CSA sustainable forest management systems: Getting ready

The changes being contemplated by many forestry companies in a rapidly changing forestry environment include the proposed Canadian Standards Association Sustainable Forest Management System. During the past year several companies have begun the process of complying with the draft standards by initiating a review of their operations with the intent of identifying gaps in their operations relative to the CSA criteria. The following article identifies some of the key areas where companies will need to develop strategies to bridge those gaps. Key words: sustainable forestry, Canadian forest management standards, forest certification