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Local Level Indicators Project
The implementation of sustainable forest
management practices is contingent upon the development of a comprehensive
and quality suite of local level indicators. The Local Level Indicators
Project has been an ambitious undertaking throughout Phase II of the LAMF.
Project Partners have included the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources,
the Canadian Forest Service, Saskatchewan Environment and Resource
Management, Domtar (E.B. Eddy Forest Products Ltd.), Abitibi Consolidated
Company of Canada Ltd. and the Forest Ecosystem Science Cooperative.
Strategically, through completion of the
Forest Ecosystem Science Cooperative (FESC) report: "Assessment of
Indicators of Sustainable Forest Management", a set of measurable,
scientifically sound, and practical indicators has been developed. Within
the LAMF, much was accomplished in relation to this project during Phase II.
Following are some specific highlights.
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A Local Level Indicators Specialist was
hired to fulfill the objectives of the project
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A review of the recommended list of
LAMF indicators was conducted by comparing the LAMF list to sets of
indicators from a variety of sources, and through an examination of the
reasoning/justification for the selection of each indicator as described
in LAMF documents
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During the review of the recommended
list, each indicator was assessed using the report prepared for the Forest
Ecosystem Science Cooperative (FESC) and using criteria from assessments
of indicators conducted by a variety of organizations such as the Centre
for International Forest Research (CIFOR). Additional criteria used in
review efforts in other model forests were also used in this assessment.
The assessment focused on indicator effectiveness and relevance to the
local situation
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The quality of information was assessed
through initial scoping exercises that involved discussions with various
data-owners and experts, and by referring to the FESC document that
describes a field test of many of the recommended indicators.
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The indicator list was reorganized into
a 4-tier hierarchy with Criteria, Elements, Indicators, and Measures to
better facilitate interpretation of results and to enable observation of
the interrelationships between various measures.
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Based on comparisons with other
indicator lists, several indicators and measures were proposed to fill
gaps in the list. Assessment of these indicators and the associated data
availability and quality was undertaken.
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Following the indicator review, a
short-list of indicators was targeted for immediate reporting. The
selection of these indicators was based on availability and quality of
data. Some indicators could have been included on this list but were not
due to concerns about current data quality and the desire to develop
better data collection protocols.
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Baseline and recent trend data were
collected and synthesized for a number of indicators to allow the
production of a set of posters describing the LAMF Local Level Indicator
project. These posters were displayed at the Canadian Institute of
Forestry Annual General Meeting in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland, and at a
Local Level Indicator workshop at the University of British Columbia.
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Research continues into potential
monitoring protocols to fill gaps in data collection. This process has
involved discussions with various experts and the synthesis of a variety
of information on different monitoring approaches, to allow comparison of
their merits and to quantify the monitoring needs associated with the LAMF
indicators.
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Exploration of funding and partnership
opportunities continues, focusing on filling gaps in LAMF data and on
common needs among a variety of organizations such as industry,
government, and local communities.
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A Local Level Indicator Status Report
(State of the Forest Report) has been prepared, printed and distributed by
the LAMF
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A detailed Measurement and Monitoring
Plan has been prepared documenting the data source, details about data
quality, analysis and interpretation of results.
The LAMF Board of Directors approved the
list of local level indicators toward the end of Phase II. As well, the
Local Level Indicators Status Report: 2000 was produced and printed for
public distribution. A monitoring and measurement strategy has been
prepared, documenting how to measure each indicator and how gaps in current
data will be addressed. Finally, a Local Level Indicators Summary: 2000
document has also been produced and printed, providing a concise examination
of the subject for the general public. The Local Level Indicators Project is
far from finished. In fact, it will be maintained within an adaptive
management context, with continual re-examination and re-assessment of all
indicators based on new information that comes to light, and on the results
obtained through the monitoring program that is being established. An
on-line survey relating to indicators is planned for Phase III. Partners in
this project included the members of the Lake Abitibi Model Forest, the
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Abitibi Consolidated Company of
Canada.
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