility MNR

Kenora District Area Forester.

The 2012-2014 Whiskey Jack Forest CP applied the SGRs from the 2012-2022 LTMD, approved

September 21, 2012.

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The Forest Manager must ensure that:

1) the Silviculture Ground Rules,

silviculture exceptions, planned

renewal program and actual

silvicultural intentions of the next

forest management plan support the

long term management direction and

related silvicultural strategies,

2) the connection between strategic

and operational silviculture is clearly

discussed in the text of the next plan,

and

3) the operational renewal program

Action Required:

1. When developing the renewal program for the 2012-2022 FMP the planning team shall ensure that

the planned silviculture activity supports the silviculture strategy in the LTMD. This will be done

by using past renewal survey information when developing modeling inputs for post renewal

succession, developing regeneration standards and treatment packages for the Silvicultural Ground

Rules.

2. The text of the 2012-2022 FMP will clearly describe the silviculture intentions for the forest. The

text will also contain documentation on the use of post-harvest silvicultural prescriptions and the

implementation of site appropriate treatments. Table FMP-17 Planned Renewal and Tending

Operations will be consistent with the LTMD and related silvicultural strategies.

3. When implementing the 2012-2022 FMP the MNR Kenora District will ensure operations

proposed in the AWSs align with FMP-17 to ensure the strategic renewal program that was

modeled in the 2012-2022 Whiskey Jack Forest FMP is followed. This will include post-harvest

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aligns with the planned renewal

program and supports the long term

management direction.

silvicultural prescriptions consistent with FMP-17 and the strategic renewal program and review of

the annual reports for treatments applied.

Progress to Date:

1. Ongoing – Refer to recommendation #2 above regarding using survey information. The 2012-

2022 Whiskey Jack FMP was delayed following the approval of the LTMD. Due to this delay the

Section 4 of the 2012-2022 FMP has yet to be developed and as such the remainder of this action

has yet to be completed. The 2012 LTMD was utilized to prepare the 2012-2014 Contingency

Plan and the Silviculture Ground Rules have been applied in the Contingency Plan.

2. Ongoing – Section 4 of the 2012-2022 FMP is currently being developed and as such this action

has yet to be completed. For each forest unit, the most common silvicultural treatment package in

Table FMP-4 is considered to be the package of treatments most likely to be used that will reflect

the silviculture strategy for each forest unit.

Since the surrender of the SFL and the approval of the 2012-2014 Whiskey Jack Forest CP in 2012

the silviculture conducted on the Whiskey Jack Forest has been in keeping with the modeled

silviculture strategy, contained in the 2012-2022 Whiskey Jack Forest Preliminary Endorsed Long

Term Management Direction, to the extent reasonably possible.

3. Partially Completed – Through the implementation of the 2012-2014 Contingency Plan the

Strategic Direction for the 2012-2022 FMP has been implemented. As noted in action 2 of this

recommendation the 2012-2022 FMP is not yet approved. The 2012-13 post-harvest silvicultural

prescriptions have been initiated and will be finalized once the Supplementary Aerial Photos are

received (July 2013). The review of the 2012-13Annual Report will not be concluded until

November 15, 2013 when the Annual Report is submitted.

Future Tracking:

1. 2012-2022 FMP that completely addresses action 1 of this recommendation is forecast to be

approved in December 2013. Responsibility MNR Kenora District Area Forester.

2. Action 2 to be completed when text Section 4 of the 2012-2022 FMP is done, approval forecast for

December 2013. Responsibility MNR Kenora District Area Forester.

3. Action 3 to continue to be implemented following approval of the 2012-2022 FMP as noted in

action 1 above. Implementation progress will be tracked by annual review of operational

silvicultural program, AWSs, silvicultural effectiveness monitoring and annual reports.

Responsibility MNR Kenora District Area Forester.

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The Forest Manager must ensure that,

if required, the Natural Benchmark (or

equivalent) developed for the next

FMP better reflects actual conditions

and that, if required, targets/desired

levels (or equivalent) for appropriate

Action Required:

1. The Simulated Range of Natural Variation (SRNV) from the Ontario Landscape Tool (OLT) will

be utilized for the estimated natural condition of the forest to ensure it better reflects actual

conditions.

2. The 2012-2022 FMP objectives for forest texture and patch will be produced using outputs from

the Ontario Landscape Tool (OLT).

