Manitoba Forests make up about 26.3 million hectares of the province's 54.8 million hectare land base. The Northern Coniferous or boreal forest is our largest forest zone. The forested portion of the province is divided into ten Forest Sections then further defined by distinct forest values within Forest Management Units.

The Forest Act provides for the establishment of a Forest Management Licence to provide a continuous timber supply to a wood using industry. The Manitoba Environment Act outlines an environmental assessment and licensing process for developments that may have potential for significant environmental effects.

Forest Management Planning is an important process for companies who hold or are seeking a Forest Management Licence. The forest practice initiative and guidelines will assist resource managers, timber operators, Manitoba Resource Officers and auditors with planning, assessing or conducting forestry activities. Planning guidelines provide direction for developing long-term forest management plans.

Forest Types

The province of Manitoba, Canada's central province, consists of 65.0 million hectares of prairie, lake and forest. The southern boundary of the province borders the United States at 49° latitude and the northern boundary flanks the new territory of Nunavut at 60° latitude.

Forests make up about 26.3 million hectares of the province's 54.8 million hectare land base.

Boreal Forest

The Northern Coniferous or boreal forest is our largest forest zone. It covers a broad swath across the north central and central part of the province, dipping down to extend across our eastern border into Ontario. You'll find black spruce in the lowland bogs and fens, and jack pine, poplar and white spruce on the uplands. Manitoba's boreal forests support the majority of the province's forest industry, providing resources for kraft paper, lumber and newsprint. This region is important for mining and its large rivers provide hydro electricity for domestic use and export. First Nations' communities are found throughout the boreal forest and the area is an important tourist destination.

Small Broadleaf Forest Stands

The grasslands of southern Manitoba parallel the edge of Manitoba's central forest zone. While often thought as an endless expanse of grass, there are actually thousands of small broadleaf forest stands dotting the prairie landscape. These mini oases of deciduous trees and shrubs not only provide critical habitat for wildlife, but a valuable source of income to farmers and landowners through proper woodlot management.

Best Management Practices and Guidelines for Forestry Operations

Manitoba Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources is committed to developing forest practice guidebooks that provide direction for forestry activities in Manitoba. Provincial government agencies responsible for managing Crown forests are co-operating with forest product companies to develop effective forest practice guidelines. The Manitoba government extends its full support of the development of forest practice guidelines and we are committed to following these guidelines. These wise forest management practices will help ensure that Manitoba's forests, and the values they provide, will continue to serve future generations.

You are invited and encouraged to comment on the following documents. All comments will be collected, recorded and reviewed. Comments and documents will be reviewed every five years from the date of publication.

Other Forestry Guidelines