Foundation Projects: A start in the right direction
Defining, testing and adapting a common set of criterion and indictors for British Columbia is a multi-year process. To being to move forward the Steering Committee established a workplan for 2004-05. The first 4 foundation projects contribute to achieving the long term outcome of effective, efficient and scientifically sound C&I to be used by industry, government and private agencies in planning, development of policy, implementing, monitoring effectiveness of, and adjusting forest practices. To learn more about these foundation projects please click on the links below.

Science Review and Gap Analysis Adaptive Management Research Plan Decision Framework(s) Monitoring Tools, Methods and Protocols Governance and Program Management

Science Review and Gap Analysis
Project Abstract:
There are many criterion and indicator research, monitoring and decision support development initiatives underway in British Columbia. While these initiatives are striving to answer specific questions of a few people or organizations, there is a perception that the broader resource community could benefit from learning about their successes and the criteria and indicators they are using to define and measure sustainability. The goal of this project is to review existing summaries and reports about criteria and indicators research, monitoring and decision support initiatives, by:

Presenting scientifically reviewed, thematically organized indicator sets relative to the Forest and Range Practices Act Values, CCFM defined criterion, certification sets and others used for sustainable forest management. Where available at this stage of development, the proposed means of measuring indicators will also be assembled. (this item links very closely to Monitoring Tools, Methods and Protocols)

Core Deliverables:

Metadata on various reports and initiatives Niche Library Research, technology and education gaps. (Fall 2004) Think Tank and Consolidation Report (Winter 2004) Report on thematically organized indicator sets (Spring 2005)

Timeframe: Gap Analysis by September 30, 2004; others through to 2005

Expected Short Term (1-3 years) Outcome:

Increased confirmation of C&I at appropriate scales by indigenous and non-indigenous constituents.

For more information on this project, please contact the project leads:

Dr. John Innes, UBC or Greg Jones, WLAP

Adaptive Management Research Plan
Project Abstract:
Gaps in scientific data, approaches toward and knowledge of criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management have been identified through various research gap analyses (Hollstedt 2000; Bunnell 2002; SFM Network) and sustainable forest management framework developments (Sustainable Forest Management Network). Gaps in scientific data, approaches toward and knowledge of criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management have been identified through various research gap analyses (Hollstedt 2000; Bunnell 2002; SFM Network) and sustainable forest management framework developments ( www.sfmportal.com). In addition, Science Review and Gap Analysis will identify or confirm additional gaps. The goal of this project is to develop a comprehensive, long-term research plan, that, if implemented, would answer the significant, high priority, time sensitive research questions relating to SFM criteria and indicators, including the work necessary to arrive at standardized and generally acceptable means of measuring indicators in the field.

Core Deliverables:

Research Plan Business Case for long term funding Collaborative research proposals to develop and test key indicator sets; development of baseline information

Timeframe: March 2005.

Expected Short Term (1-3 years) Outcome:

Increased scientific validation of methodology, analysis, interpretation

For more information on this project, please contact the project lead:

Dr. John Innes, UBC

Decision Framework(s)
Project Abstract:
Criteria are established, and indicators determined and monitored, in order to assess, evaluate, report and adjust policy, management and/or operational systems, procedures or practices. In order for indicator information to be meaningful and used, C&I users must identify and establish decision frameworks (example illustrated in Figure 1) that include the results from C&I initiatives. Working with key leaders in the constituent groups, the project will facilitate a dialogue on decision processes with the goal of defining the most appropriate communications and decision entry nodes for C&I results.

Figure 1: Example of a decision framework for defining, assessing and responding to forest practices performance.

Core Deliverables:

Workshop and Workshop Report Decision Framework DRAFT options for regulation, policy, management systems and operational decision loops.

Timeframe: March 2005.

Expected Short Term (1-3 years) Outcome:

Increased agreement on common language for defining C&I Increased effectiveness of regulatory, policy and implementation frameworks at appropriate scales, taking into consideration certification schema and SFM Frameworks.

For more information on this project, please contact the project leads:

John_Dunford, Tolko or Kathie Swift, FORREX

Monitoring Tools, Methods and Protocols
Project Abstract:
Monitoring, analyses and adjustment of strategies are key to achieving an adaptive, knowledge based SFM framework. There are many criteria and indictors monitoring approaches suggested or in use. Various collaborative and integrated strategies have been suggested but are not implemented at this time. In addition, use of various remote sensed and local data are being considered. This project will review the merits of various monitoring approaches at various scales for time-bound, results based and process-oriented indictors. The goal is to develop monitoring protocols that can be consistently and meaningfully used by various proponents at appropriate scales. During 2004-05 the focus will be on scoping monitoring protocol options, with the goal of developing solutions in 2005-06 or later.

Core Deliverables:

Scoping report Plan of work for future years

Timeframe: January 2005.

Expected Short Term (1-3 years) Outcome:

Increased scientific validation of monitoring and data collection standards

For more information on this project, please contact the project lead:

Fern Schultz

Governance and Program Management
Project Abstract:
The second objective of the initiative is to improve efficiency, collaboration and coordination of the development of solutions linked to criteria and indicators. This project will oversee the coordination, financial, communications and knowledge management for the initiative. FORREX will coordinate the steering committee, communicate with various collaborators and interested parties, manage project funds, and facilitate the production of progress reporting.

Core Deliverables:

Meetings and Minutes Program Plan and Annual Report Quarterly Financials Communications Plan and Products Knowledge management system Web portal

Timeframe: April 2004 and throughout duration of initiative

Expected Short Term (1-3 years) Outcome:

Increased collaboration, communications and common ground Increased communications with First Nations, ENGOs and other constituents of C&I.

For more information on this project, please contact the project coordinator:

Chris Hollstedt