Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Forest Information
ManualMarch 2017

Policy Division
Crown Forests and Lands Policy Branch

FOREST INFORMATIONMANUAL
Prepared under the Authority of the Crown Forest Sustainability
Act, 1994

March, 2017

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry© 2017 Queen’s Printer for Ontario
Printed in Ontario, Canada
Publications and price lists are available from this office:Service Ontario Publications
300 Water Street
P.O. Box 7000
Peterborough, ON, K9J 8M5
1-800-668-9938
www.serviceontario.ca/publications
Telephone inquiries should be directed to the Service Ontario Contact Centre:
General Inquiry 1-800-668-9938
Renseignements en Français 1-800-667-1840
Fax (705) 755-1677
Cette publication hautement spécialisée {Forest Information Manual} n'est
disponible qu'en anglais conformément au Règlement 671/92, selon lequel iln’est pas obligatoire de la traduire en vertu de la Loi sur les services enfrançais. Pour obtenir des renseignements en français, veuillez communiquer
avec le ministère des Richesses naturelles et des Forêts au 1-800-667-1840.
Visit Ontario’s Forests website at:https://www.ontario.ca/page/forestry
Visit the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry website at:https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-natural-resources-and-forestry
How to cite this manual:
OMNRF. March 2017. Forest Information Manual, Toronto. Queen’s Printerfor Ontario.93 pp
ISBN: 978-1-4868-0116-9 (PDF)1

Executive Summary

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

The Forest Information Manual sets out the mandatory requirements, standards,
roles and responsibilities, timelines, and conditions for providing information in
respect of Crown forests. The requirements for information set out in the FIM
complement the planning and operational requirements of the Forest Management
Planning Manual (2017). A series of supplemental Forest Information Manualtechnical specifications set out the detailed, technical conditions as a requirement of
information set out in the Forest Information Manual.
Preparation and implementation of forest management plans in accordance with the
Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994 is a shared responsibility among forest
resource licence holders and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Associated requirements for information set out in the Forest Information Manual
primarily affect licence holders in preparing and implementing these forest
management plans for Crown forests and in conducting and reporting on forest
operations. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry provides information tolicence holders to support plan preparation and implementation, and is also subject
to the requirements of the FIM.
The Forest Information Manual sets out the requirements for the provision of forest
resources inventories, maps, geospatial data layers, forest operations inspections,forest values, base data, reports and other information required for the purpose offorest management planning and ensuring compliance with the Crown Forest
Sustainability Act and its regulations.

Forest Information Manual 2017i

1

Résumé

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

Le Manuel relatif à l’information forestière énonce les exigences, normes, rôles etresponsabilités, délais et conditions pour transmettre de l'information relative auxforêts de la Couronne. Les exigences en matière d'information énoncées dans ce
manuel complètent les exigences en matière de planification et d'exploitation duManuel de planification de la gestion forestière (version de 2017). Une série despécifications techniques additionnelles relatives au Manuel sont en cours depréparation; elles résumeront les critères techniques détaillés exigés en matièred'information dans le Manuel relatif à l’information forestière.
La préparation et la mise en œuvre des plans d'aménagement forestier qui
conforme à la Loi de 1994 sur la durabilité des forêts de la Couronne est une
responsabilité partagée entre les titulaires de permis forestier et le ministère desRichesses naturelles et des Forêts. Les exigences associées à l'information figurant
dans le Manuel relatif à l’information forestière affectent principalement les
titulaires de permis forestier pour la préparation et la mise en œuvre de ces plans degestion forestière pour les forêts de la Couronne et dans la conduite et les rapports
sur les opérations forestières. Le ministère des Richesses naturelles et des Forêts
(MRNF), qui est responsable de transmettre l'information aux titulaires d'un PAFD
pour faciliter la préparation et la mise en œuvre des plans de gestion forestière, estégalement assujetti aux exigences du Manuel relatif à l’information forestière.
Le Manuel relatif à l’information forestière décrit les exigences relatives à latransmission d'information : inventaires des ressources forestières, cartes, couches
de données géospatiales, inspections d'activités forestières, valeur des ressources
forestières, données de bases et autres données exigées en vue de planifier lagestion forestière et d'assurer la conformité à la Loi de 1994 sur la durabilité desforêts de la Couronne et à ses règlements.

Forest Information Manual 2017

ii

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

Foreword
The Policy Framework for Sustainable Forests
The overall context for forest management in Ontario is the Policy Framework for
Sustainable Forests that was approved by Cabinet in 1994. The framework sets
broad direction for forest policy and makes forest sustainability the primaryobjective of forest management.
Overview of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act
The Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994 (CFSA) came into effect on April 1, 1995.
The Act is enabling legislation, and provides for the regulation of forest planning,
information, operations, licensing, trust funds, processing facilities, remedies andenforcement, and transitional provisions. The CFSA is designed to allow for the
management of all forest-based values, while providing for the sustainability of
Crown forests. The CFSA defines sustainability as long-term Crown forest health, andreflects the broad direction set out in the Policy Framework for Sustainable Forests.
A Manual Approach to Implementation of the Crown Forest Sustainability Act
The CFSA requires the provision of four manuals to guide various aspects of forest
management in Ontario. These manuals are prepared in accordance with Section 68
of the Act and are regulated in accordance with Section 69(1) 29:
1.
2.
3.
4.

the Forest Management Planning Manual(FMPM);
the Forest Information Manual(FIM);
the Forest Operations and Silviculture Manual (FOSM); andthe Scaling Manual (SM).

The FMPM is the pivotal document that provides direction for all aspects of forest
management planning for Crown lands in Ontario within the area of theundertaking, as defined in Schedule 1 of MNRF’s Environmental Assessment Act
Requirements for Forest Management on Crown Lands in Ontario, (2015)(Declaration Order MNR-75). This FMPM incorporates conditions 1 to 34 and 39(a)of Declaration Order MNR-75.
In accordance with the CFSA, forest sustainability will be determined in accordancewith the approach described in the FMPM. The approach requires the identificationof measurable indicators in order to assess the effectiveness of activities in achieving
management objectives and to assess the sustainability of the forest for the
management unit. For the forest management plan (FMP), the determination ofForest Information Manual 2017

iii

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

sustainability will be a conclusion that the FMP provides for the long-term Crown
forest health on the management unit, and has regard for plant life, animal life,
water, soil, air, and social and economic values, including recreational values andheritage values. Management unit annual reports require the monitoring andevaluation of future forest conditions to compare with planned outcomes, which
provide a means for continual refinement, redevelopment and improvement offorest management activities.
The FIM describes the information requirements the MNRF has to support forest
management. The FIM also provides for the sharing and exchange of forest-related
information between the MNRF and Ontario’s forest industry.
This Forest Operations and Silviculture Manual (2017) (FOSM) sets out the overarching principles and accepted approaches for forest management, the standards
for forest operations and silvicultural practices, the minimum qualifications forforestry workers, and the procedures for the evaluation of forest management in
Ontario.
The SM contains instructions and standards for the measurement of Crown forest
resources, provides instructions for the authorized movement of Crown forest
resources and sets out the requirements for conducting scaling audits.
Manual Revision
The four manuals are revised, improved, and updated based on experiences in using
the manuals, and as new information becomes available. Revisions to the manuals
will be made in accordance with the CFSA regulation requiring public review andcomment.
Forest Information Manual
The Forest Information Manual (FIM) sets out legal obligations concerning thecollection and provision of forest information for the sustainable forest licensee andthe Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). On designated management
units which are not managed under a sustainable forest license, the Crown oranother designated party is responsible for the preparation and implementation of aforest management plan (FMP). For the purpose of the FIM, the sustainable forest
licensee is referenced as the party responsible for preparing and implementing
FMPs. Where the requirements of the FIM refer to the sustainable forest licensee,
those requirements will apply to the MNRF or the party responsible for the
preparation and implementation of a FMP.

Forest Information Manual 2017

iv

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

FIM is aligned to, and consistent with, the Forest Management Planning Manual(2017) (FMPM).
FIM is the framework for sustainable forest licensees and the MNRF to undertake
their roles and to meet their responsibilities of providing and exchanging
information for the purpose of forest management planning or to ensurecompliance with the Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994 (CFSA) and its regulations.
FIM sets out the requirements, standards, roles and responsibilities, timelines,
conditions, and technical specifications for providing information. FIM components
are aligned with the planning and operational requirements set out in the FMPM.
The requirements for information consistency, set out in the FIM, provide a solid
foundation and framework for exchanging data about Crown forests. The
requirements for information consistency assist in making the information available
to resource stakeholders and the public in an open and transparent manner.
Implementation of FIM is directed towards improving access to information about
Crown forests and increasing the knowledge base of the MNRF. Consistent andtimely data and information are an increasingly important resource for assessing thesustainability of Ontario’s forests.

Forest Information Manual 2017v

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
1
2
3
4

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................. I

5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47

Introduction .........................................................................................1

RÉSUMÉ ...................................................................................................................... II
FOREWORD ................................................................................................................IIITABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................. VI
Organization of the Forest Information Manual ...........................................................2
Audience for the Forest Information Manual ...............................................................4
Application of the Forest Information Manual ..............................................................4
Revisions to the Forest Information Manual ................................................................4
FIM Technical Specifications Implementation and Revision ..........................................5
FIM Technical Specifications Development and Application .................................................. 5
FIM Technical Specifications Revision................................................................................. 6
FIM Technical Specifications Revision – Request and Approval Process ................................. 7

Part A

Information and Management ........................................... 10

1.0

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 10

1.1
1.2

Direction from the Crown Forest Sustainability Act ........................................ 10
Crown’s Right to Deal with Information ........................................................ 12

1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
1.2.4

1.3

Intellectual Property Rights, Freedom of Information and Classified Data ....... 14

1.3.1
1.3.2

1.4
1.5

MNRF Classified Data ........................................................................................ 16
Organization of Information ............................................................................... 17

Procedure to Resolve Information Issues ...................................................... 17
Access to Information ................................................................................. 19

1.5.1

1.6
1.7

1.7.1
1.7.2
1.7.3
1.7.4
1.7.5
1.7.6

2.0

Information Created and Provided to the Crown .................................................. 12
Information Created and Provided by the Crown .................................................. 12
Source Information ........................................................................................... 13
Licence Transfers, Surrenders and Cancellations .................................................. 14

Information Sharing .......................................................................................... 20

Records Management .................................................................................. 20
Protocol for Information .............................................................................. 21

Recognition for Creating Information .................................................................. 22
Disclosure of Information Use ............................................................................ 22
Original Source of Information ........................................................................... 22
Data Sharing and Data Exchange Agreements ..................................................... 22
Information Set Out in Other Regulated Manuals ................................................. 23
Information Partnering and Innovation ............................................................... 23

MEETING INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS ....................................................... 24

2.1

Responsible Parties ..................................................................................... 24

2.2
2.3
2.4

Data Transfer Mechanism – The Forest Information Portal ............................ 25
Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................ 26
Timelines .................................................................................................... 27

Part B

Information for Strategic and Operation Planning .............. 28

1.0

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 28

2.0

BASE INFORMATION ....................................................................................... 30

2.1.1
2.1.2

2.1
2.2

Sustainable Forest Licensees .............................................................................. 24
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry .......................................................... 25

Requirements and Standards for Base Information ........................................ 30
Roles and Responsibilities for Base Information ............................................ 31

Forest Information Manual 2017vi

Table of Contents

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52

2.3
3.0

Timelines and Conditions for Provision of Base Information ........................... 32
VALUES INFORMATION ................................................................................... 33

3.1

Requirements and Standards for Values Information ..................................... 34

3.2
3.3

Roles and Responsibilities for Values Information .......................................... 38
Timelines and Conditions for Values Information ........................................... 39

3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.1.4
3.1.5
3.1.6

3.3.1
3.3.2

3.4
3.5
4.0

Role of MNRF ................................................................................................... 34
Requirements for Sustainable Forest Licensees .................................................... 35
Requirements for Planning Teams ...................................................................... 35
Requirements Respecting Classified Values Information ........................................ 35
Requirements Respecting Personal Information ................................................... 36
Standards for Values Information ....................................................................... 37

Plan Development and Implementation – Values Provision Timeline ...................... 39
Active Operations – Values Provision Timeline ..................................................... 40

Precautionary Principle in Values Identification and Protection ....................... 41
Predictive Modelling in Values Identification .................................................. 42
POLYGON FOREST .......................................................................................... 44

4.1
4.2
4.3
5.0

Requirements and Standards for the Polygon Forest ..................................... 45
Roles and Responsibilities for the Polygon Forest .......................................... 46
Timelines and Conditions for the Polygon Forest ........................................... 46
PLANNING AND BASE MODEL INVENTORIES .................................................... 48

5.1

Requirements and Standards for the Planning and Base Model Inventories ..... 48

5.1.1
5.1.2
5.1.3
5.1.4

5.2

Roles and Responsibilities for the Planning and Base Model Inventories .......... 53

5.2.1

5.3
6.0

Requirements and Standards for Base Information components of the Inventories . 50
Requirements and Standards for the Planning Composite ..................................... 51
Requirements and Standards for the Forecast Information.................................... 52
Requirements and Standards for the Forest Classification Information ................... 52
Checking for Completeness ................................................................................ 54

Timelines and Conditions for the Planning and Base Model Inventories ........... 56

OPERATIONAL PLANNING INFORMATION ........................................................ 57

6.1

Requirements and Standards for Operational Planning Information ................ 57

6.2
6.3

Roles and Responsibilities for Operational Planning Information ..................... 60
Timelines and Conditions for Operational Planning Information ...................... 61

6.1.1
6.1.2
6.1.3
6.1.4
6.1.5
6.1.6
6.1.7
6.1.8

7.0

Requirements and Standards for Planned Harvest ................................................ 57
Requirements and Standards for Areas of Concern ............................................... 57
Requirements and Standards for Planned Road Corridors ..................................... 58
Requirements and Standards for Aggregate Extraction Areas ................................ 59
Requirements and Standards for Operational Road Boundaries ............................. 59
Requirements and Standards for Planned Renewal and Maintenance ..................... 59
Requirements and Standards for Existing Roads Use Management ........................ 59
Requirements and Standards for Existing Road Water Crossings ........................... 60

FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING MAPS ......................................................... 62

7.1

Requirements and Standards for FMP Maps .................................................. 62

7.1.1
7.1.2
7.1.3
7.1.4

Map Format and Content ................................................................................... 63
Map Scale ........................................................................................................ 64
Map Surround Components ................................................................................ 64
Map Symbology ................................................................................................ 65

7.2

Roles and Responsibilities for FMP Maps ....................................................... 66

7.3

Timelines and Conditions for FMP Maps ........................................................ 66

7.2.1

8.0

Sensitive and Confidential Map Information ......................................................... 66

FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING DOCUMENTATION ...................................... 69

8.1

8.1.1

Requirements and Standards for FMP Documentation ................................... 69

FMP Documentation .......................................................................................... 69

Forest Information Manual 2017vii

Table of Contents

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36

8.1.2 Other Public Consultation Documentation ................................................................ 70

8.2
8.3

Roles and Responsibilities for FMP Documentation ........................................ 70
Timelines and Conditions for FMP Documentation ......................................... 71

Part C

Information for Annual Operations .................................... 72

1.0

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 72

2.0

INFORMATION FOR ANNUAL WORK SCHEDULES .............................................. 72

2.1

Requirements and Standards for AWS Information ........................................ 72

2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
2.1.6
2.1.7
2.1.8

AWS Text and Tables ........................................................................................ 73
AWS Maps ........................................................................................................ 73
AWS Scheduling Layers ..................................................................................... 73
Forest Operations Prescriptions Information ........................................................ 75
Additional and Appended Documents .................................................................. 75
AWS Revisions and Changes to Values ................................................................ 76
Water Crossing Review ...................................................................................... 76
AWS Documents ............................................................................................... 76

2.2
2.3

Roles and Responsibilities for AWS Information ............................................ 77
Timelines and Conditions for AWS Information.............................................. 77

Part D

Information for Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation ...... 78

1.0

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 78

2.0

ANNUAL REPORT INFORMATION ..................................................................... 78

2.1

Requirements and Standards for Annual Report Information .......................... 78

2.2
2.3

Roles and Responsibilities for Annual Report Information .............................. 81
Timelines and Conditions for Annual Report Information ............................... 82

2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4

3.0
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.0
4.1
4.2
4.3

Annual Report Text and Tables .......................................................................... 79
Annual Report Map ........................................................................................... 79
Annual Report Layers ........................................................................................ 80
Annual Report Documents ................................................................................. 81

FOREST OPERATIONS COMPLIANCE INFORMATION ......................................... 83
Requirements and Standards for Forest Operations Compliance Information ... 83
Roles and Responsibilities for Forest Operations Compliance Information ....... 84
Timelines and Conditions for Forest Operations Compliance Information ........ 85
Silvicultural Monitoring Information .............................................................. 85
Requirements and Standards for Silvicultural Monitoring Information ............. 85
Roles and Responsibilities for Silvicultural Monitoring Information .................. 86
Timelines and Conditions for Silvicultural Monitoring Information ................... 86

GLOSSARY OF TERMS ................................................................................................. 8737

Forest Information Manual 2017viii

Introduction

1

Introduction

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

The Crown Forest Sustainability Act (CFSA) enables forest management activities tooccur on Crown lands in Ontario according to an approved forest management plan
(FMP) prepared in accordance with the Forest Management Planning Manual (2017)(FMPM). These activities are authorized by the Ministry of Natural Resources andForestry (MNRF), providing they contribute to the purposes of the CFSA that:...provide for the sustainability of Crown forests and, in accordancewith that objective, to manage Crown forests to meet social,economic and environmental needs of present and future generations.
The Forest Information Manual (FIM) is one of four manuals mandated by the CFSA.
FIM sets out the information required by the Minister and sustainable forest
licensees with respect to managing and sustaining Crown forests in Ontario in
accordance with the CFSA and its regulations. Section 68(6) of the CFSA defines thescope of FIM as follows:
The Forest Information Manual may contain provisions respecting
information systems, inventories, surveys, tests and studies that may
be required by the Minister in respect of Crown forests and respecting
information to be provided to the Minister in respect of Crown forests.
The information set out in FIM is limited to Crown forests. FIM sets out therequirements for creating or collecting information about Crown forests byidentifying the types of information systems, inventories, surveys, tests, or studies tobe applied or conducted. FIM also sets out the requirements for the provision of
information about Crown forests to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.
The basic requirements for much of the information set out in FIM are identified in
the FMPM. FIM is a technical document that sets out the details of what thisinformation will consist of and the manner that they are to be exchanged between
the sustainable forest licensee and MNRF.
The roles and responsibilities of the sustainable forest licensees and MNRF continue
to evolve. Sustainable forest licensees share responsibility for forest management
planning and conducting forest operations. Sustainable forest licensees generate
and possess considerable information required to support forest management
planning. MNRF has a major responsibility of collecting, maintaining and providing
forest resources inventory and values information. MNRF continues to protect the
public interest and ensures that sustainability of the Crown forests are protected
through the land use and forest management planning processes.

