The joint forest management agreement (FMA) with West Fraser Mills Ltd. and Tolko Industries Ltd. is renewed for the next 20 years, in exchange for various responsibilities. The FMA allows both companies to maintain the right to establish, grow, harvest and remove Crown timber from the forest management area.

Over its lifespan, the FMA will potentially contribute:

  • $3.2 million in holding and protection charge payments
  • $69.4 million in timber dues
  • $1.2 billion to Alberta’s GDPWest Fraser and Tolko provide hundreds of well-paying jobs, sponsorships, donations and job training to residents in the High Prairie and Slave Lake region.

Both companies also have a strong track record of business relationships with Indigenous communities, including Metis Settlements.

Alberta’s government is committed to the responsible management of our natural resources, which includes sustainable forest management and enhancing operational practices for the benefit of the environment and all Albertans, including Indigenous peoples.

Before an FMA is renewed, the government undertakes a thorough assessment of the company’s compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and policies, as well as the company’s sustainable forest management plans for the area.

West Fraser and Tolko’s current forest management plan was recently approved and is in place until 2031. The plan is based on sustainable forest management principles, practices and implementation.

Well-managed forests reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and mountain pine beetle outbreaks, increasing the resiliency of Alberta’s forests.

Joint Forest Management AgreementPhoto Courtesy: Government of Alberta
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Information provided by the Government of Alberta