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objectives in the next FMP include

consideration for the Natural

Benchmark trend line.

Progress to Date:

1. Ongoing – The SRNV from OLT was utilized to determine the natural forest condition for use in

the draft 2012-2022 FMP. The SRNV was found to be a better representation of the natural forest

condition

2. Ongoing – The objectives for forest texture and patch developed for the draft 2012-2022 FMP

used the outputs from the OLT.

Future Tracking:

1. 2012-2022 FMP is forecast to be approved in December 2013. Responsibility MNR Kenora

District Area Forester.

2. 2012-2022 FMP is forecast to be approved in December 2013. Responsibility MNR Kenora

District Area Forester.

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moose shelter patches are retained as

specified in the FMP.

Action Required:

1. The Forest Manager will ensure that the planned shelter patches are appropriately placed on the

operational maps in the AWS.

2. Training and Pre-harvest meetings with the harvest contractor will review the prescriptions for the

harvest area and any moose shelter patches.

3. Moose shelter patch retention or harvest will be noted in the final compliance report for a harvest

area.

Progress to Date:

1. Completed - Moose shelter patches were identified on operational maps for the 2009-2012

Whiskey Jack Forest Contingency Plan and the subsequent AWSs. The 2012-2014 Whiskey Jack

Forest Contingency Plan did not identify any moose shelter patches as it was produced following

The Forest Management Guide for Conserving Biodiversity at the Stand and Site Scales 2010

(Stand and Site Guide).

2. Completed - All harvest blocks have a pre-harvest meeting with the licencee prior to commencing

operations. In these meetings the details of each block have been discussed and all residual

requirements have been identified. The pre-harvest checklist is kept at the MNR office with the

block file. Moose shelter patches have been reviewed and found to be intact.

3. Completed - FOIP reports for completed blocks have reported on the retention or harvest of shelter

patches when they are encountered in the harvest block.

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operators refine their work methods

on fine textured soils to avoid

operating during wet or non-frozen

periods.

Action Required:

1. During the term of the 2009-2012 Contingency Plan pre-harvest meetings with harvest contractors

will discuss the soil types in the harvest area and how to implement the Standards and Guidelines,

as well as Best Management Practices for site disturbance (rutting and compaction) from the Forest

Management Guide for Conserving Biodiversity at the Stand and Site Scales (Stand and Site

Guide).

2. Section 4.2.2.2 Conditions on Regular Operations of the 2012-2022 Whiskey Jack Forest FMP will

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include the Standards and Guidelines and Best Management Practices for site disturbance (rutting

and compaction) from the Forest Management Guide for Conserving Biodiversity at the Stand and

Site Scales (Stand and Site Guide)

3. Training and Pre-harvest meetings with the harvest contractor will review the soil textures for the

harvest area.

Progress to Date:

1. Completed - All harvest blocks have had a pre-harvest meeting with the licencee prior to

commencing operations. In these meetings the details of each block are discussed and work on

fine textured soils and shallow soils is discussed. In the current 2012-2014 Whiskey Jack Forest

Contingency Plan there have been no operational issues as a result of fine textured soils. The pre-

harvest checklist is kept at the MNR office with the block file.

2. Partially Completed - The approved 2012-2014 Whiskey Jack Forest Contingency Plan includes

Section 4.2.2.2 Conditions on Regular Operations (CROs) based on the Stand and Site Guide. This

section of the text describes how rutting and compaction is to be minimized and/or prevented. This

section of text also explains how rutting will be measured if an infraction occurs. This section of

text has also been included in the draft 2012-2022 Whiskey Jack FMP, which is scheduled for

implementation in April 2014.

3. Completed – All harvest blocks have a pre-harvest meeting with the licencee prior to commencing

operations. In these meetings the details of each block were discussed, including sensitive soils

(shallow and fine texture). The pre-harvest checklist is kept at the MNR office with the block file.

Future Tracking:

2. The 2012-2022 Whiskey Jack FMP includes text regarding rutting and compaction in the CRO

section 4.2.2.2. Approval by December 2013. Responsibility MNR Kenora District Area Forester.

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the inventory is reviewed and verified

for accuracy with respect to Free to

Grow records updated during the audit

term.

Action Required:

1. The Forest Manager will undertake a 10% review of the data collected by the Free to Grow

program and compare it to the 2012 planning inventory. If discrepancies are found a more

comprehensive review will be conducted and corrections will occur prior to the Long Term

Management Direction endorsement for the 2012-2022 Whiskey Jack Forest FMP.