Forest Information Manual 20171

Introduction

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27

A condition of forest resource licences requires that information will be provided to
MNRF in accordance with FIM. Authority for the minister to require information isprovided by sections 20 and 21 of the CFSA. FIM also sets out the requirements for
information to be provided to sustainable forest licensees by MNRF.

28

Organization of the Forest Information Manual

29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43

FIM is organized into four major divisions, Parts A, B, C and D, plus five associatedFIM technical specifications. The FIM provides a description of the information
requirement, references the source of the requirement, describes the rationale forthe requirement and, on a general level, discusses the format of the information andthe party responsible for providing the information. FIM technical specifications
provide the standards (e.g., data attributes, format) for the information
requirement, the conditions of provision (e.g., naming conventions, exchange
parameters, validation standards), and the implementation and first effective date
implications.

The mandatory requirements for information do not restrict or limit the Ministerfrom requesting additional information from sustainable forest resource licenseesthat may be needed to fulfil the obligations of MNRF under the CFSA.
FIM describes ownership, copyright and intellectual property rights of information
about Crown forests consistent with the Freedom of Information and Protection ofPrivacy Act (FIPPA), the Copyright Act (CA), subsection 21(2) of the CFSA, and current
government policies on information.
FIM requires technical specifications that set out information standards and how
information will be provided (FIM technical specifications). FIM technicalspecifications set out technical information details that may be modified to takeadvantage of changes in technology, information management processes, andinformation systems. These changes will not alter the basic information
requirements set out in FIM. A formal revision process for FIM technicalspecifications is provided for later in this Introduction section of FIM.
FIM may not set out all of the information required for forest management planningor ensuring compliance with the CFSA and its regulations. Additional information
requirements may be specified in other regulations, manuals or policies.

Part A deals with information policy. Part A has linkages to and referencescomponents of FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications. Part A deals with thefollowing:(a) ownership;
Forest Information Manual 20172

Introduction

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44

(b) intellectual property rights;(c) information issues resolution;(d) data access, sharing and exchange; and(e) the data transfer mechanism.
Part B deals with information required during strategic and operational planning,
specifically the information requirements associated with preparation and approvalof a FMP. Part B has linkages with and references to the FIM Forest Management
Planning Technical Specifications, FIM Forest Resources Inventory Technical
Specifications and FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications. Part B contains
direction in respect of:(a) values information;(b) base information;(c) forest resource inventory; and(d) forest management planning data layers, maps and documentation.
Part C identifies information requirements for annual forest operations. Part C islinked to and references the FIM Annual Work Schedule Technical Specifications.
Part C contains direction on the following:(a) annual work schedules (AWS); and(b) forest operations prescriptions.
Part D links with the FIM Annual Report Technical Specifications and sets out
information needs for monitoring, reporting, and evaluation. Part D contains
direction on the following:(a) management unit annual reports; and(b) monitoring and evaluation.
FIM Technical Specifications set out the acceptable formats and methods to create
and/or provide the information. FIM technical specifications provide detailed,technical and product specific requirements and describes roles and responsibilities.
Also included are implementation details and timelines. FIM technical specifications
contain direction on the following:(a) detailed data attribute descriptions;(b) acceptable file and media formats;(c) metadata requirements;(d) information exchange parameters and protocol; and(e) validation standards/procedures.
A Glossary of Terms forms the last part of FIM.
Forest Information Manual 20173

Introduction

1

Audience for the Forest Information Manual

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

FIM and FIM technical specifications provide direction to information managers,
resource analysts, geographic information systems specialists, and information
analysts involved in creating and using information about Crown forests. FIM also
provides direction to foresters, biologists, forest technicians, forest management
planning teams, and others involved in forest management planning, operations orreporting.

14

Application of the Forest Information Manual

15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

The intention of FIM and FIM technical specifications is to set out a process to
exchange information in a timely fashion, in a standard and consistent format, andgenerally to improve the exchange of information. Timelines related to the exchange
of information set out in the FIM are related to the development andimplementation of FMPs.

32

Revisions to the Forest Information Manual

33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41

The FMPM provides direction for all aspects of forest management planning in
Ontario within the area of the undertaking as defined in MNRF-75. The Forest
Information Manual complements the FMPM by setting out how the information
requirements contained in the FMPM will be met.

FIM technical specifications may also be referenced by information users not directly
involved in forest management planning, but who have a need to utilize or haveaccess to the information about Crown forests.

FIM and the FIM technical specifications set out the minimum standards for
information provision and exchange. Sustainable forest licensees are free to provide
additional information if they so choose.
Information requirements prescribed in FIM take effect when it is published andavailable to the public, as set out in subsection 68(10) of the CFSA. Key timelines andeffective dates are prescribed in FIM for each information requirement with more
specific, detailed first effective dates, phase-in provisions and implementation
descriptions included in FIM technical specifications.

The main impetus for revising FIM is to align it with ongoing changes to the otherregulated manuals, including the FMPM. Alignment between the FMPM and FIM
realizes efficiencies in planning and information requirements, and reduces
implementation obstacles and issues of interpretation. On the basis of the close

Forest Information Manual 20174

Introduction

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

relationship between these two manuals, future revisions to FIM would ideally be
produced on a timeframe similar to a FMPM revision.

15

FIM Technical Specifications Implementation and Revision

16
17
18
19
20

FIM technical specifications provide the details of the process and form of
information exchanged between the MNRF and the various stakeholders (i.e.,
parties) identified in Part A, Section 2.0. FIM has five separate FIM technicalspecifications, namely:

Another primary consideration in revising FIM pertains to the experience andknowledge that will be gained through implementing FIM. The exchange of
information, and the effectiveness and ease of use of FIM will be monitored todetermine if improvements or revisions to FIM are required.
Revisions to FIM technical specifications will ensure that modern and efficient
processes and approaches are used in the collection and sharing of information.
Any revisions or new versions of FIM will follow the requirements for reviewing andrevising regulations, as set out by the Ontario Government.

21



FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications

22



FIM Forest Management Planning Technical Specifications

23



FIM Forest Resources Inventory Technical Specifications

24



FIM Annual Work Schedule Technical Specifications

25
26
27



FIM Annual Report Technical Specifications

28

FIM Technical Specifications Development and Application

29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41

FIM technical specifications are prepared to help with the exchange of information
set out in FIM. FIM technical specifications may be revised periodically to consider
more effective and efficient ways of managing, transferring, and receiving
information. Changes or revisions to FIM technical specifications do not impact therequirements or direction for the exchange of information set out in FIM. A
requirement of the FIM is that FIM technical specifications, as revised from time totime, are followed.
FIM technical specifications are effective upon regulation of FIM or as they aredeveloped. The information they reference may be required annually, periodically as
associated with the timing and schedule of FMP development, or as scheduled with
monitoring, reporting and evaluation. For this reason the use, availability anddevelopment schedule of individual specifications will vary.
Forest Information Manual 20175

Introduction

1
2
3
4
5
6

A list of current FIM technical specifications, and the applicable information
products and planning terms that they apply to, will be maintained and available on
the Forest Information Portal (FI Portal). The sustainable forest licensee will use FIM
technical specifications listed on the FI Portal.

7

FIM Technical Specifications Revision

8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43

Information management and information technologies are constantly evolving. To
support continual improvement and to optimize business efficiencies, FIM technicalspecifications may be reviewed annually. FIM technical specifications are modified
by the MNRF to optimize information transfer in an efficient and cost effective
manner, to allow for flexibility and innovation, and to ensure data integrity.
To the extent possible, required or suggested changes to the specifications will becompleted in concert with a change or revision of the FMPM and FIM. Changes tothe specifications can have significant impact on the information systems andprocesses used by sustainable forest licensees and MNRF. As our reliance ontechnology and automation increases, so does the impact of change.
Either the sustainable forest licensee or MNRF may propose a change to FIM
technical specifications at any time. However, modifications to FIM technicalspecifications will not normally occur more than once annually.
Changes to FIM technical specifications may be based on, but not limited to, one ormore of the following:(a) changes in information technology (e.g., information management systems)
used by sustainable forest licensees or MNRF;(b) identification of alternative (e.g., more flexible, easier, more efficient, morecost effective) ways to exchange information while still meeting therequirements set out in FIM;(c) clarification of detailed attribute descriptions. In some cases, proposedchanges to detailed attributes may require consideration of changes to, orthe effect on, the applicable requirements and standards set out in FIM;(d) identification of existing or new information requirements from a regulated
manual not currently set out in FIM technical specifications;(e) identification of improvements to standards in relation to validation, error
handling, quality control, quality assurance, or verification;

Forest Information Manual 20176

Introduction

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

(f) identification of improved security measures and information confirmation,
receipt, and notification protocols and procedures; or(g) changes to file structures, metadata requirements or standards.
Revisions to FIM technical specifications may result in significant change ormodification to information systems, or management processes used by either
sustainable forest licensees or MNRF (e.g., proposed change to the data exchange
format). Or, revisions may be simple in nature, easily instituted, and have minimal
impact to either sustainable forest licensees or MNRF (e.g., proposed change tofeature attributes).
FIM technical specifications may be revised only if the proposed modifications do
not affect the requirements and standards set out within FIM. Any proposed
modifications to FIM technical specifications that would cause a change to therequirements for information set out in FIM would first be subject to regulatory
modification of FIM.

19

FIM Technical Specifications Revision – Request and Approval Process

20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

Requests for revisions to FIM technical specifications are directed to the Forest
Sustainability and Information Section of the MNRF. All changes and revisions to FIM
technical specifications are approved by the Director of the Crown Forests and Lands
Policy Branch. The level of detail and supporting rationale for revision requests are
determined by significance of the request. Minor, low impact changes are managed
internally by the Forest Sustainability and Information Section. Major changes withsignificant impact will be reviewed and considered in consultation with the forest
industry and other MNRF branches and divisions.
Significant or major change requests should include the following information:(a) a brief description of the proposed change;(b) identification of the affected FIM technical specifications;(c) the applicable conditions identifying why the proposed change is necessary
and any associated time constraints;(d) a description of the significance of the change to the current FIM technicalspecifications and a list of the affected stakeholders (i.e., parties);(e) the expected gains or efficiencies of implementing the proposed change;

Forest Information Manual 20177

Introduction

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

(f) the predicted cost impacts to sustainable forest licensees and MNRF of thechange; and(g) any issues related to implementing the proposed change.
The sustainable forest licensee may assist in identifying all affected parties, setting
timeframes for considering changes, developing and testing proposed revisions, andidentifying any training and follow-up needs to ensure effective implementation of
the revised FIM technical specifications. Consultation with sustainable forest
licensees will occur in instances where they would be significantly affected by thechange.
Direct notification of the change or revision will be given to the sustainable forest
licensee and appropriate MNRF staff. Notification will include the effective dates forthe revised FIM technical specifications and an indication of FIM required
information governed by the revised specifications. The revised FIM technicalspecifications will be posted to the FI Portal.
An overview of the revision process is depicted in Figure 1.0.

Forest Information Manual 20178

Introduction

1
2

Figure 1.0 FIM Technical Specifications Revision Process – Summary Overview

3

Forest Information Manual 20179

Part A – Information Use and Management

1

Part A

Information and Management

2

1.0

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Part A sets out procedures and protocol and gives direction and guidance on using
and managing FIM required information. Part A also guides sustainable forest
licensees and MNRF in managing their relationship and interactions related to data
sharing and exchange. Part A clarifies the relationships between the CFSA, the CA,
the Archives and Recordkeeping Act (ARA) 2006, and FIPPA. Part A also sets out the
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s rights to deal with information
provided to the Minister in accordance with the FIM and in relation to thelegislation.

26

1.1

27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40

Sections 68, 20 and 21 of the CFSA provide direction for the framework and content
of FIM.

Introduction

For the purposes of FIM, information includes data (i.e., collection of facts) andprocessed data, a grouping or organization of data. Examples of information as
regulated by FIM include text, maps, tables, geographic information systems layers,
graphs, models, photographs, and digital images. Information set out in FIM may
include information in digital or hard-copy form.
FIM sets out the requirements for information about Crown forests for the purposeof forest management planning or ensuring compliance with the CFSA and its
regulations. The information required by the MNRF will be prepared by sustainable
forest licensees or by other parties as set out in the FIM and will be provided to theministry. The FIM also provides for the sharing of certain ministry information withsustainable forest licensees.

Direction from the Crown Forest Sustainability Act

Subsection 68(1) of the CFSA requires the minster to prepare a Forest Information
Manual. Subsection 68(6) of the CFSA sets out the types of information that FIM may
contain:
The Forest Information Manual may contain provisions respecting
information systems, inventories, surveys, tests and studies that may berequired by the Minister in respect of Crown forests and respecting
information to be provided to the Minister in respect of Crown forests.
Sections 20 and 21 of the CFSA set out requirements for sustainable forest licensees
to collect and provide the Minister with specified information in accordance with

Forest Information Manual 201710

Part A – Information Use and Management

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44

FIM. Sections 20 and 21 of the CFSA also set out how the Minister may treat
information obtained from sustainable forest licensees. For example, under section
20, sustainable forest licensees are required to conduct inventories, surveys, tests,
or studies. Under section 21, sustainable forest licensees are to provide informationin accordance with FIM required for the purpose of forest management planning or
ensuring compliance with the CFSA and its regulations.
Subsection 20(1) of the CFSA states:
The Minister may require the holder of a forest resource licence to conduct
inventories, surveys, tests or studies in accordance with the Forest
Information Manual for the purpose of forest management planning or
ensuring compliance with this Act and the regulations.
For the purposes of FIM, inventories, surveys, tests, or studies may also include
inspections, assessments, reports, samples, investigations, or any similar functions
related to collecting data and information about Crown forests. The Minister may
request that information about Crown forests be collected from other inventories,
surveys, tests, or studies be provided to the Minister as directed in subsection 68(6)of the CFSA.
Subsection 20(2) of the CFSA states:
If a licensee fails to conduct the inventories, surveys, tests or studies as
required, the Minister may cause them to be conducted, and the licensee isliable to the Minister for all costs associated with the conduct of theinventories, surveys, tests or studies.
All costs of conducting the inventories, surveys, tests, or studies as set out underFIM, are the responsibility of the sustainable forest licensee. If these requirements
and responsibilities are not fulfilled, the Minister has the authority to cause theinventories, surveys, tests, or studies to be conducted and the sustainable forest
licensee is then liable to the Minister for all associated costs.
Subsection 21(1) of the CFSA states:
The Minister may require the holder or former holder of a forest resource
licence to provide the Minister with information in accordance with the Forest
Information Manual for the purpose of forest management planning or
ensuring compliance with this Act and the regulations.
FIM sets out the information a sustainable forest licensee will provide the Ministerthat includes information created or used in information systems or created by therequirement to conduct inventories, surveys, tests, or studies, in accordance with
Forest Information Manual 201711

Part A – Information Use and Management

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

subsection 68(6) or section 20 of the CFSA. Circumstances of non-compliance inproviding information set out in FIM are subject to, and will be dealt with, in
accordance with Part VII of the CFSA.

13

1.2

14
15
16
17
18
19
20

As the steward of Crown forests, the Minister must be able to deal with information
about Crown forests that has been provided to the Minister in accordance with FIM.
The Minister must have easy and unfettered access to information about thisresource and be able to make this information available to, and accessible by, thepublic. The Minister must be able to use this information and related works to meetthe purpose of the CFSA and to fulfill his/her obligations under the Act.

21

1.2.1 Information Created and Provided to the Crown

22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34

Pursuant to section 21 of the CFSA, the Minister may deal with information provided
in accordance with FIM as if the Minister had created the information. Accordingly,
the Minister has an unrestricted right to use this information without any approval
from or notice to any third party. The planning inventory is an example ofinformation that will be created and provided by sustainable forest licensees inaccordance with FIM. The Minister’s right described above also applies toinformation supplied to the Minister by third parties on behalf of sustainable forest
licensees for the purpose of fulfilling their information requirements under FIM.

35

1.2.2 Information Created and Provided by the Crown

36
37
38
39
40
41

The Queen’s Printer for Ontario holds and administers copyright and intellectual
property rights for information owned by the Crown and certain information
obtained by the Minister in accordance with the FIM. The Crown asserts exclusive
copyright of information and related works that are created by the Crown using
information obtained by the Minister in accordance with FIM.

Subsection 21(2) of the CFSA states:
The Minister may deal with information obtained under this section as if the
Minister had created the information.
The information received by the Minister in accordance with FIM will be treated as if
the Minister had created the information.

Crown’s Right to Deal with Information

The provider of the information supplied in accordance with FIM will continue toenjoy any rights that it may have in the information, except to the extent of therights granted to the Minister under the CFSA.

Forest Information Manual 201712

Part A – Information Use and Management

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

The Crown owns and asserts exclusive copyright on information that the MNRF
creates and provides to sustainable forest licensees. Base information (e.g., lakes,
rivers, and provincial/municipal transportation routes) is an example of informationthat the Crown creates and maintains. The MNRF provides this base information tosustainable forest licensees, but retains sole ownership and copyright of thisinformation. Sustainable forest licensees may use this information for the purpose offulfilling their licence obligations in accordance with the CFSA and its regulations, oras determined by the Queen’s Printer for Ontario.

17

1.2.3 Source Information

18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41

The MNRF has the responsibilities for auditing, identifying, confirming, monitoring,
reporting, evaluating, and approving information set out in the FIM. In meeting thisobligation, the MNRF may require access to the source data, records andinformation used to create and provide information in accordance with the FIM forthe purpose of identifying or confirming the quality and accuracy of the information
provided. Given reasonable notice, sustainable forest licensees will grant access tosource data, records, and information upon request by the MNRF.

MNRF policy permits the provision of a base data user’s licence for the use andfurther distribution of base data royalty-free. Sustainable forest licensees receivingbase data set out in FIM, and that have requested in writing and received, a basedata user’s licence, may use base data for purposes beyond forest management
planning and compliance with the CFSA. The detail of this privilege and permitted
data use is set out in FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications.

The Crown will not claim ownership, copyright or intellectual property rights tosource data, records and information that are created or acquired by sustainable
forest licensees and are accessed by the MNRF. Copyright and ownership of thisinformation remains with the sustainable forest licensee.
Source data, records and information may include, but are not limited to:(a) Large scale photography or supplemental aerial photography;(b) Satellite imagery;(c) Maps;(d) Surveys;(e) Tests;(f) Studies;(g) Inspections;(h) Past and current records;(i) Pre- or post-operational field cruises;

Forest Information Manual 201713

Part A – Information Use and Management

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

(j) Permanent or temporary sample plots; and(k) Any data or information that has been collected and used to create, or
support the creation of, information set out in this FIM.
Ownership and copyright of source information may be held by a third party
external to the sustainable forest licensee. The Minister will take into consideration
the costs of production, and copyright obligations affecting the sustainable forest
licensee or other parties, in making decisions regarding requests for access to, or useof source information.

