Whiskey Jack Forest
Independent Forest Audit
April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2009
Management Unit Action Plan
Status Report
3
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
1
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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The Forest Manager must ensure that
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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The Forest Manager must ensure that
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 Forest Manager must ensure that
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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The Forest Manager must ensure that
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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The Forest Manager must ensure that
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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MNR Kenora District must ensure
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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The Forest Manager must ensure that
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 Forest Manager must ensure that
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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MNR Kenora District must ensure
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.
20
MNR Kenora District must ensure
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.
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