Progress to Date:

1. Completed – The Kenora District Planning Analyst undertook a 10% review of the FTG data prior

to the approval of the base model inventory for the 2012-2022 Whiskey Jack Forest FMP. The

review showed that the FTG data that had been collected had been correctly included in the

inventory.

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site preparation results in the

production of planting spots of the

Action Required:

1. Post harvest inspections will be conducted to ensure proper selection of Forest Operation

Prescriptions (FOP) and application of site preparation. The post harvest inspections will include

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quality and quantity appropriate to

meet plan objectives.

information on the type of site preparation required, the spacing, the method, the intensity, etc.

2. Site preparation contracts will include specific spacing and intensity requirements to ensure that

work done will meet the FMP objectives.

3. Inspections of the site preparation will occur throughout the contract to ensure quality control.

4. The compliance report for the completion of the site preparation program will comment on the

overall quality of the work done.

Progress to Date:

1. Completed – In 2010, 2011, and 2012 the Kenora District staff have been conducting post harvest

site inspections in order to develop comprehensive silviculture prescriptions for harvest areas. Each

post harvest inspection determines if an area will be planted, seeded or left for natural regeneration.

Once this is determined a decision is made on site preparation requirements for planted areas and

scarification requirements for seeded areas.

2. Completed - Site preparation contracts implemented in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 have contained

the requirements for the following: spacing of furrows, depth of furrows and mineral soil exposure.

These key requirements are required in order to ensure that the work done will meet the FMP

objectives.

3. Completed - Site preparation in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 was sufficiently supervised by area

technicians from Kenora District. The supervision included multiple site visits each week that the

program was operating, as well as the establishment of quality plots to ensure that the desired result

is being achieved. The plot data is kept on file at the Kenora District office.

4. Completed - The final FOIP compliance report for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 site preparation

programs have detailed the overall assessment of quality.

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planting of red and white pine occurs

on appropriate sites.

Action Required:

1. Post harvest site inspections will be conducted to accurately identify where the planting of red pine,

white pine and white spruce would be appropriate.

2. Ensure planting stock orders include a sufficient amount of red pine, white pine and white spruce

to plant the areas identified through post harvest site inspections.

Progress to Date:

1. Completed - Post harvest surveys have been conducted by Kenora District in 2010, 2011, and

2012, to date and they identify the most appropriate planting stock and densities for each site - See

table under Action 2 below. Suitable sites for red pine and white spruce were identified for the

2011, but a suitable site for white pine was not identified through the post harvest surveys. The

2011 post harvest inspections identified suitable area for white spruce, but no area for white or red

pine. The lack of suitable ground to plant these species may be related to the decreased harvest

levels that the Whiskey Jack is currently experiencing.

2. Completed - All planting stock orders for the Whiskey Jack Forest include a sufficient species mix

to address the areas identified in action 1 above. Refer to the table below for orders compared to

actual planting.

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Planting Year Planting Stock Order Actual Planting

2010 0 30,000 Pj

20,500 Sb

2011 200,000 Pj

250,000 Sb

50,000 Sw

202,400 Pj

271,000 Sb

50,000 Sw

60,000 Pr

2012 100,000 Sw

150,000 Sb

100,000 Pj

103,000 Sw

160,000 Sb

100,000 Pj

2013 75,000 Pj

325,000 Sb

78,600 Pj

325,000 Sb

6,000 Pr

In addition when there was available surplus planting stock available Kenora District has purchased it

to further complete backlog renewal.

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MNR Kenora District must ensure

that all blocks harvested during the

audit term are reviewed for slash

management and, where established

regeneration will not be affected

a) slash be piled and burned or

otherwise removed to allow

regeneration of productive land, or

b) if natural regeneration of these

areas is not expected, then treat the

area to ensure regeneration.

Action Required:

1. All accessible blocks with slash that had not been piled were piled in 2010 for a 2011 slash pile

burn program.

2. All areas piled and burned will be assessed to determine the appropriate type of follow-up treatment

during the spring after burning. Any areas not expected to regenerate naturally will be identified as

part of the planting or seeding programs.

Progress to Date:

1. Completed – A total of $109,000 was spent piling slash in backlog areas that were accessible.

These piles were burnt during the 2011 slash pile burn program.