15

1.2.4 Licence Transfers, Surrenders and Cancellations

16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37

Where a SFL is transferred under section 35 of the CFSA or where a SFL issurrendered under section 35.1 of the CFSA, or where a SFL is cancelled under
section 41.1 of the CFSA, the holder or former holder of that forest resource licence,
a company or entity that is under common ownership, management or control as
the holder or former holder of that forest resource licence, a court appointed officer(e.g., a monitor, receiver, bankruptcy trustee, or chief restructuring officer) or aperson appointed by a lender to the forest resource licence holder (e.g., a receiveror receiver-manager), as the case may be, will provide the Minister upon request
with any information relating to meeting requirements of Parts B, C and D of theFIM, including:3839

1.3 Intellectual Property Rights, Freedom of Information and Classified
Data

40
41

Intellectual property is the expression and/or organization of ideas, data, andinformation, and the rights that protect it. Intellectual property rights are protected

If mutually agreed, the sustainable forest licensee could provide source data if it is
the most economical and practical means of providing access. In these cases,
ownership and copyright of source data remains with the sustainable forest licensee.

(a) approved or delivered products;(b) supporting materials, work in progress or completed work that has not
yet been provided to the ministry;(c) the other material or information products required to support forest
management planning and ongoing harvesting and renewal programs; or(d) agreements for ongoing or planned forest management activities.
The Minister may request the assistance of any of the persons or entities describedabove to obtain any of the information described in this Section if that information isin the custody or control of another person or entity.

Forest Information Manual 201714

Part A – Information Use and Management

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40

by mechanisms that include copyright, patents, trademarks, and other forms ofintellectual property protection. Examples of some mechanisms that government
uses to protect intellectual property rights are: trademarks, such as the stylized
trillium symbol; and copyright statements, such as ‘© Queen’s Printer for Ontario’that appear on government publications, maps, databases, research findings, andphotographs.
Access to information and the protection of privacy of individuals associated withinformation set out in FIM are governed by FIPPA.
FIPPA has two primary purposes:(a) To provide a right of access to information under the control of institutions inaccordance with the principles that:(a) information should be available to the public;(b) necessary exemptions from the right of access be limited and specific;and(c) decisions on the disclosure of government information should be
reviewed independently of government.
(b) To protect the privacy of individuals with respect to personal information
about themselves held by institutions, and to provide individuals with a rightof access to that information.
Access to information set out in FIM may be limited in some instances by MNRF’s
Protection and Distribution of Provincially Tracked Species Data Policy set out in Part
A, Section 1.3.1.
The Minister determines whether information obtained in accordance with the CFSA
can be made available to a person making a FIPPA request. In making these
determinations, the Minister will comply with the FIPPA. Access decisions made by
the Minister may be appealed by the requestor or the affected party (e.g.,sustainable forest licensee or other party) to the Information and Privacy
Commissioner of Ontario.
In addition, the Minister may restrict access to certain information that, if madeavailable, could cause harm or threaten the existence, integrity or health of a value(e.g., archaeological sites, species at risk).

Forest Information Manual 201715

Part A – Information Use and Management1

1.3.1 MNRF Classified Data

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43

The MNRF supports open, easy and equitable access to its information andintellectual property. However, protecting classified data and information is anecessary and valid component of MNRF’s mandate.
The Information Security and Privacy Classification Operating Procedures are usedby the MNRF to assign a sensitivity classification to its data. This policy and operatingprocedures cover the management of all data and information created by the
Ontario Government.
Four possible sensitivity classifications exist – high sensitivity, medium sensitivity,
low sensitivity and non-sensitive (i.e., unclassified).
This classification ensures that information is created, acquired, updated, handled,used, transmitted, transported, filed, stored, and destroyed in a manner appropriate
to its sensitivity. These security measures ensure the integrity of all records; protect
sensitive information from unauthorized access, disclosure or use; and protect
valuable information from damage or loss.
The MNRF acknowledges that while classified data will have restrictions on access,this data may be made available for specific purposes on a ‘need to know’ basis to
public and non-public organizations to meet the MNRF’s mission of sustainability ofresources. Classified data features will be encountered by MNRF and sustainable
forest licensees in managing, accessing, harvesting and renewing forest resources.
Preparing forest management plans (FMP) and conducting forest operations meetsthe ‘need to know’ principle.
The sustainable forest licensee will, along with the MNRF, ensure that classified data
features are protected in forest management planning and in conducting forest
operations. Detailed direction on classifying, accessing and using sensitive
provincially tracked species data is given in the MNRF’s Protection and Distributionof Provincially Tracked Species Data Policy. Additional guidance on the use anddisplay of classified values in forest management planning is given in FIM Base andValues Technical Specifications, FIM Forest Management Planning Technical
Specifications and FIM Annual Work Schedule Technical Specifications.
Medium sensitive data is only accessible to sustainable forest licensee and MNRF
through the issue of access privileges from the data custodian (i.e., section or branchwithin the MNRF that has stewardship and management responsibility for data). This
privilege is usually obtained through participation in data sensitivity training offeredby the MNRF. Data sensitivity training may be specific to particular data sets orgroupings of data.

Forest Information Manual 201716

Part A – Information Use and Management1

1.3.2 Organization of Information

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19

FIM sets a minimum standard for the organization and quality of data to beexchanged between the sustainable forest licensee and MNRF. The organization andquality of information, or the infrastructure and the resources needed to update andmaintain information, may differ significantly among sustainable forest licensees.
FIM does not set out how a sustainable forest licensee will organize its data or
information for their own purposes. The sustainable forest licensee may organize
and maintain data or information in whatever form they need, as long as they
provide the mandatory information set out in the FIM. The sustainable forest
licensee may provide MNRF with information products in addition to those set out in
the FIM. If the sustainable forest licensee is providing MNRF with information
beyond what is required in FIM and if the information is confidential and public
disclosure is likely to cause a harm set out in section 17 of FIPPA, the sustainable
forest licensee should identify that information either in a cover letter or by noting
this on the documents provided to MNRF. The Minister will respect the intellectual
property rights of sustainable forest licensees or other parties with regard to theirorganization of data or information.

20

1.4

21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41

The procedure described in this section may be applied to resolve issues between
sustainable forest licensee or other parties and MNRF regarding requests for
information or requirements for information deemed in accordance with the FIM.
This procedure is specific to matters related to the FIM and the exchange of
information and will not be confused with, or used as an alternative mechanism to
the issue resolution procedure set out in the FMPM, Part A, Section 2.4.

Procedure to Resolve Information Issues

This procedure may be applied, but is not limited in application, to the following
situations:(a) requests for different or additional information created by a sustainable
forest licensee that are intended to meet the mandatory information
requirements set out in the FIM;(b) requests for information from the MNRF made by sustainable forest
licensees or other parties that are deemed in accordance withinformation set out in the FIM;(c) requests for access to source data, records and information;(d) requests for supporting records and information not described byinformation in the FIM, but that contain information about Crown forestsor that are required for the purpose of forest management planning or
ensuring compliance with the CFSA and its regulations; orForest Information Manual 201717

Part A – Information Use and Management

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44

(e) any issue or dispute regarding the information requirements set out in
the FIM.
The issue should initially be dealt with and, where possible, resolved between theinitial parties involved. Most information requests will be related to carrying out thebusiness of forest management planning at the local level. The concerned party may
be a representative of a sustainable forest licensee, another party, or the MNRF. The
concerned party will comply with the following procedure to ensure that the issue
has been dealt with fairly, fully, and promptly.
1. The concerned party will identify the issue, provide sufficient detail about
how the information request affects their operations, and offer a proposedsolution, in writing, to the sustainable forest licensee or an MNRF contact(e.g., Resource Management Supervisor). The sustainable forest licensee, the
MNRF contact and the concerned party (i.e., when not one of these twoparties), will meet to discuss the issue and attempt to resolve it. The
sustainable forest licensee and the MNRF contact may each choose to
involve an information management specialist or information systems person
employed by their respective organizations to assist with any technicaldiscussions related to the information request or issue. If these discussions
do not produce a resolution, either the sustainable forest licensee, the MNRF
contact, or the concerned party may communicate the issue, in writing, tothe appropriate MNRF district manager or regional director.
2. The MNRF district manager or regional director arranges and attends a
meeting of the sustainable forest licensee, the MNRF contact and theconcerned party. The MNRF district manager or regional director may
choose to involve other specialist or positions from each respective
organization to assist with technical discussions.
3. The MNRF district manager or regional director provides a resolution to theissue normally within 21 days of receipt of those submissions and provides a
copy of a written resolution, with reasons, to the affected parties. Written
submissions from all parties will be maintained on record by the parties
involved.
4. All documentation resulting from the MNRF review will be maintained as
reference, and will be used for future reference and consideration whenresolving other information issues through this procedure.
The MNRF district manager or regional director develops appropriate rationale tosupport a resolution or decision at each stage in the issue resolution procedure andconsiders the following factors as appropriate:

Forest Information Manual 201718

Part A – Information Use and Management

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36

(a) the relevance and importance of the information request to the purpose offorest management planning or ensuring compliance with the CFSA and its
regulations. If the information request does not satisfy this test, then therequest for information is not valid;(b) the sensitivity of the information requested (i.e., if released would it pose athreat to the existence, integrity, and health of a value, including land uses);(c) the implications and provisions of FIPPA, in terms of protecting the interestsof the party providing the information and the institution (i.e., government)in control of the information;(d) the copyright implications (e.g., infringements) on the creator or owner by
releasing the requested information. For example, copyright may restrict theability of a sustainable forest licensee to provide information when they havepurchased a copy of, or access rights to, satellite imagery. This factor may
also apply to the MNRF. Crown copyright is administered by the Queen’s
Printer for Ontario, who will be involved in making decisions that affectcopyright of information owned by the Crown or information obtained by the
Minister in accordance with the FIM;(e) the potential uses of the information requested. Where possible, discussions
regarding the use(s) of the information with the party requesting it should be
encouraged in an open and consultative fashion;(f) the costs of collecting and producing the information and making theinformation available to the party requesting it. The Ontario Government’s
policies on managing, pricing, and distributing government intellectual
property may provide guidance;(g) the degree of access needed to meet the information request (e.g., should
the information be provided in its original form, in digital or paper form,
provided in a lesser or more convenient form, made available for viewing, or
returned to the sustainable forest licensee after the ministry has had an
opportunity to view it);(h) available records from previous cases where similar issue resolution
procedures have been applied to ensure consistency with previous decisions
made by the ministry; and(i) any other factors or unique circumstances that may influence decisions
respecting information requests or information issues.

37

1.5

Access to Information

38
39
40
41

MNRF’s Environmental Assessment Approval for Forest Management on Crown
Lands in Ontario (2015) and the CFSA support an open and consultative planning
process that is transparent to the public. The public will normally be provided accessto all information set out in FIM, unless otherwise determined by the Minister inForest Information Manual 201719

Part A – Information Use and Management

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

consideration of sensitive information about resource features and values, copyright
restrictions, proprietary restrictions, or FIPPA.

22

1.5.1 Information Sharing

23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38

The Government of Ontario promotes an Open by Default approach to the proactive
release of data. It promotes data management practices which enable the proactive
and ongoing release of government data which includes FIM prescribed data andinformation in a manner that is consistent with existing legal obligations, restrictions
and requirements, including the ARA, FIPPA, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) or other applicable legislation.

39

1.6

40
41
42

Information provided under FIM, irrespective of media (e.g., paper, digital files), will
be managed and maintained in accordance with the ARA:

Public (i.e., third party) requests for access to information about Crown forests will
be handled by the ministry in accordance with its policies relating to data access andsharing and the direction set out in FIM. Information that has been obtained by the
Minister in accordance with FIM may include paper and digital information products(e.g., maps, audits, reports, documents, tables, computer files or records, digitalspatial information, databases, model runs).
Access to information or provision of information to satisfy public requests may bethrough open houses, appointments, internet publication and viewing or other sucharrangements that allow quick and efficient public access to information.
The Minister may determine the conditions where access to information is provided.
The Minister may also determine how information set out in the FIM may be used bythird parties. The Minister may enter into agreements or arrangements with third
parties and specify the conditions where third parties may use the information
provided to them.

To meet the requirements of AODA, and more specifically the Integrated
Accessibility Standards Regulation, the MNRF will provide sustainable forest
licensees with guidance and direction in the preparation of AODA compliant
information products.
As technology advances and offers practical improvements for the production of
AODA compliant FIM information products, FIM technical specifications will be
updated to reflect these advancements.

Records Management

Forest Information Manual 201720

Part A – Information Use and Management

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

(a) to ensure that the public records of Ontario are managed, kept andpreserved in a useable form for the benefit of present and future
generations;(b) to foster government accountability and transparency by promoting andfacilitating good recordkeeping by public bodies; and(c) to encourage the public use of Ontario’s archival records as a vital resource
for studying and interpreting the history of the province.
Every public body prepares a records schedule that sets out, for each class of publicrecords that they create or receive, the length of time the records will be retained
and the disposition of the records at the end of their retention period. Every public
body retains and transfers or otherwise disposes of their public records inaccordance with the public body’s approved records schedule.
This includes the information set out in FIM, including draft and final FMPs andassociated supplementary documentation, FMP extensions, mid-plan checks, FMP
amendments, AWSs, and annual reports. Record keeping activities for the
information set out in FIM and the ARA are the responsibility of MNRF.
Additional information requirements set out in specific guides, protocols or
directives will be managed in accordance with the ARA. Information to support
Independent Forest Audits (IFA) is an example where the sustainable forest licensees
and MNRF have a duty to retain and provide the information requirements listed in
the Independent Forest Audit Process and Protocol, including its Appendices.
The sustainable forest licensees will retain source information or other documents incases where the information is not set out in FIM or provided to the MNRF.
Access to recorded information is to be ensured in accordance with therequirements of the FIPPA.

32

1.7

Protocol for Information

33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

The MNRF recognizes the efforts and costs of sustainable forest licensees or otherparties to create and maintain certain information set out in the FIM. In
acknowledgement of these efforts, this section discusses:(a) recognition of sustainable forest licensees in creating information set out in
the FIM;(b) disclosure of information use to sustainable forest licensees regarding third
party use and users of information;(c) the original source of information set out in the FIM;(d) data sharing and data exchange agreements;
Forest Information Manual 201721

Part A – Information Use and Management

123(e) information set out in other regulated manuals; and(f) information partnering and innovation.

4

1.7.1 Recognition for Creating Information

5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Sustainable forest licensees may provide a logo that gives credit and recognition of
their company, on any information submitted to the Minister. The logo may include
a symbol and a name relevant to the sustainable forest licensee who provided theinformation. The MNRF may also apply its logo, and the government copyright label,to the information or information product.

14

1.7.2 Disclosure of Information Use

15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

The Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry determines how information
obtained in accordance with FIM may be used. FIM does not restrict the Minister’s
use of information obtained in accordance with the CFSA and its regulations.
Sustainable forest licensees or other parties are not restricted as to how they use
information that they create and provide to the Minister in accordance with the FIM,
except as set out in FIM, Part A, Section 1.2.

31

1.7.3 Original Source of Information

32
33
34
35
36

Information set out in FIM is submitted to the MNRF via the data transfer
mechanism (see Part A, Section 2.2). The information submitted and residing in thedata transfer mechanism is considered to be the authoritative source of FIM
required information.

37

1.7.4 Data Sharing and Data Exchange Agreements

38
39
40
41

Existing data sharing or exchange agreements or memoranda of understanding or
any parts of agreements that address an exchange or provision of the information
set out in FIM will not supersede the requirements and standards for information set
out in FIM.

The logo provided by a sustainable forest licensee will not, in any way, affect how
the Minister may use the information obtained in accordance with the FIM.

The Minister is not required to disclose the use of information obtained inaccordance with FIM. Sustainable forest licensees are not required to disclose theiruse of information that they create and provide to the Minister in accordance withFIM.
The MNRF complies with FIPPA regarding the disclosure of information obtained by
the Minister in accordance with FIM, and the disclosure of related information
pertaining to the use or users of that information.

Forest Information Manual 201722

Part A – Information Use and Management

1
2
3
4
5
6

FIM has no effect on information sharing and exchange arrangements oragreements that deal with information not in respect of Crown forests or outside
the purpose of forest management planning or ensuring compliance with the CFSA
and its regulations.

7

1.7.5 Information Set Out in Other Regulated Manuals

8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

The information requirements of the other manuals mandated by the CFSA (i.e., theForest Management Planning Manual, the Forest Operations and Silviculture
Manual, and the Scaling Manual) are considered to be information set out in FIM. As
such, the requirements to provide the information identified in the other CFSA
manuals will be administered in accordance with FIM. Instances of non-compliancein providing information set out in FIM, or information requirements of the other
CFSA manuals, are subject to, and will be dealt with according to, Part VII of the
CFSA.

17

1.7.6 Information Partnering and Innovation

18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27

Information management is a costly and necessary investment. One of the principles
applied in the development and implementation of the FIM is to allow, promote,and foster innovation with respect to the information needed to meet the purposeof the CFSA and its regulations. Sustainable forest licensees, the MNRF, or otherparties, as identified in FIM, will prepare and provide the information set out in FIM.
Sustainable forest licensees, the MNRF, and other parties are free to establish
cooperative arrangements and partnerships to enhance the collection, creation,
quality, use, or provision of information for forest management planning or toensure compliance with the CFSA and its regulations.

Forest Information Manual 201723

Part A – Information Use and Management1

2.0

Meeting Information Requirements2

2.1

Responsible Parties

3
4
5
6

Information requirements in FIM support the preparation, approval,
implementation, monitoring, and reporting of FMPs and forest operations.
Information products set out in FIM are provided predominantly by:7

Sustainable forest licensees

8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20



MNRF

21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40

The definitions given in this section provide the scope and range for all parties
involved in providing FIM requirements. The differences among the responsible
parties are, in some cases, very subtle. To simplify FIM, responsible parties are
categorised into two distinct types: the sustainable forest licensee and MNRF.
Sustainable Forest Licence (SFL) holders or other licence holders (e.g., forest
resource licence, enhanced forest resource licence) with forest management
responsibilities will be generalized as the sustainable forest licensee. For the
purpose of the FIM, the sustainable forest licensee is referenced as the party
responsible for preparing and implementing FMPs.
2.1.1 Sustainable Forest Licensees
Sustainable forest licensees will prepare FMPs on areas of Crown forest falling within
their respective SFL. On designated management units that are not managed underan SFL, the Crown or another designated party prepares and implements a FMP.
Where the requirements of the FIM refer to the sustainable forest licensee, thoserequirements apply to the MNRF or the party responsible for the preparation andimplementation of a FMP.
Sustainable forest licensees also schedule and conduct forest management
operations in accordance with an approved FMP, and report on those operations. As
such, sustainable forest licensees will provide the information set out in the FIM.
Where the requirements for information identify sustainable forest licensees as the
responsible party, those requirements apply to the holder of a licence issued under
section 26 of the CFSA.
Sustainable forest licensees will secure information set out in FIM from overlapping
licence holders who are issued forest resource licences in accordance with section
38 of the CFSA. Sustainable forest licensees are expected to enter into an agreementwith overlapping licence holders regarding the provision of information set out in
the FIM in accordance with section 8 of CFSA Regulation 167/95.

Forest Information Manual 201724

Part A – Information Use and Management1

2.1.2 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

2
3
4
5
6
7
8

The MNRF provides information, such as base information, values information orforest resources inventory information, to SFL holders. Where the requirements for
information identify the MNRF as the responsible party, those requirements may
apply to the MNRF in general or may apply specifically to an MNRF division, branchor section.

