a unique perspective a vision for canada's forests - Canadian ...

A Unique Perspective onA Vision for Canada’s Forests: 2008 and BeyondConclusionThe Institute’s members, individually and collectively, gave much consideration to howforest sector transformation and climate change are impacting sustainable forestmanagement in Canada and abroad. The general consensus was that although we are onlybeginning to better understand and accurately describe the ultimate outcomes of theenormous changes taking place, there is definitely an opportunity to be proactive in terms ofadjusting planning, operations and silviculture; certain companies and government agenciesare actually already doing some of this, with Institute members embedded in theseorganizations and in the vanguard of meeting these challenges. There is also a commonrealization that improvements to sustainable forest management practices should be able topositively address the transformations that are occurring, and help us to adapt to or evenpartially mitigate climate change. The Institute is committed to assisting all forestprofessionals and practitioners stay completely aware and up to date as new information andbetter understanding around these complex challenges become available, playing a key rolein science dissemination, knowledge exchange, extension and technology transfer.The CIF/IFC and its members are engaged in a multitude of activities and offer numerousproducts at both the national and Section levels that address and complement the desiredoutcomes presented in the CCFM’s A Vision for Canada’s Forests: 2008 and Beyond. The 14specific items presented by the CCFM focusing on forest sector transformation and climatechange are being advanced through these products and activities. The Institute looksforward to continued collaboration with the CCFM, not only in the realization of its Vision,but in future input to iterations of the Vision occurring every three years to 2018, as well ascontinued open discussion and dialogue on general forest sector issues, challenges andopportunities. The management of Canada’s natural resources is complex and demanding.The Institute wishes to provide constructive commentary and input that bring about the best- 18 -