2. Partially Completed – After the piles had been burned, each pile was marked with a GPS

waypoint. While the crew was marking each burned slash pile they also took measurements to

determine the average number of plantable spots in each pile.

Future Tracking:

2. The slash piles are scheduled to be planted during the 2013 tree plant. Approximately 25,000 trees

are expected to be planted in these piles. Responsibility MNR Kenora District Integrated Resource

Management Specialist. Method of Tracking Progress – Forest Operations Prescriptions, AWS,

silviculture effectiveness monitoring program.

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that:

a) a review is conducted of all areas

Action Required:

1. The MNR Kenora District through the Silviculture Effectiveness Monitoring program has started a

review of all areas planted and seeded during the 2004-2009 audit term. This assessment will

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planted and seeded during the audit

term and that fill planting or re-

seeding occurs as necessary to support

the achievement of FMP objectives,

b) a review of all sites harvested

during the audit term that are forecast

to become conifer-leading forest units

is conducted, and that tending occurs

where necessary so that plan

objectives can be met.

identify a) the presence of large gaps that require retreatment and b) the presence of competition

suppressing the conifer-leading forest units. This recommendation is very significant and will

require an incredible amount of resources to complete. The MNR Kenora District will seek

additional funding through the NW Region to assist in the completion of this recommendation.

Currently the MNR Kenora District is focusing on renewing the areas harvested since the surrender

of the Whiskey Jack Forest, and as time and as funding permits will begin to address this

recommendation

2. The MNR Kenora District will target areas requiring in-fill planting as a part of future silviculture

programs. These areas will be prioritized based on harvest year, site characteristics, proximity to

current program and funding availability. These areas will be included in the AWS and reported on

in the AR.

3. The MNR Kenora District will identify areas requiring tending that are forecast to be conifer

leading areas. These areas will be prioritized based on harvest year, site characteristics, proximity

to current program and funding availability. These areas will be included in the AWS and reported

on in the AR. Note: Chemical tending is a very controversial topic in the Kenora District and as

such alternative methods to aerial herbicide application, such as air blast, ground spray, basal bark,

etc., will be investigated.

Progress to Date:

1. Ongoing – As of April 24, 2012, the Kenora District has flown all of the area that was regenerated

in the 2004-2009 FMP. This includes areas that were seeded, planted and left for natural

regeneration. All of the area was tagged as either not requiring retreatment or has been tagged for

further follow-up (3,450 ha). The majority of the area (2,900 ha) that required further follow-up

was ground surveyed in the spring/summer of 2012 to determine if additional treatments were

required to ensure that the area is successfully regenerated (e.g. retreatment, competition

suppressing conifer leading forest units). To-date only one area has been identified for retreatment

and three for tending.

2. Ongoing – One area has been identified for retreatment to-date. This area was planted with black

spruce, but due to heavy grass and shrub competition most of the spruce was overtopped and

eventually choked out. The block was walked extensively and broken out into areas that required

retreatment and areas that were renewing acceptably. The areas that were targeted for retreatment

were site prepared using winter blading during the winter of 2012-13. This totaled approximately

60 hectares that requires planting. With regard to blocks harvested prior to 2008-2009 that received

no silvicultural treatment, the final areas were included in the 2012 Whiskey Jack tree plant.

3. Ongoing – The Kenora District has identified three areas that require cleaning to-date.

Future Tracking:

1. Finish the ground survey of the remaining 500 ha of area that requires further follow-up in the

spring/summer of 2013 to determine if additional treatments are required to ensure that the area is

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successfully regenerated (e.g. retreatment, infill planting, competition suppressing conifer leading

forest units). Responsibility MNR Kenora District, Integrated Resource Management Specialist.

Method of Tracking Progress: silviculture effectiveness monitoring program.

2. Plant the 60 hectares requiring retreatment with approximately 110,000 black spruce during the

2013 tree plant. Identify the final areas requiring retreatments from ground surveys during the

spring of 2013. Any areas requiring retreatment will be prioritized as per action required.

Responsibility MNR Kenora District, Integrated Resource Management Specialist. Method of

Tracking Progress: Annual Reports.

3. Tender out as a package the three areas that require cleaning during 2013. The focus will be to

promote employment in the local First Nation communities, but other companies will be included

in the tender process. Continue identification of areas requiring tending or cleaning as per action 3

above. Responsibility MNR Kenora District, Integrated Resource Management Specialist. Method

of Tracking Progress: Annual Reports.

