Alternatives Policy
Chief Forester’s Standards for Seed Use.

Effective Date: June 1, 2005

Scope

In accordance with the section 169 of the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA), section 43 of the Forest Planning and Practice Regulation, and section 32 of the Woodlot Licence Planning and Practices Regulation, I established the Chief Forester’s Standards for Seed Use. These standards, which came into effect on April 1, 2005.

Under the aforementioned regulations, a person who uses seed to establish a free growing stand may submit for approval an alternative to any standard established by the chief forester. Furthermore, these regulations require that I only approve an alternative if I consider it to be consistent with achieving the intent of the standard. If I approve the alternative, the person who submitted it must subsequently comply with the approved alternative.

Purpose

This policy provide an account of the guiding principles, procedures, information and factors that I will use when considering an alternative to any standard in the Chief Forester’s Standards for Seed Use.

Policy

An alternative must be consistent with the purpose of the standards, which is to maintain the identity, adaptability, diversity, and productivity of the Province’s tree gene resources.

A proposed alternative must be submitted in writing and clearly identify the:

1. the standard(s) to which the proposed alternative applies,
2. the name of the person to whom the proposed alternative applies, including identification of that person’s forest tenure or operating area,
3. the seed to which the alternative applies, and
4. the effective date(s) of the proposed alternative.

As it would not be appropriate for me to approve an alternative based on unsupported assumptions and speculation, alternatives should be accompanied by sufficient and suitable supporting information.

A request for an alternative should therefore include the following kind of information:

1. objectives and goals of the alternative,
2. rational or reasons for the alternative,
3. strategies or methods used to achieve the alternative,
4. assessment of the potential benefits and risks of the alternative,
5. supporting scientific and technical information, including applicable references,
6. monitoring and validation plans,
7. record keeping and reporting, including content and format of information (including data and maps) to be retained on file and provided to the ministry.

In reviewing the alternative I will consider, but not be limited to, the following:

1. the origin, collection or production method, physical quality, and genetic attributes of the seed to which the amendment applies,
2. forest health and productivity, including potential effects on timber supply,
3. forest planning, management and operations, including potential impacts on other forest values and management objectives,
4. maintenance and integrity of information required for record keeping and reporting,
5. the ability of the person to achieve the results of the alternative,
6. potential impacts on stakeholders, and
7. compliance and enforcement.

Upon review, if I do not believe the proposed alternative is consistent with achieving the intent of the standards, then I will provide my reasons for not approving the alternative to the person who submitted it in writing.

I also reserve the right and authority under the regulations to delegate the responsibility for considering and approving alternatives to other ministry staff. I may also choose to delegate this authority on a case-by-case basis.

Not withstanding the above, if in some specific circumstance it is necessary to deviate from these principles and procedures, or if it is appropriate to consider other information and factors, I will do so.

Jim Snetsinger
Chief Forester

June 22, 2005

References

Forest Range and Practices Act, section 169

Forest Planning and Practices Regulation, section 43

Woodlot Licence Planning and Practices Regulation, section 32