9

2.2

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

Information set out in FIM will be provided or exchanged via a data transfer
mechanism. FIM recognizes the Forest Information Portal (FI Portal) as the means totransfer, store and retrieve FIM data between the MNRF and sustainable forest
licensees.

Data Transfer Mechanism – The Forest Information Portal

The FI Portal is continually reviewed, updated and evaluated. The FI Portal is
upgraded for technology improvements in hardware and software. Additional
functionality is added to increase efficiency, enhance ease of use and to meet
emerging business needs. In spite of this rigorous maintenance and on-goingdevelopment regime, the FI Portal is approaching its end of life. At the time of
preparation of the FIM, an examination of the data exchange processes and businessneeds was underway to determine a strategy for the development of a new portal or
alternative approach to data sharing and exchange among the MNRF, the forest
industry, stakeholders and the public. Should the strategy propose a data transfer
mechanism significantly different from the existing FI Portal, FIM and FIM technicalspecifications will be amended accordingly.
The data transfer mechanism is the repository for approved copies of the FMP and
the annual work schedule (AWS), and for annual report submissions for the
management unit. The data transfer mechanism is also the repository for FMP
extensions, mid-plan checks, amendments, revisions, changes or appended
documents. The approved versions of the documents referenced above and any of
the submissions referenced above are made available to the public on the Ontario
Government website and are retained per the ARA.
In developing FMPs, FMP extensions, mid-plan checks, or work schedules, and in
making amendments or revisions, it is necessary for sustainable forest licensees andthe MNRF to exchange information, review proposals and share data. The FI Portal
can be used for this type of exchange in advance of the submission of the final FMP,
schedule, amendment or revision. Without exception, the approved final FMP,
schedule, FMP extension, mid-plan check, amendment or revision will be submitted
to the FI Portal. MNRF completes the approval of the submission and publication on
the Ontario Government website.

Forest Information Manual 201725

Part A – Information Use and Management

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

Use of the FI Portal will assist in meeting obligations of complying with records
management requirements of the ARA for information set out in FIM. The FI Portal isa repository for current versions of FIM, FIM technical specifications, FIM and FI
Portal-related training materials, and other forest planning and information
management direction.
The FI Portal is managed and maintained by the MNRF and support is offeredthrough the MNRF. The FI Portal is generally available 24 hours a day, seven days aweek. Users include MNRF staff, sustainable forest licensee personnel, Independent
Forest Auditors, and forest consultants.
The FI Portal has functionality to ensure the integral and efficient transfer of
information. Data transfers can be scheduled to run after normal business hours,
interrupted transfers are tracked and restarted where necessary, and upload
transfers are not limited by file size. Security is maintained by password protection
and by the management of users via their account.
Only in exceptional cases or circumstances where internet line speeds, reliability of
power supply, or other limitations could affect efficient and economical transfer ofdata, parties may mutually agree to provide the information on alternate media or
methods (e.g., compact disc, DVD, USB device, surface mail). If sensitive or classified
data are included in these transfers, encrypted devices will be used. In these
instances it is still mandatory for responsible parties to enter a submission record
into the FI Portal indicating that provision of the information is by alternate media
for information products set out in FIM. The MNRF subsequently loads this data to
the FI Portal and this information will be validated.

29

2.3

Roles and Responsibilities

30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43

The roles and responsibilities of sustainable forest licensees and the MNRF are set
out in FIM for each information product. The roles and responsibilities for providing
information may be further defined in FIM technical specifications.
Sustainable forest licensees and the MNRF have separate and distinct
responsibilities in meeting information product requirements (e.g., MNRF prepares
values maps; licensees prepare the planning inventory), or they share
responsibilities for some information requirements (e.g., annual report tables). FIM
sets out the information that the sustainable forest licensees or the MNRF will
provide and the minimum standards that will be met.
In some circumstances the terms of reference and/or project plan associated withthe preparation of a FMP (i.e., FMPM, Part A, Sections 1.1.2.1 and 1.1.2.2) may
provide direction on roles and responsibilities. The roles and responsibilities may be
Forest Information Manual 201726

Part A – Information Use and Management

12adapted to best meet the circumstances of the management unit and maintain theestablished relationships between the sustainable forest licensee and MNRF.

3

2.4

4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Many of the timelines for providing information are set out in the FMPM (e.g.,management unit annual reports are due November 15 each year). In cases where
only an implicit timeline is provided in the FMPM (e.g., sustainable forest licensee
will inform the MNRF of the discovery of a new value), FIM or the associated FIM
technical specifications will set out the timeline associated with the information
product.

Timelines

Timeline references for providing FIM information are for general reference anddirection, and sustainable forest licensees should use best efforts to meet the
timelines set out in the FIM.
In some circumstances, timelines may be from the terms of reference and/or projectplan associated with the preparation of a FMP (i.e., FMPM, Part A, Sections 1.1.2.1
and 1.1.2.2).

Forest Information Manual 201727

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1

Part B

Information for Strategic and Operation Planning

2

1.0

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38

Part B of the Forest Information Manual (FIM) sets out information for preparing
forest management plans (FMP) in Ontario. This information supports thedevelopment of the long-term management direction (LTMD) for managing Crown
forests and the planning of forest operations for the 10-year period of a FMP as per
the Forest Management Planning Manual (FMPM), Parts A, B and C.

Introduction

The information requirements include:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)

Base information;
Values information;
Forest Resources Inventory (FRI) information;
Planning information;
Electronic forest management planning documents;
Forest management planning maps; andInformation related to information systems used in forest
management planning.

Section 2.0 details the requirements for the provision of base information used tosupport the development of FMPs, forest resource inventories and other spatial
information relevant to forest management planning.
Section 3.0 details the requirements to collect, confirm, verify, provide, update, andmaintain values information.
Section 4.0 details the requirements for forest resources inventory, specifically thepolygon forest information provided by the MNRF in support of FMP development.
Section 5.0 details the requirements for planning and base model inventories;
information products provided by sustainable forest licensees and used as the basis
for strategic and operational planning of forest management activities. This section
also provides the requirements for updating base information and incorporatingbase information into a forest resources inventory.
Section 6.0 details the requirements for operational planning information, including
a series of geospatial data layers used in FMP development, review and approval.

Forest Information Manual 201728

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Section 7.0 details the forest management planning mapping requirements andstandards.
Section 8.0 details the requirements for electronic submission of FMPs,
supplementary documentation, maps, FMP extensions, mid-plan checks, andamendments.
The information in Part B is required periodically at specific stages throughout theforest management planning process and during FMP implementation, monitoring
and assessment. The terms of reference and/or project plan of a FMP will identify
the duties and responsibilities of specific planning team members to produce
strategic and operational planning information in accordance with the FMPM and
FIM.

Forest Information Manual 201729

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning1

2.0

Base Information

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Base features represent the geographic locations and descriptions of topographic,
cultural, and cadastral entities of Ontario’s landbase. Base features can be natural,
physical features, such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands, or they can be features ofhuman influence such as hydro lines, gas pipelines, provincial highways, roads, andrailways. Base features include areas that identify subdivisions of land, water,
vegetation, environmental features, and other physical and administrative
boundaries. Examples of this latter type of base features include forest management
units, parks and protected areas, and ownership parcels that identify areas
designated for legal, political, tax base, population base, land-use zoning, ormanagement decision purposes.

32

2.1

33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40

The provision and sharing of base information is integral to the preparation of a FMP
and the conducting of forest operations. The FMPM sets out the need for baseinformation for the preparation of information products, defining areas of concern,
providing databases, conducting analyses and preparing FMPs.

Base information provides a consistent geographic base fabric for relating otherinformation such as forest resources inventories, wildlife habitat, ecological land
classification, values, and other biological information. Base information is also usedin various analytical modelling processes, such as viewshed analysis, water
movement and flow analysis, road location and transportation network analysis,
watershed analysis, landscape diversity analysis, harvest scheduling, and otherspatial analyses that require relational analysis of geographic information.
Some base information, such as lakes, rivers, or parks and protected areas may also
be treated as values information, as set out in Part B, Section 3.0, for the purposes offorest management planning.
An overview of the requirements for base information, the standards that they are
maintained and provided to, the roles and responsibilities of the MNRF andsustainable forest licensees, and the timelines associated with provision are set out
in the following sections. The detailed description, information standards, formats
and other exchange parameters and procedures are provided in the associated FIM
Base and Values Technical Specifications.

Requirements and Standards for Base Information

The MNRF provides licensees with base information in digital form for the purposeof forest management planning. Base information can be used for the creation andmaintenance of forest resources inventories; planning of operations such as road

Forest Information Manual 201730

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36

location, harvest layout and renewal activities; as context and reference on maps
and other information; and for area of concern planning.

37

2.2

38
39
40
41
42
43

The MNRF maintains and updates base information used in forest management
planning in MNRF’s values information system and LIO. The MNRF also provides thebest available information to sustainable forest licensees.

Licensees may request base information for these purposes at any time. The MNRF
provides the requested information in accordance with the timelines and conditions
set out in Part B, Section 2.3. Classified base information is only provided as per Part
A, Section 1.3.2.
Licensees will update and provide changes to base information as encountered inplanning or conducting operations as set out in FIM (e.g., newly constructed roads,
submitted with management unit annual reports as an update to base information).
Base information used in forest management planning and provided to licensees by
the MNRF is from Land Information Ontario (LIO). LIO data is obtained from avariety of sources. Base information stored in LIO that is provided by the MNRF is
maintained in the MNRF’s values information system. Base information is also
provided to LIO by other government agencies, non-government organizations andthe private sector each of whom use a variety of geographic information systems
and tools. Data in LIO is managed in several geographic (i.e., thematic) layers or dataclasses.
The information standards vary for different types of base information and theirassociated spatial and descriptive information. The standards for information
maintained in LIO are usually set by the data custodian and by the data model thatthe data class is built on.
The MNRF determines, in consultation with sustainable forest licensees, the dataclasses and the attributes needed to support forest management planning andcompliance with the CFSA. The MNRF also consults sustainable forest licensees onsuitable data exchange formats for base information. Detailed standards for baseinformation are set out in FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications.
Base information may be provided in the form of a complete layer or theme for the
management unit. Also, it may be provided as a complete set of information (i.e., alllayers or themes) or as individual, specific layers or themes.

Roles and Responsibilities for Base Information

The sustainable forest licensee will provide updates to base information through thesubmission of information products set out in FIM.
Forest Information Manual 201731

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3

Planning teams will determine and utilize the most current base information.

4

2.3

5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

MNRF provides sustainable forest licensees with base information to support FMP
development and AWS preparation. The MNRF provides sustainable forest licensees
with base information on an annual basis and on request in accordance with FIM
Base and Values Technical Specifications. If MNRF cannot meet the timelines set out
in FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications, MNRF will advise the sustainable
forest licensee.

Timelines and Conditions for Provision of Base Information

Base information will be provided to sustainable forest licensees in a digital format,
and in the agreed-to exchange format, set out in FIM Base and Values Technical
Specifications. This document will be revised and published periodically to reflect
updates to the numerous digital geospatial layers that contain base information, andto incorporate additional layers/features when necessary.
If a sustainable forest licensee requests MNRF to provide base information inanother form or format than set out in FIM technical specifications, MNRF will use
best efforts to accommodate the request.

Forest Information Manual 201732

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning1

3.0

Values Information

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

A value is a natural, cultural, First Nation or Métis resource attribute or use of land,
including all lakes and streams, which must be considered in forest management
planning.
Examples of values include cross-country ski trails, spawning areas, moose calvingsites, raptor nests, seed orchards, tourism outpost camps, registered trapline areas,
canoe routes, archaeological sites, and evaluated wetlands.
No listing of values can be definitive. For the purposes of forest management
planning, it can be any feature, entity or forest condition that could be impacted byforest operations. Base features can be considered values; lakes are an example. The
list of values considered in forest management planning varies by forest
management unit, landscape features, and stakeholders involved. The lists provided
in FIM technical specifications are not all inclusive; they are a guide to the types ofvalues to be considered.
The consideration or identification of values does not equate to values protection or
prohibition of operations. Operational prescriptions and conditions are developed
for areas of concern associated with all values. These prescriptions and conditions
may be reserves (i.e., prohibition of operations), modified operations (i.e., specificconditions or restrictions on operations) or regular operations (i.e., in accordancewith silvicultural ground rules (SGR)).
Values information can be provided by any person or party at any time. Information
about values normally comes from the MNRF or other government staff; sustainable
forest licensees and their operators; non-government organizations; third parties;
other resource users; and the public.
The quality of values information is related to the method used to identify andcollect the information. The number of identified and confirmed values is expected
to increase, and the quality of information about those values is expected to
improve, with each successive FMP. The public consultation process set out in the
FMPM, Part A, supports the collection and provision of information about values at
any time during the development and implementation of a FMP.
FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications list the variety of values to appear on
values maps in support of forest management planning.
FIM does not categorize or explicitly define groupings or types of values. For the
purposes of FIM, values information requirements apply to all known values.

Forest Information Manual 201733

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2

3.1

Requirements and Standards for Values Information

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

Values information is an important input to forest management planning andoperations. The FMPM Part A, Sections 1.1.8.6, 1.1.8.7 and 1.1.8.8 and Part B,
Section 2.1.4 sets out the role of fish and wildlife, and of other resource information
or values in contributing to values maps and the development of management
objectives.

27

3.1.1 Role of MNRF

28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

The MNRF collects information about values in accordance with the standards set
out in FIM and FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications. Further, the MNRF
gives priority to those values that are potentially affected by proposed and optional
areas of forest operations for the FMP under preparation.

Part A, Section 1.1.8.9 of the FMPM sets out the requirement for a series of values
maps in forest management planning. Values maps provide a summary of thegeographic location(s) of known natural resources features, land uses and values
that will be considered in forest management planning, and where further
information is available. The FMPM indicates that values maps are produced inaccordance with FIM.
A value is considered to be a known value when sufficient information to describe its
geographic location and its basic features exist. Known values will be considered inforest management planning. The MNRF determines if a value can be treated as aknown value based on the available information and in consideration of thestandards set out in FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications.
Other sections of the FMPM, namely Part A, Section 1.3.5.1 Operational
Prescriptions and Conditions for Areas of Concern, and Part D, Section 3.5.3 Changes
to Operational Prescriptions for Areas of Concern also identify requirements forvalues information.

The MNRF provides the best available values information to planning teams forforest management planning purposes and made available throughout the planning
process. The maps and information will include the values within the forest
management unit for the FMP that is being written, and values that are adjacent to
the forest management unit that may be affected by forest operations.
Values that are displayed on maps and that are considered in forest management
planning are supported by further information gathered or created from field visits,
inventories, surveys, tests, or studies.

Forest Information Manual 201734

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

MNRF enters and updates values information received from sustainable forest
licensees and other sources into the MNRF’s values information database (i.e., using
LIO Editor) housed in a corporate data repository or information management
system (i.e., Land Information Ontario Data Warehouse).

10

3.1.2 Requirements for Sustainable Forest Licensees

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Sustainable forest licensees will identify information for new values, and corrections
to information about known values, that are encountered during theimplementation of forest management operations and provide this information to
the MNRF for values database updating and for consideration in future planning
initiatives and operational activities. Sustainable forest licensees are to provide thisinformation to MNRF within the timelines and conditions set out in Part B, Section
3.3, and in detail in FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications.

19

3.1.3 Requirements for Planning Teams

20
21
22
23

Planning teams will determine and utilize the most current values information, anddetermine and utilize updates to values information set out in Part B, Section 3.2
and Section 3.3.

24

3.1.4 Requirements Respecting Classified Values Information

25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

In some cases, information about certain values such as the location and descriptionof First Nation and Métis values, cultural heritage sites, or habitats of species at risk
may be considered as classified data. Refer to Part A, Section 1.3.2 for a descriptionof classified data. In these cases, releasing or portraying this data on maps may posea threat to the existence, integrity, or health of those values. Classified values will
not be made available or accessible to the public. Where the availability of
information could be considered as potentially detrimental to the existence of avalue, the MNRF determines whether or how the value can be depicted on a values
map, and the type and extent of the information that can be provided to membersof the planning team and to members of the Local Citizens’ Committee (LCC). Where
direction on the display of specific classified values in forest management planning is
not provided in a related guide (e.g., the Forest Management Guide for Cultural
Heritage Values), general direction has been provided in FIM Base and Values
Technical Specifications and FIM Forest Management Planning Technical
Specifications.

The MNRF may enter into data collection arrangements with sustainable forest
licensees or third parties for the purpose of obtaining values information or for
confirming existing values information.

Information protocols or agreements that describe conditions respecting the use orusers of classified values information, or restrict the availability of classified values

Forest Information Manual 201735

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27

information, may be established with other agencies such as the Ministry of
Tourism, Culture and Sport, or with MNRF’s Natural Heritage Information Centre(NHIC), and First Nation or Métis communities. The planning team will ensure thatsensitive information about values is protected and used in accordance with any
protocols or agreements established between the MNRF and other agencies.

28

3.1.5 Requirements Respecting Personal Information

29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

Personal information is defined in Section 2 of FIPPA. The MNRF maintains personal
information related to values information, such as a person’s name, address, phone
numbers, and other personal data associated with land use permits, trapline areas,
baitfish areas, and other licensed or recognized natural resource uses. Personal
information is considered to be sensitive and will not be displayed on values maps.

For the purpose of preparing a FMP, the district manager appoints the members on
the planning team and establishes a LCC, as described in the FMPM under Part A,
Sections 1.1.2 and 1.1.3, respectively. The appointed members of the planning teamand the LCC are considered to be agents of the Crown for the purpose of fulfilling
their duties in relation to preparing and implementing a FMP. Consequently, they
are bound by MNRF’s obligations under the FIPPA. Members of the planning teamand LCC are also bound by any protocols or agreements that the MNRF establisheswith other agencies that describe the conditions that the MNRF agrees to use andprotect sensitive information about values.
In the forest management planning process, planning for the protection of values
normally requires MNRF and sustainable forest licensee involvement. Therefore, theplanning team or specific members of the planning team require access to
information, including classified values information, to ensure that roads and areasof concern planning occurs in accordance with Part B, Section 4.2 and Section 4.5 of
the FMPM. If the MNRF determines that information about a value cannot beprovided to sustainable forest licensees or members of the planning team, the
MNRF may instead provide the boundary of the area to be protected and/or any
restrictions to forest operations. In these cases, the planning team will protect theprovided area through appropriate areas of concern prescriptions and/or conditions.

The MNRF acquires and declares consent to use personal information for forest
management planning purposes from the persons providing their personal
information. The MNRF determines whether this information relating to values canbe made available to sustainable forest licensees, planning team members, ormembers of the LCC. The MNRF complies with FIPPA in terms of the treatment anduse of personal information related to values information used in forest
management planning. Sustainable forest licensees, planning team members, andmembers of the LCC, as agents of the Crown, will also comply with FIPPA in terms ofForest Information Manual 201736

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning1
2
3

their treatment and use of personal information for the purpose of fulfilling their
obligations in forest management planning.