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seed collection and storage meet the

needs of the renewal program.

Action Required:

1. A review of the current seed requirements will be conducted.

2. A review of current seed stock levels will be conducted.

3. A seed collection program will be developed and implemented based upon the current and future

requirements.

4. Monitor seed stores to ensure an appropriate supply for future programs.

Progress to Date:

1. Completed – Following the 2009 IFA seed requirements for the 2010 tree plant and seeding

program was conducted. This review has continued to occur every year and is done by the Area

Forester and the Integrated Resource Management Specialist.

2. Completed – A review of the seed stock levels was conducted following the 2009 IFA and the

levels show that there is sufficient seed for both black and white spruce requirements as well as

jack pine well into the future. Red pine seed stocks are relatively low and a collection program was

completed as noted under action 3 below.

3. Completed – Every year the current and future seed requirements are examined and seed

collection targets any stock shortfalls. In 2012 a small red pine cone collection program was

undertaken and yielded approximately 50,000 seeds. Although this is not a large amount of seed it

will fulfill the requirements on the forest for between 5 to 10 years.

4. Completed – A review of seed stock levels occurs every year and is compared to current harvest

levels and tree plant and seeding program requirements. The seed stocks will support the required

regeneration levels on the Whiskey Jack for the next 5 years. Prior to 2017 seed collection

programs will be conducted for both red pine and jack pine. Current seed stock levels are as

follows:

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Species Total Number of Viable Seed

Black Spruce 106,867,313

White Spruce 61,967,215

Jack Pine 39,142,507

Red Pine 101,719

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MNR Kenora District must review the

Forest Renewal Trust Fund rates

particularly for spruce/pine/fir and

assign rates appropriate for meeting

plan objectives.

Action Required:

1. An annual review of the renewal rates will be conducted to ensure that the levels are appropriate to

meet the silvicultural objectives in the current FMP. The renewal rates were reviewed and adjusted

in order to better reflect plan objectives for April 1, 2009 (outside of the audit period). This

review has occurred annually and will continue in the future.

Progress to Date:

1. Completed – A thorough review of the Forest Renewal Trust Fund rates was conducted by Kenora

District in the spring of 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. The current rates, expected costs of renewal

treatments and the volume of fibre that is anticipated to be harvested were evaluated during the

FRTF renewal rate reviews. Since 2009 the FRTF rates have been raised to $5.50 SPF (2009-10,

2010-11) and $5.75 SPF (2011-12, 2012-13 & 2013-14). It is felt that these rates reflect the cost of

adequately renewing a conifer forest and are in keeping with the silviculture required to meet the

FMP objectives.

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The Forest Manager must develop a

road rehabilitation strategy for the

next FMP to ensure that unwarranted

roads are rehabilitated and returned to

the productive forest landbase.

Action Required:

1. All new and existing roads will be reviewed during preparation of the 2012-2022 FMP with respect

to requirements to access harvest areas. Road density objective targets will be established in the

2012-2022 FMP and road use management strategies will ensure that roads not required for forest

management activities are rehabilitated and returned to the productive landbase.

2. Pre-harvest meetings with the harvest contractor will review the block and the approximate

location of roads and landings.

Progress to Date:

1. Ongoing – During the production of the draft 2012-2022 FMP an objective (objective 8) was

developed that states a clear road density objective for the caribou zone and the non-caribou zones

on the Whiskey Jack Forest. The road use management strategies developed for the 2012-2022

FMP document roads that are no longer needed for forest management activities and how these

roads will be returned to the productive landbase.

2. Completed – Pre-harvest meetings have been occurring on all blocks harvested on the Whiskey

Jack Forest. During these meetings specifics regarding road placement and longevity are discussed

with the licencee. Landings for chipper pads have been a focus of the pre-harvest meetings and

where possible are located on unproductive sites.

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Future Tracking:

1. The 2012-2022 Whiskey Jack FMP that includes objective 8 regarding road densities. Approval by

December 2013. Responsibility MNR Kenora District Area Forester.

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The Forest Manager must develop a

monitoring program to ensure that all

water crossings installed during the

winter are inspected immediately

following the first spring thaw after

their installation, and incorporate the

monitoring strategy into the FMP.

