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 FOREST MANAGEMENT
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The Planning Process
The Algonquin Park Management Plan is the umbrella document for all land uses within the Park. An extensive area within the Park (223,067 hectares) is zoned for wilderness, recreation, research and historical purposes where timber harvesting is not allowed. Harvesting is only permitted within the recreation-utilization zone (481,478 ha.) and is carefully regulated to minimize both visual and audible impacts on other forest users.
Planning for Forest Management Operations in Algonquin Park is conducted under the
Crown Forest Sustainability Act (1995) and the Ministry of Natural Resources'
Forest Management Planning Manual for Ontario's Crown Forests (2009). Forest Management Plans (FMP) are prepared over a two year period prior to commencement of operations. AFA is currently operating under the approved 2010-2020 FMP for Algonquin Park. This Plan will cover operations for ten year period, at which time a new Plan will be prepared.
  The planning process is a detailed process that entails ongoing opportunities for public input and includes two sessions of Open Houses in a variety of locations. A detailed Forest Resource Inventory (FRI) of Algonquin Park has been prepared using aerial photography and ground sampling. This FRI is maintained by the AFA using a Geographic Information System (GIS), which is a spatial mapping system that allows for detailed area-based management of all of the values within the Park. Extensive computer modeling is conducted with the Forest Resource Inventory (FRI) Database and the GIS to assess all elements of forest sustainability. Computer modeling allows managers to forecast the future forest condition based on today's management activities.For more information on the Algonquin Park Forest Management Plan for the 2010-2020 period refer to the Forest Management Plan Summary
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Protection of Values
 The protection of all values within Algonquin Park is an integral part of the forest management program. Values such as fish and wildlife habitat, canoe routes and portages, campsites, hiking/skiing trails, archeological sites and cultural heritage sites are all tracked on the AFA GIS system. This information is updated on a regular basis as new values are discovered. The FMP contains a set of Area of Concern (AOC) prescriptions that are implemented during forest management operations to protect all of these values. MNR's approved implementation manuals, guidelines, resource manuals and other planning tools are the basis for the AOC prescriptions. These areas of concern are detailed on maps within the FMP and prescribe restrictions to operations that are followed during plan implementation. Trained and certified Tree Markers identify AOC boundaries in the forest prior to operations, so that they are clearly visible as either no-cut areas (reserves) or areas where modified operations are required. Annual reports and compliance audits are also conducted on a regular basis in order to ensure that operations are being conducted as they have been prescribed, and that all values in the forest are being protected.
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The Algonquin Park Forest
The Algonquin Park management unit contains two basic forest complexes:
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Forest Management Systems
A forest management system is a process in which forests are tended, harvested and regenerated. The biological characteristics of the forest being managed help to determine the appropriate forest management system.
Tree species growing in Algonquin Park range from shade tolerant (maple, hemlock, beech, balsam fir),
intermediate shade tolerance (white pine, yellow
birch) to shade intolerant (poplar, white birch
and jack pine). Shade tolerance influences the choice of forest
management system under which they are managed. Their tolerance of shade means that the new forest may be established in the shade of the mature forest. Species that are intolerant of shade need to be regenerated in full sunlight.
Forests may be managed in two ways;
- as evenaged forests where most trees in a stand are of generally the same age, and
- as unevenaged forests where trees of many ages are present within a stand.
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Even Aged Systems
The two evenaged forest management systems in use are uniform shelterwood and clearcut. In both systems, trees in the mature forest are evenaged and after the harvest, a new evenaged forest is regenerated. The difference between the two systems is the amount of light available for the establishment of regeneration.
 The clearcut system is used to regenerate species such as red pine, jack pine, poplar and white birch which are intolerant of shade. The overstory is removed in one harvest except for seed trees and trees retained for wildlife or other values. If abundant light was not provided for these species, more shade tolerant species would dominate. The clearcut forest management system accounts for approximately 5% of harvesting operations in Algonquin Park.
The uniform shelterwood system is used to regenerate species such as white pine, hemlock and yellow birch that are tolerant to mid-tolerant of shade. The forest canopy is removed in a series of two to four cuts for the purpose of obtaining natural regeneration under the shelter of the residual trees. By providing appropriate light levels, the desired species can be regenerated. By gradually removing the forest canopy, proper light levels are maintained until the new forest is ready to be released and grow in full sunlight. The shelterwood system accounts for approximately 44% of harvesting operations in Algonquin Park.
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Uneven Aged Systems
The unevenaged forest management system used in Algonquin Park is the selection system, primarily for shade tolerant hardwoods such as sugar maple and beech.
 Trees of many ages and sizes are present in these forests and at intervals of 20-25 years a partial harvest is performed. The harvest removes trees which are mature or in declining health. Healthy trees are given more room to grow, younger trees are given more light from above when larger trees are removed and a new crop of seedlings is naturally established on the forest floor. The selection system accounts for approximately 51% of harvesting operations in Algonquin Park.
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Tree Marking
In order to implement these forest management systems it is necessary to designate which trees are to be harvested and which are to be retained. This is done by skilled Tree Markers who follow the prescriptions prepared by Registered Professional Foresters in the Forest Management Plan. The tree marking crew uses paint to designate which trees are to be harvested. While the tree markers are considering the forest management needs of the tree species that they are working with, they are also considering stand levels guidelines for maintaining tree species diversity, wildlife habitat, forest structure and genetic diversity. This may involve retaining trees with cavities for wildlife use, tree species that are rare in the area or mast producing trees for example. After considering all these things, the tree marker makes the decision to harvest or retain each tree in the forest.
As well as marking trees for harvest the Tree Markers also apply the Area of Concern (AOC) guidelines to the values identified in the Forest Management Plan. This may involve marking a line through the forest to designate an area where no cutting is permitted adjacent to a lake or stream, for example. The markers also watch for values in the forest that have not been identified in the FMP such as hawk nests and heronries. The appropriate AOC guidelines are applied to these newly identified values as well.
When the tree marking operation has been completed and approved the area is ready for harvest.
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