The Timber Supply Review is an improvement over past methods, with better information and superior analytical techniques. The process was designed to stimulate public discussion through the release of reports and this discussion paper, and to accommodate new information, techniques and ideas. Figure 1 illustrates the five-step process that has been developed for the Timber Supply Review in timber supply areas. The diagram also indicates the estimated time required to complete each step in the process and the status of the Timber Supply Review for the 100 Mile House Timber Supply Area.
As the legal mandate for allowable annual cut determinations for tree farm licence areas is the same as for timber supply areas, the Timber Supply Review process for tree farm licences is based on similar principles, but it has been designed to reflect the management role of these licensees. In the past, tree farm licences have not included specified timelines for licensees to prepare the information needed by the chief forester to determine allowable annual cuts for these areas. To reflect changing forest management standards, replacement tree farm licences specify timelines for preparing information.