Action Required:

1. The Forest Manager will create a monitoring program to track water crossings installations.

2. The Forest Manager will review crossings that were previously installed during the winter months

and determine if mitigation work is required.

3. These water crossings will be monitored to determine if additional mitigative work is required.

Progress to Date:

1. Partially Completed – All water crossings installed since the 2009 IFA have been temporary

installations. A detailed process on how temporary winter crossings are to be installed and

removed is included in the Water Crossing Tool Kit, which is an appendix in each years Annual

Work Schedule. Winter water crossings have also been identified as a focus of the District

Compliance program.

2. Completed – Through the routine monitoring of roads and water crossings all permanent water

crossings that were installed during winter months are being monitored. If the winter installed

crossings, or any others, showed signs of erosion or other issues the appropriate mitigative

measures are taken. All winter water crossings have been tagged with a March 31 removal date and

have been required to be removed on or prior to that date, unless otherwise agreed to by the MNR.

Following the removal date, all winter water crossings have been inspected. Any mitigation work,

as necessary, will be identified by the District Compliance Inspector and directed to the licencee for

completion by a specific date.

3. Completed – The process that has been undertaken by the District Compliance Inspector has been

to work with the licencee until all of the work required at a site is completed. Once mitigation work

has been completed and inspected follow-up visits occur later in the summer when detailed

silviculture prescriptions are being prepared.

Future Tracking:

1. In the event that permanent water crossing installations are contemplated during the winter, a

winter water crossing monitoring program will be initiated and implemented. Responsibility MNR

Kenora District Area Forester.

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the interests of public safety are

paramount for establishing pit

rehabilitation requirements for all pits

at all times.

Action Required:

1. An amendment to the 2009-2012 Whiskey Jack Forest Contingency Plan was approved and

included the updated operational standards that apply to the extraction of aggregate resources for

forestry aggregate pits.

2. The Forest Manager will monitor aggregate pits for compliance with the Forest Industry Operating

Standards and /or the Aggregates Act and for any public safety issues.

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3. The updated operational standards for aggregate pits will be included in the 2012-2022 Whiskey

Jack Forest FMP.

Progress to Date:

1. Completed – The updated operational standards for forestry aggregate pits were included in the

Major amendment to the 2009-2012 Whiskey Jack Forest Contingency Plan (amendment #03).

2. Completed – The Forest Manager has monitored forestry aggregate pits through FOIP inspections

for all forest industry sites and Compliance Assessment Reports for Category 9 pits.

3. Partially Completed – The current operational standards for aggregate pits have been included in

the CRLAPs (Conditions on Roads, Landings and Aggregate Pits) in the 2012-2014 Whiskey Jack

Forest Contingency Plan.

Future Tracking:

3. Inclusion of the operational standards for aggregate pits in the 2012-2022 Whiskey Jack Forest

FMP that is scheduled for approval by December 2013. Responsibility MNR Kenora District Area

Forester.

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that a review of the original field data

of the barren and scattered survey

occurs and that the inventory is

appropriately updated with this

information.

Action Required:

1. MNR Kenora District will review 10% of the field data from the barren and scattered survey and

ensure it has been incorporated into the 2012 planning inventory.

2. A new Forest Resources Inventory (FRI) for the Whiskey Jack Forest is scheduled to be completed

by 2014 and this inventory will have stands appropriately identified as forested, barren and

scattered, etc. This inventory will be used in the development of the 2022 Whiskey Jack Forest

FMP

Progress to Date:

1. Completed – The Kenora District Planning Analyst undertook a 10% review of the field data of

the barren and scattered data prior to the approval of the base model inventory for the 2012-2022

Whiskey Jack Forest FMP. The review showed that the barren and scattered data that had been

collected had been correctly included in the inventory.

2. Not Completed – The completion date for the new FRI has been changed to 2017.

Future Tracking:

2. The stated action will occur with the new FRI expected to be received in 2017. Responsibility

MNR Kenora District Area Forester.

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The Forest Manager must ensure that:

a) all information in the Annual

Report is confirmed for accuracy prior

Action Required:

1. The annual report will be submitted in accordance with the FMPM and the Forest Information

Manual by November 15th

of each year.

15

to finalization,

b) future Annual Reports contain all

required discussions including

progress towards achievement of plan

objectives, potential implications of

operations on future operations and

effectiveness of road use management

strategies.

