Boundary Waters Forest Management Corp

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is responsible for the long-term health and viability of the public forest.

The Crown Forest Sustainability Act (CFSA) requires a Registered Professional Forester (R.P.F.) to develop a Forest Management Plan (FMP) outlining long-term strategies and targets to ensure the health and viability of the forest. Modeling is carried out to ensure the forest and wildlife habitat are maintained or enhanced over time. Other values, such as recreational, medicinal, or environmental aspects are also protected.

A Planning Team is formed to develop FMP's; including representatives from government, industry, tourism, recreation, First Nations and Métis communities, and interested stakeholder parties. The next planning team will be established for the development of the 2030-2040 Boundary Waters Forest Management Plan in the fall of 2027.

A significant component of the FMP is the protection of values. A value is defined as a component of the forest that is important, such as; species at risk, fish and wildlife habitat, water features, cottage and recreational areas, trapper cabins and trails, cultural and heritage features, etc. BWFMC can only provide protection to values that are known; therefore, we encourage everyone to take part in the FMP process to ensure your value is considered.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry maintains a website for Forest Management Plan Online , which includes amendments, Annual Work Schedules, and Annual Reports for all management units in Ontario. Boundary Waters Forest Management Corp is currently implementing the 2024/25 Annual Work Schedule, a portion of the approved 2020-2030 Forest Management Plan.

The Local Citizens Advisory Committee(s) also exists to increase effectiveness of public consultation and public participation, and to provide advice and recommendations to planning teams and the MNRF District Manager. The Natural Resources Advisory Committee (NRAC) represents the Fort Frances area, while the Resource Management Advisory Committee (RMAC) represents the Atikokan area.

2025-26 Annual Work Schedule Inspection-DRAFT

The April 1, 2025- March 31, 2026 Draft Annual Work Schedule (AWS) for the Boundary Waters Forest is available electronically for review on the following Website https://www.nrip.mnr.gov.on.ca/s/fmp-online?language=en_US