4

3.1.6 Standards for Values Information

5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

The MNRF in consultation with the sustainable forest licensees determines the typesof values and the attributes that support forest management planning andcompliance with the CFSA. Only a subset of MNRF’s natural resources and values
information are used in forest management planning. Also, only a limited number of
the attributes associated with a given feature will support forest management
planning. Many of the attributes of features maintained in MNRF’s information
system relate to the collection, storage, and management of the natural resourcesand values database and are not used in forest management planning.
The MNRF also consults sustainable forest licensees on suitable data exchange
formats (e.g., a compressed ESRI .e00 file, shapefile, file geodatabase) for values
information. Detailed standards for values information are set out in FIM Base andValues Technical Specifications.
The standards identify the minimum information required to treat a value as aknown value. This information consists of two parts: a geographic location and abasic description for each feature. Information that meets these standards is
considered to be conclusive information required to confirm the presence andcharacteristics of a value. Information that meets these standards ensures thatplanning teams have sufficient background information to plan road locations andprepare area of concern prescriptions to protect the existence, integrity, and healthof the value. Only known values will be depicted on values maps and considered inforest management planning.
The MNRF determines whether the available information satisfies the minimum
standards and is sufficient to treat a value as a known value. The MNRF considers
recommendations by the planning team when making decisions about values orwhen applying the precautionary principle, set out in Part B, Section 3.4.
The standards for the geographic location of values are given in FIM Base and Values
Technical Specifications. In meeting the minimum requirements to declare a value asknown, the geographic location provided by the MNRF, the sustainable forest
licensee or third party should locate the value in relation to existing base features orvalues (e.g., roads, stream-lake intersections, islands or points, township boundaries,
portage trails). Location descriptions could be geographic coordinates, a reference
to an attached photo or map, or reference to an accompanying digital spatial data
product.

Forest Information Manual 201737

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19

The descriptive features of a value will provide sufficient detail for planning teams todetermine the appropriate area of concern prescriptions and conditions to protect
the existence, integrity, and health of a value. The descriptive features of a value willconsist of the following information:

20

3.2

21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41

This section identifies the roles and responsibilities of the sustainable forest
licensees and MNRF associated with providing, receiving, and using values
information. The terms identify and confirm represent the processes that are used to
distinguish the roles and responsibilities of the sustainable forest licensees and
MNRF with respect to collecting and using values information in forest management
planning.

(a) method, survey type, locational accuracy, or source of information thatwas used to identify and describe the value;(b) position title or stakeholder type of person(s) who discovered, collected,
and provided information about the value;(c) date the values information was collected; and(d) identification of the type of value, specific enough to help with theprotection of the value should it be impacted by forest operations.
Meeting these minimum requirements in declaring a value as a known value serves
to identify the presence of a value and to afford it protection if necessary. MNRF
may complete additional field inspections or data collection to confirm the value andto make a complete entry into the values information database.

Roles and Responsibilities for Values Information

The term identify is used to describe the roles and responsibilities of the provider ofvalues information. The term confirm is used to describe the roles andresponsibilities of the MNRF with respect to use and acceptance of the information.
Identification precedes confirmation.
The provider collects values information and will identify that the informationcollected and provided is accurate and meets the standards set out in Part B, Section
3.1. The provider could be the sustainable forest licensee, the MNRF, or a third
party.
Sustainable forest licensees often, during the course of operations, identify thepresence of values and provide information about those values. Sustainable forest
licensees will provide information about new values and corrections to information
about known values to the MNRF when these values are encountered during theForest Information Manual 201738

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

implementation of forest management operations. This information will be provided
in accordance with Part B, Sections 3.1 and 3.3.

18

3.3

19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38

There are two categories of timelines for providing values information. The firstcategory of timelines is associated with FMP development and implementation; acontinual update of values information data holdings. This timeline is set out in Part
B, Section 3.3.1. The second category of timelines is associated with values
encountered during active forest operations, as set out in Part B, Section 3.3.2. The
activity of value identification and confirmation is more stringent in the second
category. Also, when prioritizing effort and allocation of resources, a higher priority
will go to the collection of values information associated with the second category oftimelines.

39

3.3.1 Plan Development and Implementation – Values Provision Timeline

40
41
42

Values information is assembled as background information during the preparationof a FMP as set out in Part A, Section 1.1.8 of the FMPM.

The MNRF confirms that the information received is accurate, meets the standards
set out in Part B, Section 3.1, and is sufficient to be used to plan road locations andto develop area of concern prescriptions and conditions. That is, the MNRF
determines whether a value can be treated as a known value based on assessing theavailable information against the standards set out in Part B, Section 3.1.
The MNRF identifies the presence of values, and collects and provides information
about those values. Identification of values information can occur at various times
throughout FMP preparation or implementation set out by the timelines in Part B,
Section 3.3. The MNRF enters and maintains values information in MNRF’s values
information database (e.g., updating through the Land Information Ontario Editor),and provides updates of this information to sustainable forest licensees andplanning teams in accordance with Part B, Section 3.0.

Timelines and Conditions for Values Information

The timing of forest management operations that may adversely impact values
determines when information about those values will be exchanged between thesustainable forest licensees and MNRF. The timelines provided in the following
sections should be viewed in conjunction with the specific timelines and details
provided in FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications.
In some instances, other guides or locally set agreements or protocols also provide
direction on the timing of values information sharing and exchange related to
specific values or specific local situations.

Forest Information Manual 201739

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

New information on values often becomes available during FMP implementation.
Where this new information identifies that values may be impacted by active
operations, the MNRF provides this information as set out in Section 3.3.2.
Otherwise, the MNRF provides this new information through annual values
information updates in order for sustainable forest licensees to incorporate changes
into amendments or the next AWS.

12

3.3.2 Active Operations – Values Provision Timeline

13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43

Active operations are defined as forest management operations identified in an
approved AWS. As per Part D, Section 3.5.3 and Section 3.5.4 of the FMPM, updated
information on the location and description of values that were previously
unidentified (i.e., new values), incorrectly located, incorrectly described, or that nolonger exist, will be exchanged between the sustainable forest licensee and MNRF.

Sustainable forest licensees will provide information about new values andcorrections to information about known values as per FIM Base and Values Technical
Specifications.

The timelines associated with values information exchange, where active operations
are involved, is provided in FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications. The
responsibilities and procedures associated with values information sharing andexchange are set out below for those situations that have defined timelines
provided in FIM technical specifications.
1) Sustainable forest licensee reports a new value, corrects location or
description of previously identified value, or confirms a value no longer exists
Where the sustainable forest licensee identifies that new information about
a value (e.g., new value, changed value, non-existent value) will result in the
addition or change to an area of concern prescription or condition, thesustainable forest licensee will provide the MNRF with the necessary
documentation of the change. The MNRF updates the values database toreflect this change and notifies the sustainable forest licensee when it has
occurred.
MNRF confirmation of the value no longer existing is required in instances ofvalues associated with species at risk and where a third party is associatedwith the value and/or area of concern (e.g., cultural heritage, First Nation,
Métis, tourism value).
2) MNRF identifies a new value, corrects location or description of previously
identified value, or confirms a value no longer exists
When the MNRF identifies and confirms the location and description ofvalues previously unidentified (i.e., unmapped) or incorrectly located,
Forest Information Manual 201740

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

incorrectly described, or that no longer exist, they notify the licensee. The
MNRF notification provides enough detail to allow the sustainable forest
licensee to assess when operations may be impacted. Subsequently, thesustainable forest licensee notifies the MNRF of the results of theirassessment (e.g., timing of the operations and potential impacts). MNRF
collects and provides additional information and updates the values databasein a timeline reflective of the sustainable forest licensee notification.
The above procedures, and timelines as per FIM Base and Values Technical
Specifications, are valid where area of concern planning requirements, as per Part A,
Section 1.3.5 and Part B, Section 4.2.1 of the FMPM has been met. In instanceswhere a FMP amendment or a revision to an AWS is required, the above timelines
will be adjusted as per the timelines associated with the amendment or revision.
Sustainable forest licensees will provide the MNRF with information about values,
set out in FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications, and MNRF provides
sustainable forest licensees with information about values for the purpose of forest
management planning.
If the provision of information or the location of classified values could threaten theexistence, integrity, or health of a value, the Minister may withhold suchinformation. The MNRF, in consultation with the planning team, will determine thekind of protection for such a value.

25

3.4

Precautionary Principle in Values Identification and Protection

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

The geographic location and basic description of a value will be available for thevalue to be considered as a known value. If a value does not have a geographic
location, or if the basic description information about the features of a value does
not exist or is insufficient to meet the minimum requirements of Section 3.1.6, thenthe value will not be considered as a known value, and will not normally beconsidered in forest management planning. In some cases, although the information
is incomplete, sufficient information about the general location or partial descriptionof the features of a value may be available. In such cases the MNRF may apply the
precautionary principle to ensure that values are protected during forest
management planning or implementation of forest management operations.
The precautionary principle is defined as follows:
In the absence of conclusive information to confirm the presence or featuresof a value, this principle requires the consideration of the value in theplanning of road locations and area of concern prescriptions in order toensure that the value is protected, based on the high probability of its

Forest Information Manual 201741

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37

presence and the potential that it may be affected by forest management
operations in a significant and negative way.
The precautionary principle recognizes that some forest management activities may
be detrimental to the existence, integrity, and health of some values or may cause
irreparable damage to values. The rationale for applying the precautionary principle
is to reduce the risks of significantly affecting a value in a negative way, in theabsence of conclusive information about a value, by considering values in forest
management planning using the best available information about those values.
Members of the planning team will consider the available information and may
make recommendations as to whether sufficient information exists to treat thevalue as a known value. Members of the planning team may also makerecommendations regarding the applicability of the precautionary principle and theextent that the precautionary principle should be applied to ensure the protection of
the value.
Using planning team recommendations and assessing the available information
against the standards set out in Part B, Section 3.1, the MNRF determines the values
that will be considered in forest management planning and to what extent the
precautionary principle may apply.
The MNRF may exercise reasonable latitude to designate a value as a known value,
based on the availability of sufficient information, to ensure that it can beconsidered in forest management planning. In designating a value as a known value
based on applying the precautionary principle, the MNRF provides sustainable forest
licensees with this decision, an explanation of the concerns related to potential
impacts from forest management, the rationale to support the decision, and theavailable information about the value. The MNRF makes these decisions and ensuresthat these decisions are carried out by the planning team.
The precautionary principle is not designed to make sustainable forest licensees
become the de facto collector of values information. The precautionary principle is
not to be applied in circumstances where it is reasonably possible to collect field
information that meets the minimum standards of section 3.1.6 to declare that avalue should be considered a known value.

38

3.5

Predictive Modelling in Values Identification

39
40
41
42
43

The MNRF, with the assistance of sustainable forest licensees and other parties, hasdeveloped an extensive values information database. However, not all values on
Crown forests have been identified. Assisting in the identification of values on Crown
lands, predictive models are being applied to identify the location of areas that havea high possibility of containing values based on the presence of specific landscape
Forest Information Manual 201742

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39

features that resemble the location and site conditions of, and have characteristics
similar to, known values. Archaeological potential modelling is an example ofpredictive modelling used in forest management planning. The MNRF approves theapplication of any predictive models that are used to identify values for the purposeof forest management planning.
Predictive models may be used to provide preliminary identification of potential
areas where values are likely to be present. Predictive models need to be recalibrated to consider new information and to develop better trends or predictions
from that information. The results produced from predictive modelling should not
be used in isolation of further investigation. Further investigation or analysis may
identify the existence of values within the predicted area. The MNRF conducts thisinvestigation or analysis, or causes the investigation or analysis to be conducted.
The MNRF gives priority to investigating or analyzing areas identified by predictivemodelling that are located within, or are in close proximity to, proposed areas offorest operations. Based on the results of analysis, the candidate areas identified by
predictive modelling will be reviewed and may be revised to identify potential areas.
Potential areas that can be described by further information that meets thestandards set out in Part B, Section 3.1, will be treated as known values. The MNRF
confirms that potential areas will be treated as known values.
Further investigation or analysis of predictive modelling results cannot always
provide the exact location or basic description of the features of a value that may
exist within a potential area to the standards set out in Part B, Section 3.1. In thiscase, the MNRF may apply the precautionary principle to designate potential areas
as known values, based on the availability of sufficient information needed toconsider the appropriate protection for that value in forest management planning.
The MNRF also determines if the information produced by predictive modelling is
considered to be classified information. The MNRF treats classified information inaccordance with Part A, Section 1.3.2.
The Forest Management Guide for Cultural Heritage Values provides additional
detail, guidance and direction for the identification and protection of archaeologicalpotential values. Other cases of the use of predictive models for values identification
may have documentation and direction set out in FIM or FIM Base and Values
Technical Specifications.

Forest Information Manual 201743

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning1

4.0

POLYGON FOREST

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

The polygon forest is an information layer that provides a description of the forest,
water and other landbase features within a forest management unit. The
management unit is delineated and classified based on geographic features andcharacteristics into homogeneous water and land types called polygons. Polygons
have a spatial component (i.e., geographic location) and a tabular component (i.e.,
description of characteristics).
The polygon forest is one theme of a forest resources inventory composed or built
from a collection of individual geographic data layers (e.g., planning or modellinginventories as set out in Section 5.0). Other themes or geographic layers comprising
a forest resource inventory could include ownership, transportation or utilities.
Forest inventories are used to support various forest management planning andland-use planning decisions over a wide range of geographic areas. The geographic
areas can vary from individual forest stands that represent small areas (i.e., less thana hectare to hundreds of hectares) to forest level, management unit, mill woodshed,
and landscape extents that involve very large areas (i.e., thousands or millions ofhectares).
The MNRF provides sustainable forest licensees with polygon forest information for
all areas within a forest management unit. The polygon forest information contains
sufficient information to serve as a base for planning teams to prepare FMPs in
accordance with the FMPM. The polygon forest information provides a descriptionof the area within a forest management unit based on actual measurements andcollections of forest cover data. The sustainable forest licensee will use the polygon
forest in developing FMPs and specifically in the creation of a planning inventory as
set out in Part B, Section 5.1.
The following sections set out the requirements, standards, roles andresponsibilities, timelines, and conditions for providing spatial and tabular
information components of the polygon forest. Further technical details andrequirements about the polygon forest are contained in FIM Forest Resources
Inventory Technical Specifications.
Development and preparation of a polygon forest across the entire area of theundertaking requires several years. Not all planning teams or management units will
be provided with a polygon forest before the development of the next FMP. Interim
direction on using the best available inventory, where a polygon forest is notavailable, is provided in the Part B, Section 4.3.

Forest Information Manual 201744

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning1

4.1

Requirements and Standards for the Polygon Forest

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

In preparing the polygon forest, the MNRF uses the best available base data
information and, where appropriate, works closely with sustainable forest licensees
to incorporate or use information that the sustainable forest licensee has and can beconsidered more accurate and current.
The polygon forest provides a description of the forest cover (i.e., forest condition)and represents a summation of the results of forest management activities andnatural changes that occurred to the forest since the last inventory was produced.
The polygon forest also provides a baseline for preparing the next FMP.
The polygon forest contributes to several forest management planning purposes by
providing:(a) updated inventory information based on forest management activities andnatural changes that have occurred since the last inventory was provided;(b) a forest stand-level record of changes to forest description information basedon forest management activities and natural disturbances that have occurred
over several successive FMPs;(c) background information (e.g., depicting the forest condition) for the initialstages of preparing a planning inventory and support for the initialdevelopment of a new FMP in accordance with the FMPM;(d) part of the background information used in preparing annual reports,monitoring and assessment evaluations, and other audit or review activities;(e) a digital record or snapshot of the forest condition that provides abenchmark of the distribution and composition of forest cover at specificpoints in time. Successive productions of inventory information will provide
time-sequenced records of historic forest condition. The accumulation of thisinformation will allow for the continual assessment of landscape changes
over successive FMPs and provide direct comparisons of the past and current(i.e., actual) forest condition with future forest condition as predicted in
FMPs; and(f) a direct comparison to annual report information for annual forest
management activities and natural changes as they are reflected in updates
to forest description information.
The MNRF may also use the polygon forest for other purposes that involve various
analyses of forest cover on areas that are broader than a forest management unit
(e.g., district, habitat ranges, mill woodshed, watershed, eco-regional, provincial).
The updated information in the polygon forest will be based on a number of
information sources such as actual measurements of data from field sampling, aerial
Forest Information Manual 201745

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5

photography, satellite imagery, monitoring surveys, annual report information, andother field surveys or samples. The polygon forest provides complete area coveragebased on the boundaries of the forest management unit, and includes Crown andnon-Crown lands.

6

4.2

7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27

The MNRF uses the best available inventory information for all forested areas withina management unit when producing the polygon forest.

28

4.3

29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40

For the purpose of preparing a FMP, sustainable forest licensees will use the mostrecent inventory provided by the MNRF. In cases where MNRF provides the newer
polygon forest, it is provided no later than nine months before the invitation toparticipate (i.e., FMPM, Part A, Section 2.3.3). In cases where MNRF does notprovide the polygon forest to meet this timeline, the sustainable forest licensee will
use the most recent inventory provided. The planning team does have the option touse a polygon forest received after the nine month timeline if the planning process
can proceed without adverse effects or delays.

Roles and Responsibilities for the Polygon Forest

Sustainable forest licensees will verify that the polygon forest provided by the MNRF
is complete. Checking for completeness includes, but is not limited to, ensuring that:(a) the correct spatial and tabular attributes are provided for by the applicablestandards;(b) updates or changes to the base feature information are consistent andapplied with the updates to the polygon forest; and(c) updates adequately reflect the forest condition.
The sustainable forest licensee will notify the MNRF that the information has beenchecked for completeness and whether the information meets the requirements set
out in the FIM. If the information does not meet the requirements set out in FIM andFIM Forest Resources Inventory Technical Specifications, the sustainable forest
licensee will provide a description of the errors or the reasons why the information
does not meet the requirements. The sustainable forest licensee and MNRF will
determine the extent of the corrections and a timeframe that the revisions can bemade in. The MNRF reissues a polygon forest.

Timelines and Conditions for the Polygon Forest

The sustainable forest licensee has 3 months after receiving the polygon forest to
check the information for completeness.

Forest Information Manual 201746

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning1
2

The polygon forest is described in FIM Forest Resources Inventory Technical
Specifications.

Forest Information Manual 201747

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning1

5.0

PLANNING AND BASE MODEL INVENTORIES

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

The planning and base model inventories are used as a basis to prepare and monitor
the development of a FMP and to support decisions made in an approved FMP and
subsequent work schedules. These inventories are created from the polygon forest
or similar product in cases where the polygon forest described in Section 4.0 is notavailable.

31
32

5.1 Requirements and Standards for the Planning and Base Model
Inventories

33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41

The requirements for providing planning inventory and base model inventory
information are directly related to specific stages in the development of a FMP. The
technical detail about the planning inventory and the base model inventory areprovided in FIM Forest Management Planning Technical Specifications.