2. The MNR staff will review the annual report to ensure the report is complete and all required

information is appropriately included. The MNR District Manager will provide the results of this

review to the Plan Author. The Plan Author will address the comments and provide the MNR

District Manager with documentation on how the comments have been addressed.

Progress to Date:

1. Completed – The 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 Annual Reports were received from the service

provider and MNR Kenora District verified that the information was accurate prior to submitting

the reports through the FI Portal.

2. Completed – The Annual Reports have been checked to ensure that they contain the required

discussion components. Any comments were provided back to the Plan Author and appropriately

incorporated into the AR.

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that the 2008-09 Year 10 AR is

revised to include the

following:

a) analysis/discussion of changes that

may affect future levels, effectiveness

and expenditures of renewal and

tending operations,

b) analysis/discussion of effectiveness

of silvicultural treatment packages

that are exceptions to the forest

management guides,

c) review/discussion of needed

modifications or refinements to

modeling assumptions,

d) a summary of progress on

implementation of the 1999-2004 IFA

Action Plan,

e) an update of the inventory and

running of SFMM at plan end (2009)

to determine objective achievement,

f) an update of the 2004-2024 FMP

social and economic description, and

g) based on the determination of

sustainability and the social and

economic review, develop

recommendations for the next FMP.

Action Required:

1. The Forest Manager will revise the 2008-2009 AR to include the deficient information as identified

in Recommendation #20 of the IFA report. This will then be submitted to the MNR Kenora

District for review.

2. The MNR Kenora District and MNR Northwest Region will review the 2008-2009 Annual Report

to ensure deficiencies identified in the IFA are addressed.

3. Following the MNR review the District Manager will provide the results to the plan author.

4. The plan author will address the comments and provide documentation to the District Manager on

how the comments have been addressed. If necessary a revised AR will be submitted 60 days from

the receipt of the MNR comments.

Progress to Date:

1. Not Completed –The 2008-2009 Annual Report has not been revised.

2. Not Completed – The MNR has not reviewed the revised 2008-2009 Annual Report as the report

has not yet been revised.

3. Not Completed – Copy of review results has not been completed as the Annual Report has not

been revised for review.

4. Not Completed – as the Annual Report has not yet been revised for review.

Future Tracking:

1, 2, 3, 4. The stated actions will be completed by the MNR Kenora District Area Forester. The

revised 2008-09 Annual Report is expected by July 31, 2013 and all actions will be completed by

September 30, 2013. Responsibility MNR Kenora District Area Forester.

16

21

The MNR Kenora District Manager

and the Forest Manager must ensure

that the audit action plan and status

report comply with all IFAPP

submission requirements.

Action Required:

1. The Kenora District MNR will complete the required action plan in accordance with all IFAPP

requirements and will contact the regional representative for assistance as required. Once the draft

action plan is completed it will be submitted to the regional and corporate contacts for review and

then the action plan will be finalized. The action plan will then be signed and submitted to the

MNR Regional Director for signature.

2. The Kenora District MNR will complete the required status report in accordance with all IFAPP

requirements and will contact the regional representative for assistance as required. Once the draft

status report is completed it will be submitted to the regional and corporate contacts for review and

then the status report will be finalized. The status report will then be signed and submitted to the

MNR Regional Director for signature.

Progress to Date:

1. Partially Completed – The action plan was due for submission by August 15, 2010. A

preliminary version of the action plan was submitted by MNR Kenora District to the NWR on

August 4, 2010. Following review and a conference call with the NWR and Forests Branch the

action plan was resubmitted and reviewed in December 2010. The action plan was finalized by

April 2011 and the action plan was submitted to the MNR Regional Director by the MNR Kenora

District Manager on April 20, 2011.

2. Completed – The Interim Status Report was due for submission by June 6, 2012. The status report

was completed and reviewed by the MNR NWR contact prior to submission by the MNR District

Manager. The status report was submitted to the MNR Regional Director by the MNR Kenora

District Manager on June 6, 2013.

This final Status Report is due for submission by June 6, 2013. The status report was completed and

reviewed by the MNR NWR contact prior to submission by the MNR District Manager. The status

report was submitted to the MNR Regional Director by the MNR Kenora District Manager on the date

indicated on the signature page of this status report.

Documents

Whiskey Jack Forest - Ontario · LCC meeting minutes, updated Terms of Reference. 2 The Forest Manager must ensure that available survey information (regeneration surveys, Free -to-Grow,