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FPAC partners with Ducks Unlimited to preserve wetlands

Jan. 13, 2017 - Wetlands and waterfowl in Canada's boreal forest will be the beneficiaries of a new program launched by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and forestry sector leaders.

The partnership is an approach to sharing knowledge and resources to advance sustainable forest management and wetland stewardship in the boreal forest, an area that offers one of the greatest conservation opportunities in the world. 

"We all benefit from the boreal forest and its network of wetlands,'' said DUC national boreal programs manager Kevin Smith. "Boreal wetlands filter the largest surface area of freshwater on the planet, trapping sediments and pollutants while supplying clean water for communities."

Partners in the three-year initiative include Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc., Canfor, the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), Millar Western, Tolko Industries Ltd., West Fraser and Weyerhaeuser Company.

"We are pleased to work with this important industry sector to strengthen wetland stewardship in this region," Smith said. "By taking an innovative and collaborative approach, we will be able to achieve shared goals for a landscape that supports both a healthy economy and abundant wildlife habitat.”

Under the ‘Forest Management and Wetland Stewardship Initiative,’ the partners will work collaboratively on priority projects that integrate wetland and waterfowl conservation into ongoing forest management planning and field operations. "When it comes to conservation in the boreal forest, many hands can make positive change happen," said Weyerhaeuser's Canadian forest stewardship manager, Wendy Crosina, who was a strong advocate for the launch of the initiative. 

"In a challenging economy, organizations have to think carefully about how to advance their commitment to environmental performance and achieve their goals with limited resources. By working together with DUC, the forestry sector partners can do more for the environment than each company working alone," said Crosina. "It's a win-win.”

"This collaborative commitment between Ducks Unlimited and our members is another positive step in ensuring that a healthy wildlife and economy can be achieved together," said FPAC CEO, Derek Nighbor.

The coalition will establish wetland conservation guiding principles and best management practices. These will support companies in achieving their forest management objectives and help them meet the criteria for forest certification programs.

January 13, 2017  By FPAC & Ducks Unlimited Canada