National Boreal Standard

The boreal forest occupies 35% of the total Canadian land area and 75% of Canada's total forestland. It forms a continuous belt from Newfoundland and the Labrador coast westwards to the Rocky Mountains and northwestwards to Yukon Territory. The boreal forest is important for the livelihood, culture and spirituality of Aboriginal Peoples, and provides a critical source of income for many northern communities. About four out of five Aboriginal communities in Canada are located within the boreal forest.  It is also an important source of forest products, and thereby a significant part of the economic base of Canada.

The boreal forest represents 85% of the unaccessed forest in Canada and there are still large tracts of intact forest in the boreal region.   Current and imminent decisions on whether and how to carry out resource development activities in these forests is proving to be of increasing public interest and concern, and FSC certification is playing a crucial role in defining the best forestry practices in ways that meet national and international expectations.

The initiative to develop a National Boreal Standard has involved innumerable meetings and discussions in eight provinces and two territories.  The process was led by a Boreal Coordinating Committee that incorporated recommendations from regional committees, technical experts, field tests and working groups formed to address specific contentious issues.

Questions about the Boreal Standard?  Contact standards@fsccanada.org 

Boreal Revision Process

For information on the Boreal Revision process click here.

Documents