The Algonquin Forestry Authority (AFA) is the Ontario Crown Agency responsible for sustainable forest management in Algonquin Provincial Park. AFA responsibilities also include the harvesting and distribution of wood products to mills in communities within the region.

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To achieve the highest standards of sustainable forest management practices, in order to maintain Park values for future generations.

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To ensure the long-term health of Algonquin's forests while producing a sustainable supply of forest products for the forest industry of the region..

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1. Sustainable Forest Management:

• Conform with requirements of the international standards ISO 14001 and CSA Z809-02
• Manage Algonquin’s forests in a sustainable manner consistent with requirements of the sustainable forest management plan. This includes:

  1.	Conserving biological diversity;
  2.	Conserving forest ecosystem condition and productivity by maintaining the health, vitality and rates of biological production;
  3.	Conserving soil and water resources;
  4.	Maintaining forest conditions and management activities that contribute to the health of global ecological cycles;
  5.	Providing multiple benefits to society; and
  6.	Accepting society's responsibility for sustainable development

• Locate forest operations away from recreational features (campgrounds, canoe routes, portages, hiking trails) during peak periods of usage
• Maintain aesthetic qualities of the forest landscape
• Avoid insecticide and herbicide use whenever possible
   

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2. Compliance with Laws:

• Meet or exceed all applicable laws, regulations, policies, standards and other requirements to which AFA subscribes
• Prevent pollution using processes, practices, materials or products that avoid, reduce or control pollution
• Continuously evaluate compliance with current laws and regulations, and the prevention of pollution
• Periodic independent audits shall ensure that operations are consistent with established policies and objectives
   

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3. Public Participation:

• Provide opportunities for public consultation on sustainable forest management practices in Algonquin Park
• Establish a public advisory committee to provide input on sustainable forest management
• Facilitate public review and input on the Forest Management Plan and work schedules and respond to comments in a timely fashion
• Effectively communicate forest management practices in the Park to the public
• Make public the results of independent audits and ongoing assessments in annual reports
   

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4. Aboriginal Rights and Participation:

• Respect Aboriginal and treaty rights
• Provide participation opportunities for Aboriginal peoples with respect to their rights and interests in sustainable forest management
• Work co-operatively with local aboriginal communities to identify and implement ways of achieving a more equal participation by aboriginal communities in the benefits provided through forest management planning in Algonquin Park
   

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5. Health and Safety:

• Provide conditions and safeguards for the health and safety of workers and the public
• Establish and communicate safe working habits to employees of the Authority and its contractors
• Organize training programs for AFA employees and assist contractors in their training programs
• Maintain and communicate emergency response plans and procedures
   

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6. Continual Improvement:

• Improve knowledge about the forest and sustainable forest management and monitor advances in SFM science and technology and incorporate them where applicable
• Participate in research projects that contribute to the health of the forest ecosystem and productivity of the forest
• Establish partnerships with private sector and other scientific institutions and partnerships to promote forestry education and awareness
• Effectively communicate new procedures and responsibilities to employees, contractors and woodsworkers in a timely fashion
• Ensure sufficient monetary funds are budgeted to train personnel
• Participate in the development of new standards and guidelines
• Regularly review the Sustainable Forest Management Policy and update as required
   

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