A planning inventory is prepared for each FMP and remains with the FMP from its
initial preparation through its implementation to its subsequent evaluation. The
timeframe for a planning inventory can extend from 24-30 months before the startof the FMP, for FMP development, to several years after the end of the FMP.
Consequently, the normal period of use for a planning inventory associated with a
10-year FMP may extend for a period of approximately 12-15 years. The usefulnessof the planning inventory may extend beyond this period in support of Independent
Forest Audits and may provide relevant background information when referencing
and assessing past FMPs during the development of future FMPs.
The planning inventory contains updated forest description information from forest
management activities and natural changes to the forest. The planning inventory
also provides forecasted changes to forest description information based on the
expected outcomes of planned operations that have not yet been implemented
from the currently approved FMP. The forest description component of the planninginventory may also be projected (i.e., grown) to the end of the current FMP.
The base model inventory adds forest classification information, sometimes referred
to as management decision information, to the planning inventory. The base model
inventory provides the basic information for forest modelling, habitat modelling, andlandscape diversity analyses that are applied during the strategic and operational
planning stages of developing a FMP.

The differences between the two inventories are not related to area classification,
but are related to their different purposes, the timelines when each is required, thetiming for the inclusion and population of forest classification information andseparate component structure versus a combined, single layer entity.

Forest Information Manual 201748

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19

Components of the Planning Inventory

20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

Components of the Base Model Inventory

31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

Preparation of the Planning and Base Model Inventories

Sustainable forest licensees will create and provide two specific information
products in a planning inventory:
1. A planning composite layer that will incorporate updated base feature andforest polygon information; and2. A forecast information layer of those harvest operations projected to be
implemented in the current FMP.
These two types of information are collectively referred to as the planninginventory. Meeting the requirements to create a planning composite may include
minor updating of some base features. Not included in the planning composite, but
a component of the planning inventory, is a forecast layer of those harvest
operations approved in the current FMP and expected to be completed by the startof the new FMP.

Sustainable forest licensees will create and provide a base model inventory by
combining the planning inventory (i.e., the planning composite and the forecast
layer) with:
1. Forest classification information representing stand level management
decision information (i.e., tabular attributes).
Forest classification information fields (e.g. forest unit, yield, age) will be included in
the planning composite tabular information, but may not be populated.

The process to develop the planning inventory and base model inventory starts withthe most recent and best available base features provided in accordance with Part B,
Section 2.0 and with the most recent polygon forest provided in accordance withPart B, Section 4.0.
The development of the planning inventory normally includes the following steps:
1. minor updating of base features provided by MNRF;
2. assembling/updating a forest polygon layer using the most recent polygon
forest information (e.g., adding updates to the polygon forest based on

Forest Information Manual 201749

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

forest management activities and natural changes not reflected in thepolygon forest);
adding changes to forest stand descriptions in the polygon forest based on
growth projections to the start of the new plan period;
buffering centre-line features;combining all the above into a planning composite;
adding forest classification information fields; andpreparing a layer of forecasted changes to the forest polygons based onplanned harvest operations for the remainder of the currently approved
FMP.

The development of the base model inventory normally includes the following steps:
1. adding stand level forest classification information to forested polygons of
the planning composite;
2. combining the planning composite and forecast information into a single
information product; and3. updating attributes of the forecast information.

20
21

5.1.1 Requirements and Standards for Base Information components of theInventories

22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39

The MNRF provides sustainable forest licensees with the best available baseinformation as set out in Part B, Section 2.0. Base information used in preparing theplanning and base model inventories may include:(a) water;(b) forest management unit boundaries;(c) ownership and land tenure;(d) parks and protected areas;(e) roads;(f) railways;(g) utility lines; and(h) small rivers and streams.
Depending upon the time between delivery of the base information and the polygon
forest and preparation of the planning inventory, it may be necessary to update
some of the base information to ensure the best available, most current information
is used in the planning inventory. Updates to base information will be provided as
per FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications.

Forest Information Manual 201750

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6

A specific requirement exists for the updating of a road base data layer and a roadwater crossing data layer set out in the Roads and Water Crossings Inventory of Part
A, Section 1.1.8.10 of the FMPM. The planning team will confirm and update an
inventory or data layer of all roads and road water crossings on the management
unit. The updated roads inventory will be used in preparing the planning composite.

7
8

5.1.2 Requirements and Standards for the Planning Composite

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43

The planning composite will be created and will contain the updated information
current to at least the latest submitted management unit annual report information.
The forest polygons in the planning inventory will be updated based on actual forest
management activities and natural changes that occurred during the period of thecurrently approved FMP. The forest stand description attributes will be updated
according to the standards in FIM Forest Management Planning Technical
Specifications.
An initial requirement is for sustainable forest licensees to update the polygon forest
layer provided by the MNRF. The amount of updating required is dependent upon
the amount of time between polygon forest provision and sustainable forest
licensee commencement of planning inventory development. The updated polygon
forest layer will include updates/changes not reflected in the original polygon forest
layer provided by the MNRF. Stand description information will be updated for those
productive forest areas that have been affected by forest management activities andnatural changes.
The polygon forest may also be projected (i.e., grown) to the end of the current
FMP; this includes projected changes to productive forest areas to bring the forest
stand description attributes up to the end of the current FMP.
Sustainable forest licensees combine updated base information with the updated
polygon forest layer to create the planning composite.
Centre-line base features may be buffered and incorporated into the planningcomposite. Buffering centre-line features creates polygons that are used to refine
the polygon forest information in terms of the actual area occupied by linear
features such as roads, railways, utility lines, small rivers, streams, and creeks. The
addition of buffered linear features provides a better approximation of the actual
forested and non-forested area in a forest management unit.
Projected changes to productive forest areas in the polygon forest primarily affectforest stands that have not been managed or have not been affected by naturalchanges. Projected changes should only affect the tabular forest stand description

Forest Information Manual 201751

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

attributes in the polygon forest. Any projected changes to forest stand description
attributes will normally be based on accepted growth algorithms. The height
attribute may be adjusted using height, age, species composition, and site class
information based on regression formula that simulates the results found in yield
tables. Growth projection models/algorithms will be supported by growth anddevelopment information or analysis of permanent sample plot data.

21

5.1.3 Requirements and Standards for the Forecast Information

22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36

Sustainable forest licensees will provide forecast information for those forest stands
that are planned to receive harvest operations for the current fiscal year and theremaining three to four years of the currently approved FMP.

37

5.1.4 Requirements and Standards for the Forest Classification Information

38
39
40
41
42
43

The purpose of creating and maintaining forest classification information is to track
key forest-level decisions that support the amalgamation and the availability offorest stands for forest management planning purposes at the stand level. This
information also provides the basis for determining available harvest area, supports
the selection of areas that are eligible for harvest and renewal, and also provides anindication of how stands within a forest unit will be managed in a new FMP.

A requirement exists to provide the SGR with the planning composite – as acomponent of the planning inventory submitted with the draft and final FMPs.
Provision of the SGR reflects a preliminary step in the development of a forest
operations prescription – identification of a SGR for all areas of operations as set out
in the FMPM Part A, Sections 1.2.4.4 and Section 1.3.5.2. The SGR describes thesilvicultural system and types of treatments that may be used to manage forest units
for a specific current forest condition to achieve a target future condition.
The standards for the planning composite, spatial and tabular, are set out in FIM
Forest Management Planning Technical Specifications. The standards for updating
the polygon forest component of the planning composite, spatial and tabular, arealso set out in FIM Forest Management Planning Technical Specifications.

This forecast information is not incorporated into the planning composite; however
it will be compatible, such that the information can be combined and associatedwith the composite.
The forecast information provides a description of the planned depletion. There will
be a minimal number of attributes attached to this layer. The detailed description of
the stand structure expected to change as a result of the depletion (e.g., height,
stocking, year of origin) will be presented in the base model inventory. Standards forthis information are given in FIM Forest Management Planning Technical
Specifications.

Forest Information Manual 201752

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

The requirements for forest classification information apply only to the licensed
Crown area on a forest management unit and then only to the productive forest
areas within the licensed area. An exception is parks and protected areas that are
not licensed but are classified and may contribute to wildlife habitat, old growth orother objectives. Another exception may be unlicensed areas where trees arereserved to the Crown. All water, non-forested, and non-productive forest lands are
considered as unavailable for the purpose of forest management planning and are
not included as part of the managed Crown forests area for determining theavailable harvest area by forest unit and, therefore, do not require forestclassification information.

27
28

5.2 Roles and Responsibilities for the Planning and Base Model
Inventories

29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

Sustainable forest licensees will update information in all components of theplanning and base model inventories: the planning composite; the forecast
information; and the forest classification information. This update is done to prepare
inventories used for FMP development, implementation and assessment.

Forest classification information is not required at the Invitation to Participate stage.
The information will be submitted with the base model inventory and again with theplanning inventory with the draft and final FMPs.
Forest classification information is a set of tabular attributes that will be assigned ona stand by stand basis. Forest classification information will be provided as attributesof the base model inventory. An exception is the SGR that is provided on theplanning inventory at the draft and final FMP submission. Examples of forestclassification attributes are management zone, forest unit, analysis unit, age, age
structure, availability indicator, silvicultural system, stage of management andsilvicultural intensity.
The standards for creating and updating the forest classification attributes are set
out in FIM Forest Management Planning Technical Specifications.

The MNRF checks information contained in the planning composite and the forecast
information layer for completeness. The MNRF reviews the forest classification
information for completeness and confirms that all components have been correctly
combined into a base model inventory.
Sustainable forest licensees, the MNRF and the planning team share theresponsibility of meeting progress checkpoints. Progress checkpoints, set out in Part
A, Section 1.1.6 of the FMPM are key steps in the development of a FMP.

Forest Information Manual 201753

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

The MNRF provides sustainable forest licensees with base information set out in FIM
Base and Values Technical Specifications and with the polygon forest set out in FIM
Forest Resources Inventory Technical Specifications.

10

5.2.1 Checking for Completeness

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

The sustainable forest licensee and MNRF check that information provided by either
party is complete and meets the requirements of two forest management planning
progress checkpoints – the Planning Inventory progress checkpoint and the Base
Model Inventory and Base Model progress checkpoint. Inventory information
submitted to the FI Portal undergoes a mandatory validation process. The validation
process assists ensuring these information products meet the requirements of FIM
and the progress checkpoints.

Sustainable forest licensees will provide the MNRF with planning and base model
inventory information set out in FIM Forest Management Planning Technical
Specifications. These specifications set out the format and detailed data standards
for providing these inventories.

Checking for completeness includes, but is not limited to, ensuring that:(a) the spatial area in the planning composite and the forecast layer iscorrectly represented for:i. area delineation,ii. correct representation of area and spatial features by theme basedon the forest management unit area extent,iii. no overlapping areas or holes in the planning composite and this does
not apply to the forecast layer,
iv. correct total area, andv. correct datum, map projection, and coordinate requirements;(b) the correct data contents for spatial and tabular attributes required ineach layer as provided for by the applicable standards;(c) the compatibility of the layers (i.e., proper use of coincident orcontiguous lines, same geo-referenced map extents based on a forest
management unit boundary); and(d) the correct formats in accordance with the conditions and FIM technicalspecifications.
The sustainable forest licensee and MNRF determine whether information meetsthe requirements and standards. These considerations include, but are not limited
to, verifying the following planning and base model inventory components at theidentified step in FMP development as per the FMPM (shown in brackets). These areshown below.

Forest Information Manual 201754

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41

(a) Planning Composite (Planning Inventory progress checkpoint)i.
the updated polygon forest and the buffered line features havebeen correctly assembled into a planning composite; andii.
the planning composite contains sufficient information to support
the remaining FMP development process that includes land basesummary, forest modelling, habitat supply modelling, landscapediversity analysis, and identification of eligible areas for
operations.
(b) Forecast Information (Planning Inventory progress checkpoint)i.
the forecast information represents the remaining three to four
years of harvest, and large natural disturbances not yet reported
in an annual report, from the current FMP; andii.
the forecast information will contain sufficient information to
support the remaining FMP development process that includes
land base summary, forest modelling, habitat supply modelling,landscape diversity analysis, and identification of eligible areas for
operations.
(c) Forest Classification Information (Support for Base Model Inventory andBase Model progress checkpoint)i.
the forest classification information is correct and supports theremaining FMP development process that includes land baseaggregation, SGR development, forest modelling, habitat supply
modelling, landscape diversity analysis, identification of eligible
areas for operations, and selection of areas of operations androad construction areas; andii.
the combination of the planning composite, the forecast
information and the forest classification information is correctand integral.
(d) Submission of Revised Information (Submission at draft and final FMP –Revisions Made)i.
the planning inventory information provided with the final FMP
accurately reflects the approved FMP in all planning inventory
aspects (i.e., planning composite and the forecast layer); andii.
the planning inventory and base model inventory support
decisions made in the approved FMP.
The MNRF notifies the sustainable forest licensee that the information has beenchecked for completeness and whether the information meets the requirements set

Forest Information Manual 201755

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

out in FIM. If the information does not meet the requirements set out in FIM andFIM Forest Management Planning Technical Specifications, the MNRF provides a
description of the errors or the reasons why the information does not meet therequirements. The sustainable forest licensee and MNRF determine the extent of
the corrections and a timeframe that the revisions can be made within. The
objective is to correct and resubmit the information such that it does not affect thecompletion of the new FMP.

910

5.3 Timelines and Conditions for the Planning and Base Model
Inventories

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

Sustainable forest licensees will provide all of the planning inventory information tomeet the planning inventory progress checkpoint. The planning inventory, with
forest classification information added, is submitted also with the draft FMP andfinal FMP. The final FMP submission of the planning inventory does not necessarily
represent an update to the product submitted at draft plan; rather it is submitted
for file retention purposes and assists the MNRF in meeting its requirements set out
in the ARA.
Sustainable forest licensees will provide all of the base model inventory information
to meet the base model inventory and base model progress checkpoint stage of FMP
development. The base model inventory is submitted also with the final FMP. The
final FMP submission of the base model inventory does not necessarily represent an
update to the product submitted to meet the progress checkpoint; rather it issubmitted for file retention purposes and assists the MNRF in meeting its
requirements set out in the ARA.
The sustainable forest licensee and MNRF allow for a period of review and revisionin advance of the progress checkpoints. The FMP terms of reference and/or projectplan may set out the timelines associated with the review and approval process.

Forest Information Manual 201756

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1

6.0

OPERATIONAL PLANNING INFORMATION

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Operational planning information is a component of a draft FMP and the final FMP.
The operational planning information represents the results of planning andsummarizes decisions made in respect of forest operations. This information
identifies all forest operations including planned harvest, forest operationsprescriptions, areas of concern, planned road corridors, operational roadboundaries, renewal and maintenance areas, existing roads and road use
management strategies, and existing road water crossings.

10

6.1

11

6.1.1 Requirements and Standards for Planned Harvest

12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32

The planned harvest information identifies areas selected for harvest for the 10-year
period of the new FMP as per the FMPM, Part A, Section 1.3.3.1, Part B, Section
3.7.2 and 4.3. A requirement exists to provide planned harvest information
distinguished by distinct harvest categories. These categories include:33

6.1.2 Requirements and Standards for Areas of Concern

34
35
36
37
38
39

Requirements for areas of concern are set out in the FMPM, Part A, Sections 1.3.5
and Part B, Sections 4.2. All areas of concern within harvest, renewal andmaintenance areas, primary and branch road corridors, operational roadboundaries, and aggregate extraction areas for the 10-year period are to be includedin this information requirement. All areas of concern that intersect an existing
forestry aggregate pit, landing or a road that is the responsibility of the sustainable

Requirements and Standards for Operational Planning Information(a) regular harvest;(b) contingency harvest;(c) salvage harvest;(d) bridging harvest operations; and(e) second-pass harvest operations.
The planned harvest information will be submitted as digital geospatial data andcontain spatial and tabular attributes. The information contained in this layer willcorrespond to Areas Selected for Operations Maps that are required for the public
consultation process in accordance with the FMPM.
Typical attributes of the planned harvest layer would contain information to identify
such things as harvest category, silvicultural system, and harvest block identifier. The
planned harvest layer will be spatially compatible, such that it can be overlaid
and/or spatially linked to the planning inventory.

Forest Information Manual 201757

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

forest licensee or existing roads that will be used for forest management purposes,
are also to be included in this information requirement.

30

6.1.3 Requirements and Standards for Planned Road Corridors

31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43

Sustainable forest licensees will provide a layer that identifies the corridor locations
for planned construction of primary and branch forest access roads for the 10-year
period of the new FMP.

Areas of concern for renewal and maintenance areas are normally only required formodified operations (e.g., timing and aesthetic restrictions) or where theidentification of a value has occurred subsequent to the area being harvested andthe value may be impacted by renewal and maintenance activities. Exceptions may
be for areas selected for stand improvement activities and naturally depleted areas
where applicable area of concern prescriptions and conditions were not previously
developed.
For areas identified for bridging operations and second-pass harvest operations, theareas of concern have already been identified in the current FMP documentation.
The areas of concern will be included in table FMP-10 and will be displayed on
operations maps.
The description of planned areas of concern will contain the identification of thearea of concern or area of concern group that links to table FMP-10.
The areas of concern layer contains spatial and tabular attributes and meets therequirements in Part B, Section 4.2. The information contained in this layer will also
correspond to Areas Selected for Operations Maps that are required for the public
consultation process in accordance with the FMPM.
Typical attributes of the areas of concern layer would contain an area of concern orarea of concern group identifier and area of concern type (i.e., reserve or modified).
The areas of concern information will be spatially compatible, such that it can beoverlaid and/or spatially linked to the planning inventory.

The planned road corridors information contains planned primary and branch roadcorridors, as per the FMPM, Part A, Sections 1.2.6, 1.3.6.1 and 1.3.6.2, and Part B,
Sections 4.5.1. The planned road corridors information includes planned primary andbranch road corridors for the 10-year period of the FMP. An area of concern where aroad may be constructed within a primary or branch road corridor will be identified
for the 10-year plan period.
Typical attributes of the road corridor layer would contain information to identify
such things as road type, road identifier, and use management strategy.

Forest Information Manual 201758

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4

The roads features maintained in this layer are comprised of polygon spatial features
only. The planned road corridor information will be spatially compatible, such that it
can be overlaid and/or spatially linked to the planning inventory.

5

6.1.4 Requirements and Standards for Aggregate Extraction Areas

6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Sustainable forest licensees will provide a layer that identifies the aggregate
extraction areas for the 10-year period of the new FMP. The aggregate extraction
areas will delineate aggregate extraction areas as per the FMPM, Part A, Section
1.3.6.6 and Part B, Section 4.5.7.

14

6.1.5 Requirements and Standards for Operational Road Boundaries

15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22

The areas where new operational roads are permitted are defined as operationalroad boundaries as per Part A, Section 1.3.6.4 and Part B, Section 4.5.2 of the
FMPM. An operational road boundary identifies the perimeter of the harvest area
and the area from an existing road or planned road corridor to the harvest area.

23

6.1.6 Requirements and Standards for Planned Renewal and Maintenance

24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37

The renewal and maintenance information provides the areas selected for renewal
and maintenance operations as per Part A, Section 1.3.3.3 and Part B, Sections 4.4 of
the FMPM. The renewal and maintenance information is comprised of all areas
meeting the following criteria:

38

6.1.7 Requirements and Standards for Existing Roads Use Management

39
40
41

Includes all existing roads where the sustainable forest licensee has responsibility
and other existing roads that will be used for forest management purposes. This
layer identifies planned maintenance and monitoring for the 10-year plan period.

The aggregate extraction areas information will be spatially compatible, such that it
can be overlaid and/or spatially linked to the planning inventory.

The planned operational road boundaries information will be spatially compatible,
such that it can be overlaid and/or spatially linked to the planning inventory.

(a) planned harvest areas;(b) previously depleted areas from the current or past FMPs that are not yet
renewed;(c) naturally disturbed areas; and(d) previously renewed areas requiring maintenance.
The renewal and maintenance information will be spatially compatible, such that it
can be overlaid and/or spatially linked to the planning inventory.

Forest Information Manual 201759

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

This layer also identifies existing and planned access control for the 10-year plan
period. This layer identifies planned decommissioning. Responsibility for watercrossings may vary from the associated road. This information is required as per the
FMPM Part A, Sections 1.3.6.5, 1.3.6.7 and Part B, Section 4.5.5.

16

6.1.8 Requirements and Standards for Existing Road Water Crossings

17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35

Includes all existing road water crossings where the sustainable forest licensee has
responsibility and other existing roads that will be used for forest management
purposes. This layer identifies planned maintenance and monitoring for the 10-yearplan period. This layer also identifies existing and planned access control for the 10year plan period. This layer identifies planned decommissioning. Responsibility forroads may vary from the associated road water crossings. This information isrequired as per the FMPM Part A, Sections 1.3.6.5 and 1.3.6.7 and Part B, Sections
4.5.5 and 4.5.6.

36

6.2

37
38
39
40
41
42

The sustainable forest licensee will prepare and submit operational planning
information required by this section.

This layer is used to identify the linear road segments that are planned to be
impacted by road access controls or road maintenance activities during the 10-yearplan period. Similarly, all roads or road networks planned for decommissioning
during the 10-year plan period are to be provided; this could include activities
planned for roads outside of SFL responsibility (e.g., SFL maintenance of a municipalroad).
The road use management information will be spatially compatible, such that it canbe overlaid and/or spatially linked to the planning inventory.

This layer is used to identify the point locations that are planned to be impacted byroad water crossing access controls or road water crossing maintenance activities
during the 10-year plan period. Similarly, all road water crossings planned fordecommissioning during the 10-year plan period are to be provided; this could
include activities planned for road water crossings outside of SFL responsibility (e.g.,
SFL maintenance of a municipal road water crossing).
The road water crossing information will be spatially compatible, such that it can beoverlaid and/or spatially linked to the planning inventory.

Roles and Responsibilities for Operational Planning Information

The MNRF verifies that the operational planning information meets the standards
defined in FIM Forest Management Planning Technical Specifications and isconsistent with the information contained in the FMP documentation.

Forest Information Manual 201760

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning1

6.3

Timelines and Conditions for Operational Planning Information

2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Operational planning information is required for the 10-year FMP. The operational
planning information is submitted at draft and final FMP submission.
Sustainable forest licensees will provide the MNRF with operational planning
information set out in FIM Forest Management Planning Technical Specifications.
These specifications set out the format and detailed data standards for providing
operational planning information.

Forest Information Manual 201761

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning1

7.0

Forest Management Planning Maps

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

FIM sets out that the sustainable forest licensee and MNRF will provide maps toassist public understanding of forest management planning. These maps will be easy
to read and their format will be standardized across the Area of the Undertaking.
FMPs and the associated maps have an audience beyond local stakeholders.
Standardization of maps is crucial in supporting the publication of this informationon the Ontario Government website. Any document that is posted on the Ontario
Government website will be compliant with section 14 of the Integrated Accessibility
Standards Regulation (IASR). In the case of maps, sustainable forest licensees will
provide additional details for readers that are unable to read the maps. Sustainable
forest licensees will create and provide the maps as set out in FIM technicalspecifications.

14

7.1

15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

The mapped information evolves as planning teams progress through the forest
management planning process. Many maps are updated and enhanced to reflect the
input received and decisions made. Therefore, some maps will be submitted at morethan one stage. Irrespective of changes to the maps, they may be submitted or
made available to support public consultation or other forest management planning
processes. Ultimately, the final maps are included in the approved FMP.

Requirements and Standards for FMP Maps

The effort of reviewing and approving maps may be easier by using the digital
geospatial data. MNRF staff that review FMP documents or use them for updating
information will now use the digital geospatial data for these purposes. In
circumstances where a paper map is required for internal MNRF use, the MNRF may
produce these from the digital spatial data set out in the FIM.
Mapping requirements will be continually examined for efficiency in production.
Where possible, emphasis on meeting the information requirement, public
consultation or business requirement will be through the use of submitted digitalspatial data.
The map products can be grouped into four categories.
i. Strategic and Operational Planning Maps – provide information relevant to the
10-year period when a FMP is written. Examples include:(a) Public Notice Map;(b) Index Map;(c) Values Maps;(d) First Nation and Métis Values Maps;(e) Landscape Pattern Map(s);Forest Information Manual 201762

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

(f) Preferred and Optional Harvest Areas Map;(g) Areas Selected for Operations Maps; and(h) FMP Summary Map.
ii. Annual Operations Maps – provide information relevant to the AWS. Examples
include:(a) Annual Work Schedule Operations Maps;(b) Annual Work Schedule Summary Map;(c) Prescribed Burn Operations Map;(d) Aerial Herbicide Project Map; and(e) Aerial Insecticide Project Map.
iii. Report Maps – provide information relevant to the annual report. Examples
include:(a) Annual Report Summary Map
iv. Other Maps Used for Forest Management Planning Purposes – Not all of themaps that may be used during the preparation or implementation of FMPs are listed
above or detailed in FIM technical specifications. Planning teams and/or sustainable
forest licensees may create and utilize additional map products for the purpose of
preparing a FMP. Other maps may also be set out by guides and other manuals
relevant to the preparation and implementation of the FMP. The planning team will
determine the requirement for provision of other map products and information
used in forest management planning. These decisions should be identified in theterms of reference and/or project plan for the FMP. FIM recommends that thesemaps follow one of the chosen three FIM scales; particularly if they are posted on
the Ontario Government website.

31

7.1.1 Map Format and Content

32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43

This section together with FIM technical specifications will set out the format andcontent of map products that are required by the FIM [e.g., Encapsulated Post Script(eps), Portable Document Format (pdf)]. In some circumstances, paper copy maps
for public display may also be required.
The mandatory information requirements for each map are provided in theassociated FIM technical specifications and other guides and manuals. The mapping
requirements in FIM are set out in the associated FIM technical specifications. The
four FIM technical specifications that provide for mapping requirements are FIM
Forest Management Planning Technical Specifications, FIM Base and Values
Technical Specifications, FIM Annual Work Schedule Technical Specifications and FIM
Annual Report Technical Specifications.

Forest Information Manual 201763

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning1

7.1.2 Map Scale

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38

Each map produced for inclusion in the FMP will be prepared according to one ofthree map scale ranges: operational, composite or summary.

39

7.1.3 Map Surround Components

40
41
42
43

All maps will have a similar map surround. Maps produced for forest management
planning purposes that are not displayed at forest management planning
information centres, are still considered available for public viewing and external
distribution and therefore will conform to the map surround standards provided forOperational Map Scale Range
Acceptable operational scales range from 1:10,000 to 1:50,000. Operational
scale maps are also referred to as large scale maps. The operational scale isprimarily influenced by the grid structure and size commonly used on the
management unit. Use of a grid can provide a convenient and appropriate scale
for portraying base features, forest resources inventory information, values, andother resource information or features that requires a reasonable degree of
detail.
Composite Map Scale Range
Acceptable composite scales range from 1:50,000 to 1:250,000. Composite scale
maps are also referred to as small scale maps. The composite scale chosen willallow for easy, clear interpretation of map themes and ease of reproduction. The
scale chosen for these small scale maps should be one that minimizes thenumber of maps or plotter sheets required to display an entire management
unit.
Summary Map Scale Range
Acceptable summary map scales generally allow for portrayal of the target area
on an 11 x 17” or 8.5 x 11” sheet of paper and allow for the appropriate
resolution of information and ease of reproduction. These very small scale maps
are designed and created for public distribution.
The map product requirements, set out in FIM technical specifications, identify amap scale range as operational, composite, or summary. Planning teams will
determine one scale from each of the operational and composite scale ranges andthen apply the chosen map scale to each map required at that map scale. For
example, if 1:100,000 is the chosen map scale from the composite scale range, thenall composite maps will be produced at a scale of 1:100,000. Maps required at asummary scale can be produced at any of the acceptable summary scales.

Forest Information Manual 201764

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

in this section. Where particular features of these map surround standards do not
apply to a map, it will be noted in FIM technical specifications. Map surroundcomponents are as follows:

30

7.1.4 Map Symbology

31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41

Standard symbols are to be used for portraying values on FMP maps. The standards
for symbols used on values maps are provided for in FIM Base and Values Technical
Specifications. The sustainable forest licensees and MNRF will use the values
symbology set out in FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications for all values
maps, or maps that portray values information that are used for the purpose offorest management planning.

(a) logo – Ontario Government logo or forest company logo, or combination, as
appropriate;(b) title block – includes the forest management unit name, the 10-year plan
period, and the map name. The naming standard for the map is indicated in
the detailed map descriptions;(c) index map – indicates the extent of the area shown on the map in relation toa larger area. Composite maps will show their extent in relation to the rest of
Ontario. Operational scale maps (i.e., 1:10,000-1:50,000) will show theirextent in relation to the forest management unit;(d) legend – provides a list of map symbols used for theme and base features;(e) disclaimer – required for safeguarding against liability on the part of the
MNRF or the sustainable forest licensee. A disclaimer is of particularimportance with the take-home summary maps;(f) scale bar/statement – provides the relationship between map distance andtrue distance (i.e., ground);(g) map publication date – indicates the version or current edition of the map;(h) copyright – indicates who maintains ownership of the data/information or acontact name for more information on copyright applicable to the map data;(i) datum – identifies the projection and datum of map information;(j) notes – includes general information not provided elsewhere, such assources for data used to create the map and contact names;(k) north arrow – grid north direction indicator. This information is not required
if map is oriented with north to the top of page; and(l) border – map frame.

The intention with standard symbology is to provide clear, consistent andunambiguous portrayal of values on all maps of the FMP. In circumstances where
the standard values symbology is in conflict with other map symbology, adjustments
will be made to reduce the conflict. Planning teams are directed to adhere to theForest Information Manual 201765

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

standard and ensure that maps clearly and unambiguously convey the intended
message.

10

7.2

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23

MNRF and sustainable forest licensees share responsibility for preparing maps to
support forest management planning. The sustainable forest licensee will prepare allmaps except the values maps. The planning team may designate specific membersof the team to prepare specific maps. The sustainable forest licensee and MNRF will
prepare and provide maps and information to support public consultation.

24

7.2.1 Sensitive and Confidential Map Information

25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33

In most cases, the requirements for the maps and related information set out in Part
B, Section 7.1 are part of the open public consultation process for forest
management planning on Crown lands. However, some maps and related
information may contain sensitive or confidential information that, if madeavailable, could threaten the existence, integrity, or health of natural resources oruses (e.g., values), or may expose confidential or personal information. The MNRF
may make decisions regarding the map portrayal of sensitive or confidential
information in accordance with Part B, Section 3.1.4 and 3.1.5.

34

7.3

35
36
37
38
39
40
41

The timelines for provision of strategic and operational planning maps are directly
related to the maps and information that will be available for each stage in the
public consultation process set out in Part A, Section 1.3 of the FMPM. The annual
operations maps are required with submission of the AWS. Upon approval, thePrescribed Burn Operations map and Aerial Spray project maps are available with
the AWS. The insect pest management maps are required for the planning of theinsect pest management program and related public consultation opportunities. The

FIM does not set out standards for the symbology on other maps used for forest
management planning purposes. Consequently, planning teams will determine themap symbols that will be applied on all other maps used for these purposes. Map
symbology will be selected based on the clear portrayal of map features withconsideration for reproducibility and display on computer monitors.

Roles and Responsibilities for FMP Maps

Part A, Section 1.1.8.9 of the FMPM indicates that values information will be
continually updated as information is assembled during the production andimplementation of the FMP. At each specific public consultation stage of theplanning process, where significant changes to the values information data has
occurred, updated values maps will be available. The values maps will be maintainedat the appropriate MNRF office.

Timelines and Conditions for FMP Maps

Forest Information Manual 201766

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

report map is required with the submission of the annual report. The planning teamwill determine the timelines for the provision of other maps used for forest
management planning purposes.
Table 2 identifies the timelines for strategic and operational planning maps relative
to each stage of the forest management planning process. The timeline in the table
represents the earliest or initial point when the map will be produced. Subsequent
to initial production, all maps and updated versions of the maps are to be available
at each remaining stage.
Sustainable forest licensees and the MNRF will prepare and provide the maps set
out by the requirements and standards in Part B, Section 7.1, in accordance with FIM
Forest Management Planning Technical Specifications, FIM Base and Values
Technical Specifications, FIM Annual Work Schedule Technical Specifications and FIM
Annual Report Technical Specifications.

Forest Information Manual 201767

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning

1
2

Table 2.

Timelines for Strategic and Operational Planning MapsStage

Description

Stage One

Public Notice Map
Landscape Pattern Map(s)Values Maps

Invitation to Participate

Stage Two
Review of Proposed Long-Term
Management Direction

First Nation and Métis Values Maps
Preferred and Optional Harvest Areas Map
FMP Summary Map
Plus maps listed in Stage One

Stage Three

Areas Selected For Operations Maps

Information Centre: Review of
Proposed Operations

Plus maps listed in Stages One and Two

Stage Four

Index Map (for the Ontario Government website display
purposes)

Information Centre: Review ofDraft FMP

Stage Five

Plus maps listed in Stages One, Two and Three
All maps listed in all previous stages

Inspection of the MNRF
Approved FMP

3Forest Information Manual 201768Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning1

8.0

Forest Management Planning Documentation

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

To improve the efficiency in production, dissemination and storage of FMP
documents, FIM provides for the submission of these documents in an accessible
digital format. A submission via the FI Portal will meet the requirements for FMP
submission.

21

8.1

22

8.1.1 FMP Documentation

23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

All FMP documents, including FMPs, FMP extensions, mid-plan checks, amendments,
AWSs, revisions, annual reports and changes to values documentation will be
submitted in an accessible digital format.

Additional benefits associated with a digital submission of FMPs and supplementary
documentation include reduced printing and storage costs, availability of a highly
accessible forum for public review, and improved efficiency in management andutilization of forest planning information.
The sustainable forest licensee will meet public consultation requirements of theforest management planning process by providing information in an accessible
digital format. The MNRF publishes forest management planning documentation on
the Ontario Government website to help provide an efficient means of carrying out
public consultation on forest management. The site provides the public with thetext, tables and map components of FMPs. To facilitate public consultation, any
document that is posted on the Ontario Government website will be compliant withsection 14 of the IASR.

Requirements and Standards for FMP Documentation

The exchange format for the electronic FMP documents will be a common andwidely used format that will aid in web publishing of these documents in anaccessible format and permit an efficient exchange. The detailed technical standards
are given in FIM Forest Management Planning Technical Specifications, FIM Annual
Work Schedule Technical Specifications and FIM Annual Report Technical
Specifications. These standards/specifications include naming conventions for theseries of files that will be necessary to complete a submission of an entire FMP. The
file naming convention and structure standards will accommodate the information
management requirement of linking FMP extensions, mid-plan checks, amendments,
revisions or changes to values documentation to the original FMP submissions.
Draft and final FMPs require signing and sealing of the title, certification andapproval page as per Part B, Section 8.0 of the FMPM. FIM Forest Management
Planning Technical Specifications provide for the process of meeting thisrequirement when submitting electronic documentation.

Forest Information Manual 201769

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning1

8.1.2 Other Public Consultation Documentation

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Preliminary versions of FMP documentation required for public consultation
opportunities, Part A, Section 2.3 of the FMPM, may or may not be exchanged in adigital format.

16

8.2

17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39

The specific roles and responsibilities associated with producing any FMP document
are not altered or superseded by a requirement to provide it digitally. In most cases
it is the responsibility of the sustainable forest licensee to submit the electronic FMP
documents. The MNRF arranges the dissemination of, and access to, documents
submitted via the FI Portal. The MNRF carries the added responsibility in managing
the FI Portal documents and information to ensure that the proper, official copies
are published on the Ontario Government website for the appropriate timeframes.

The sustainable forest licensees and MNRF will exchange components of this public
consultation documentation in advance of the actual FMPM timeline to permit
paper copy production where required, or to permit incorporation into otherdocuments.
Standards for the other public consultation documentation should follow thestandards for FMP documentation and information. Alternate formats may besuitable for some of the documentation and the planning team may determine
standards beyond those set out in FIM Forest Management Planning Technical
Specifications.

Roles and Responsibilities for FMP Documentation

Some components/products of the FMP are normally the responsibility of the MNRF
to prepare or have prepared, such as the values maps, Statement of Environmental
Values Consideration Document, Local Citizens’ Committee Report, and First Nationand Métis consultation summaries.
Sustainable forest licensees and MNRF will exchange required components inadvance of the actual FMPM timeline to permit paper copy production, whererequired, or to permit incorporation into other documents.
The sustainable forest licensees and MNRF may provide other public consultation
documentation (e.g., large scale values maps) available to the public. Note that thisadditional or extra public consultation documentation is not be submitted with thedraft or final FMP.

Forest Information Manual 201770

Part B – Information for Strategic and Operational Planning1

8.3

Timelines and Conditions for FMP Documentation

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Generally, no timeline associated with specific FMP documents is altered by therequirement to submit digitally. The two exceptions are where MNRF is to provide
information components to the sustainable forest licensee for inclusion into thesubmission, and where the sustainable forest licensee will provide information
components to MNRF for display purposes at an information centre.
The MNRF produces components and provides them to the sustainable forest
licensee in advance of the scheduled submission date for the information in orderfor the components to be incorporated into the submission product.

Forest Information Manual 201771

Part C – Information for Annual Operations

1

Part C

Information for Annual Operations

2

1.0

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

This part identifies the information requirements for the planning, scheduling andmonitoring of annual forest operations. The information requirements are for thedevelopment of forest operations prescriptions and the preparation of an annual
work schedule (AWS) as set out in Part D of the Forest Management Planning
Manual (FMPM).

14

2.0

15
16
17
18
19

Sustainable forest licensees will provide the information as set out in Part D of the
FMPM for the preparation and submission of the AWS. Forest Information Manual(FIM) Annual Work Schedule Technical Specifications provide for the current AWS
information requirements.

20

2.1

21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39

The FMPM Part D requirements set out the development and submission of an AWS.
The AWS is typically used by the sustainable forest licensee and MNRF staff forscheduling operations and for public inspection. The AWS information does not havethe same level of province-wide reporting as management unit annual reports, nor
the same broad appeal for public review and comment as associated with forest
management plan (FMP) development.

Introduction

The FMPM Part D also sets out the information requirements for two types of forest
operations where detailed project planning and approval is required before theirimplementation; prescribed burning and aerial application of pesticides, FMPM Part
D, Sections 4.0 and 5.0, respectively. The FMPM requires these operational projectplans to be available with the AWS.

Information for Annual Work Schedules

Requirements and Standards for AWS Information

AWS information is designed to achieve efficiencies in meeting the requirements set
out in the FMPM, to provide a level of standardization to the information, and tominimize restrictions and impediments to operations. Also, as with FMPs and annual
reports, standardization is mandatory to enable publication of AWS information on
the Ontario Government website. Any document that is posted on the Ontario
Government website will be compliant with section 14 of the IASR.
All AWS components, including text, tables, maps, geospatial data layers, revisions,changes to values, and appended documentation will be submitted in an accessible
digital format via the data transfer mechanism. The AWS is provided as set out in
FIM Annual Work Schedule Technical Specifications.

Forest Information Manual 201772

Part C – Information for Annual Operations1

2.1.1 AWS Text and Tables

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

The exchange format for AWS text and tables will be a common and widely used
format that will aid in web publishing of these documents in an accessible digitalformat and permit an efficient exchange. The detailed technical standards are given
in FIM Annual Work Schedule Technical Specifications. Thesestandards/specifications include naming conventions for the series of files that will
be necessary to complete a submission of an entire AWS. The file naming convention
and structure standards will accommodate the information management
requirement of connecting revisions and changes to values documentation to theoriginal AWS submission.

19

2.1.2 AWS Maps

20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

In addition to text and table components, an AWS submission also includes maps.
The number and type of maps may include an Index Map of the forest management
unit, AWS Operations Maps, and AWS Summary Map.

29

2.1.3 AWS Scheduling Layers

30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

Geospatial data layers will meet AWS requirements. These layers may be subsets of
information included with the FMP submission or a resubmission of the FMP layers.
In both cases they will require attribution related to the AWS. An example of theattribution is given below in the layers or grouping of layers described in Sections ithrough x below.

An AWS and any required revisions will be certified by a registered professional
forester, FMPM, Part D, Section 3.2. FIM Annual Work Schedule Technical
Specifications set out the process of meeting this certification requirement whensubmitting electronic documentation. For any required AWS deemed revisions(FMPM Part D Section 3.5.4.1) the certification requirements in this section do not
apply.

Map products will be provided as set out in Part B, Section 7.0 of FIM and in FIM
technical specifications [e.g., Encapsulated Post Script (eps); Portable Document
Format (pdf)]. The mandatory information requirements for each map are provided
in FIM Annual Work Schedule Technical Specifications.

i. Scheduled Harvest Operations
The areas scheduled for harvest are required as per the FMPM Part D, Section 3.3.1.
This requirement provides detail on the harvest operations, such as block identifier,harvest category, and silvicultural system for each area scheduled for harvest in the
AWS; this includes fuelwood operations.

Forest Information Manual 201773

Part C – Information for Annual Operations

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44

ii. Areas of Concern in Scheduled Operations
The operational prescriptions for areas of concern (AOCs) associated with the areasscheduled for harvest and maintenance activities, road activities and aggregate
extraction areas, and the conditions for areas of concern associated with the areasscheduled for forestry aggregate pits, landings and roads are required as per the
FMPM Part D, Section 3.3. The layer identifies an AOC ID and the AOC type.
iii. Scheduled Road Corridors
The one kilometre-wide corridors for new primary and branch roads that will be
constructed during the year are submitted as per the FMPM Part D, Section 3.3.3.
Typical attribution includes road class and activity (e.g., maintenance, access
controls, decommissioning).
iv. Scheduled Aggregate Extraction Areas
This layer identifies aggregate extraction areas as per FMPM Part D, Section 3.3.4.
Typical attribution includes aggregate extraction area identifier.
v. Scheduled Existing Road Activities
Existing roads or road networks that will be maintained, monitored, access
controlled, or decommissioned during the year are submitted as per the FMPM Part
D, Section 3.3.3.
vi. Scheduled Operational Road Boundaries
Areas where new operational roads may be constructed during the year are
submitted as per the FMPM Part D, Section 3.3.3. Typical attribution includes anoperational road boundaries identifier.
vii. Scheduled Renewal and Maintenance Operations
Areas scheduled for renewal and maintenance (i.e., tending and protection) will beidentified per the FMPM Part D, Section 3.3.2. This information, consisting of a seriesof layers, similar to the annual report layers, includes the treatment method (e.g.,site preparation, planting, seeding and tending).
vii. Scheduled Water Crossing Activities
This layer indicates the locations of water crossings scheduled to be constructed as
per the FMPM Part D, Section 3.3.3. Also shown are water crossings to be
decommissioned or transferred to the MNRF. Typical attribution includes theconstruction year, decommissioning type and a crossing indentifier.
ix. Forestry Aggregate Pit Locations
Existing Forestry Aggregate pit locations that will be used for construction andmaintenance of roads during the year are provided as per the FMPM Part D, Section
3.3.4. Typical attributes include a pit identifier, pit opening date, and a pit closure
date or Category 9 application date.
Forest Information Manual 201774Part C – Information for Annual Operations

1
2
3
4
5
6

x. Scheduled Residual Areas
The scheduled residual patches layer is required if stand level residual requirements
were identified in the FMP to be addressed during the implementation of operations
as per FMPM Part D, Section 3.3.1. Attributes include a residual patch identifier.

7

2.1.4 Forest Operations Prescriptions Information

8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

Forest operations prescriptions and silvicultural activities for a given area of
operations will be maintained by the sustainable forest licensee as part of theirinformation records. The information will be maintained for each area within anarea of operations.

27

2.1.5 Additional and Appended Documents

28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

Prescribed burn plans and aerial pesticide project plans will be part of and available
with the AWS for the year when they are scheduled. The prescribed burn plans are
submitted separately from the AWS through the FI Portal but are available together
on the Ontario Government website. These documents require a certified approval
page that is provided as per FIM Annual Work Schedule Technical Specifications.

A forest operations prescription for an area is not normally required to be submitted
as a complete, comprehensive package. However, at the request of the MNRF thesustainable forest licensee will provide access to, or provision of, information
relating to the forest operations prescription for the purposes of monitoring,
compliance and auditing.
Existing requirements for silvicultural monitoring, as set out in the Forest Operations
and Silviculture Manual (FOSM), are largely met by meeting the information
requirements of FIM. The regeneration standards discussed in FOSM provides
guidance regarding the linkages between silvicultural objective setting, assessing theeffectiveness of silvicultural treatments and forest operations prescriptions, andtracking and reporting of silvicultural monitoring at the site, forest, management
unit, and provincial levels.

Prescribed burn plans are prepared as directed by the FMPM Part D, Section 4.0.
Aerial pesticide project descriptions and plans are prepared as directed by the
FMPM Part D, Section 5.0. Aerial insecticide projects can only occur after therequirements for an insect pest management program have been completed, as set
out in the FMPM Part D, Section 6.0.
The documents described in this section are similar to many of the documents
associated with FMPs or AWSs and are available for public inspection. Therefore,
when preparing these documents, the sustainable forest licensees or MNRF will

Forest Information Manual 201775

Part C – Information for Annual Operations

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

refer to FIM Annual Work Schedule Technical Specifications and FIM Forest
Management Planning Technical Specifications for general guidance and direction in
preparing this type of documentation. FIM Part B, Section 8.0 that contains general
direction on mapping in support of forest management planning, is another sourceof guidance in preparing these additional and appended documents. Preparing these
documents in accordance with FIM and FIM technical specifications will assist in
maintaining a consistent approach and standard for all forest planning-related
documents. Preparing these documents in accordance with FIM and FIM technicalspecifications will also ensure the ability for integration of the various informationand documentation.

12

2.1.6 AWS Revisions and Changes to Values

13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22

Revisions are to be available with the AWS as per the FMPM Part D, Section 3.5.1.
FMPM Part D, Sections 3.5.3 and 3.5.4 set out the documentation requirements for
submitting information required for all changes to values that do not require an
AWS revision (e.g., updated information on the location and description of values).

23

2.1.7 Water Crossing Review

24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

The MNRF reviews the location and conditions of construction and provides theresults to the sustainable forest licensee for inclusion in table AWS-1 as set out in
the FMPM Part D, Section 3.2.5.1. Completion of this table is the joint responsibilityof sustainable forest licensee and MNRF. A process for the exchange of the required
information to meet this table requirement is set out in FIM Annual Work Schedule
Technical Specifications. Additional direction on this information item is available in
the Forestry Water Crossing Protocol.

32

2.1.8 AWS Documents

33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

AWS documents will be submitted in the same exchange format used in meeting therequirements of an FMP submission as set out in FIM Part B, Section 8.0. The
detailed technical standards are set out in FIM Annual Work Schedule Technical
Specifications. These FIM technical specifications will provide for the format andinclude naming conventions for the series of files that will be necessary to complete
a submission of the AWS. The file naming convention and structure standards willaccommodate the information management requirement of linking revisions andappended documents to the original AWS submission.

Information associated with AWS revisions and changes to values is generally small
in volume compared to that of a full AWS or FMP submission. Direction on
submitting this information appears in FIM Annual Work Schedule Technical
Specifications and/or FIM Base and Values Technical Specifications.

Forest Information Manual 201776

Part C – Information for Annual Operations

1

2.2

Roles and Responsibilities for AWS Information

2
3
4
5

The sustainable forest licensee will prepare and provide the electronic AWS
documents. The specific and detailed responsibilities are set out in FIM Annual Work
Schedule Technical Specifications.

6

2.3

7
8
9
10
11
12

As per the FMPM, a sustainable forest licensee is required to submit an AWS to the
MNRF before January 1. MNRF will provide the sustainable forest licensee withinformation to be included in the AWS by November 15.

Timelines and Conditions for AWS Information

Refer to the FMPM Part D and FIM Annual Work Schedule Technical Specifications
for specific direction on timelines related to AWS components.

Forest Information Manual 201777

Part D – Information for Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation

2

Part D
Information for Reporting, Monitoring and
Evaluation

3

1.0

4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22

This part discusses the requirements for information related to monitoring,
reporting and evaluation of forest management activities, including forest
operations compliance information, roads and water crossings monitoring,
exceptions monitoring, and silvicultural monitoring information. Reporting,monitoring and evaluation information is required at various times during and after
the 10-year period of a forest management plan (FMP).

23

2.0

Annual Report Information

24

2.1

Requirements and Standards for Annual Report Information

25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39

An annual report will be prepared for each forest management unit as set out in Part
E of the FMPM. Annual reports are prepared for a one-year period starting April 1
and ending March 31 of the following year and contain information on forest
management activities and natural events occurring during that period. The
sustainable forest licensee will prepare and submit the annual report. The FMPM
sets out additional requirements that apply for year five and final year annual
reports.

1

Introduction

Section 2.0 identifies the information required to support the preparation ofmanagement unit annual reports in accordance with Part E of the Forest
Management Planning Manual (FMPM). The annual report includes results ofmonitoring activities (e.g., forest operations inspections, assessments ofregeneration).
Section 3.0 identifies requirements to provide information collected from forest
inspections in accordance with the Forest Compliance Handbook and the MNRF’s
compliance information system.
Section 4.0 discusses silvicultural monitoring information.

Reporting on forest management activities, specifically the actual treatments
applied and results of these treatments, as expressed in the reporting ofassessments of regeneration, completes the forest operations prescription andpermits monitoring and assessment to be undertaken.
The FMPM also specifies that the MNRF provides certain information to sustainable
forest licensees each year for their use in fulfilling their annual report requirements.
Forest Information Manual 201778

Part D – Information for Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

The MNRF provides sustainable forest licensees with information on forest
operations inspections, natural disturbances, and harvest volume utilization for theannual report period. The MNRF provides content input for the annual report tables
that record volume utilization and compliance inspection information. The MNRF
provides natural disturbance information in the form of geospatial data layers. Theselayers identify the gross area affected by the type of natural disturbance and provide
sustainable forest licensees with a preliminary area where further investigation isrequired to identify the actual net depleted areas. Sustainable forest licensees will
identify the actual net area depleted by natural causes and provide this informationin their annual report submission.

22

2.1.1 Annual Report Text and Tables

23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34

The exchange format for annual report text and tables will be a common and widelyused format that will aid in web publishing of these documents in an accessible
format and permit an efficient exchange. The detailed technical standards are givenin the Forest Information Manual (FIM) Annual Report Technical Specifications.
These specifications include naming conventions for the series of files that will benecessary to complete a submission of an annual report.

35

2.1.2 Annual Report Map

36
37
38
39
40
41
42

In addition to text and table components, an annual report submission also includes
an Annual Report Map. The map product will be provided as set out in Part B,
Section 7.0 of FIM and in the FIM technical specifications [e.g., Encapsulated Post
Script (eps) format; Portable Document Format (pdf) format]. The mandatory
information requirements for the map are provided in FIM Annual Report Technical
Specifications.

As with FMPs and AWSs, standardization is mandatory to enable publication ofannual report information on the Ontario Government website. Any document thatis posted on the Ontario Government website will be compliant with section 14 of
the IASR.
All annual report components, including text, tables, maps and geospatial data
layers will be submitted by the sustainable forest licensee in an accessible digitalformat via the data transfer mechanism. Sustainable forest licensees will create andprovide the annual report as set out in FIM Annual Report Technical Specifications.

An annual report will be certified by a registered professional forester, FMPM, Part
E, Section 2.1.1. FIM Annual Report Technical Specifications provide for the process
of meeting this certification requirement when submitting electronic
documentation.

Forest Information Manual 201779

Part D – Information for Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation

1

2.1.3 Annual Report Layers

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43

The annual report geospatial data layers identify the geographic location and extent(i.e., area) of forest management activities and natural changes that occurred during
the previous fiscal year of operations. Each of these layers contains a set of
associated tabular attributes that provide further description and definition of thespatial features. These layers may be used to update base feature information (e.g.,roads). The information that is reported geospatially is described below in Section ithrough viii.
i. Areas of Natural Disturbance
The areas of natural disturbance layer identifies the areas of net stand replacing
natural disturbance as per the FMPM, Part E, Section 2.4.2. Examples of natural
disturbance attribution include depletion forest unit, age class, estimated volume,and disturbance type.
ii. Areas of Harvest Disturbance
The areas of harvest disturbance layer identifies the areas of harvest operations as
required by the FMPM, Part E, Section 2.4.1 Examples of harvest attribution include
block identifier, trial areas, depletion forest unit, target forest unit, target yield,
stage of management, silvicultural ground rule (SGR), AOC identifier, silvicultural
system, harvest method, logging method and harvest category.
iii. Areas of Renewal and Maintenance
The areas of renewal and maintenance layer identifies the areas of renewal, tending
and protection activities as required by the FMPM, Part E, Section 2.4.3. Typicalattribution includes treatment method.
iv. Road and Water Crossing Construction and Use
The road and water crossing construction and use layer identifies road construction
and use management, water crossing construction, monitoring or decommissioning
as required by the FMPM, Part E, Section 2.4.4. Typical attribution includes a road
identifier, class, activity, crossing identifier, and crossing type.
v. Assessment of Regeneration
The assessment of regeneration layer identifies the assessments of regeneration as
per the FMPM, Part E, Section 2.4.6. Typical attribution includes disturbance group,
year of disturbance, forest unit at the time of disturbance, SGR, target forest unit,
regeneration indicator, forest unit, species composition, height, and indicator of site
occupancy.
vi. SGR Changes
The SGR change layer identifies changes to the SGR since it was first reported in theharvest disturbance layer or changed in this layer in a previous reporting year.

Forest Information Manual 201780

Part D – Information for Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

vii. Forestry Aggregate Pits
The forestry aggregate pits layer identifies Forestry Aggregate pits.
viii. Slash Management
The slash and chip layer identifies site preparation activities that need to be
distinguished from other forms of site preparation as they are distinct treatments.
Typical attribution includes slash piling, chip piling, slash burning, onsite mechanicalprocessing, and removal offsite for processing.
The geospatial data layers are used for provincial-level reporting. Layers fromindividual management units are combined to provide a province-wide summary ofmanagement activities and natural disturbances.
All annual report information is exchanged in digital format. The standards forexchanging annual report information are set out in FIM Annual Report Technical
Specifications where MNRF provides annual report support information tosustainable forest licensees and the sustainable forest licensees will submit the
management unit annual report to the MNRF. The FI Portal is used as the exchangemechanism for digital annual report information.

22

2.1.4 Annual Report Documents

23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32

Annual report documents will be submitted in the same exchange format used inmeeting the requirements of an FMP submission as set out in FIM Part B, Section
8.0. The detailed technical standards are given in FIM Annual Report Technical
Specifications. These FIM technical specifications will provide for the format andinclude naming conventions for the series of files that will be necessary to complete
a submission of the annual report. The file naming convention and structure
standards will enable the publication of the Annual Report information on the
Ontario Government website.

33

2.2

34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

The FMPM specifies that the MNRF provides certain information to sustainable
forest licensees each year for use in fulfilling their annual report requirements. The
MNRF provides sustainable forest licensees with information on forest operations
inspections, natural disturbances and harvest volume utilization.

Roles and Responsibilities for Annual Report Information

Sustainable forest licensees will ensure that the information provided by the MNRF
is checked for completeness. The sustainable forest licensees will notify the MNRF of
any discrepancies between information provided by the MNRF and similar data,
records, and information that are maintained by the sustainable forest licensee.

Forest Information Manual 201781

Part D – Information for Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Discrepancies in annual report information will be resolved before the submission of
the annual report.

13

2.3

14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

An annual report is prepared and submitted by the sustainable forest licensee for a
one-year period (i.e., April 1 to March 31), and will be submitted by November 15
each year. MNRF provides information as set out in Part D, Section 2.1, to thesustainable forest licensee by September 15 each year. Natural disturbanceinformation, specifically fire disturbance, insect and disease related disturbance, andabiotic disturbance related to wind, ice storm or other events, are provided by
MNRF on April 1 of each year.

Sustainable forest licensees will prepare and submit complete annual reports thatincorporate the required information provided by MNRF.
The MNRF will have the opportunity to review the annual report for completenessand accuracy and to validate it against FIM Annual Report Technical Specifications.
The MNRF will provide the results of the review to the plan author. Year five andfinal year management unit annual reports will be reviewed and approved by the
MNRF. The status of report submissions and notice of review results is provided via
the FI Portal.

Timelines and Conditions for Annual Report Information

As set out in Part E, Section 4.1 of the FMPM, the MNRF reviews the sustainable
forest licensee submitted annual report for completeness and provides review
results to the sustainable forest licensee within 30 days of receipt of the annual
report. The sustainable forest licensee will address the comments resulting from the
MNRF review and, if necessary, the sustainable forest licensee will submit a revisedannual report on the later of February 15 or 60 days from receipt of MNRF review
comments.
As set out in Part E, Section 4.2 of the FMPM, the MNRF reviews the sustainable
forest licensee submitted year five and final year annual reports for completenessand provides review results to the sustainable forest licensee within 30 days
commencing November 15 or within 30 days from the submission date, if received
after November 15. The sustainable forest licensee will address the comments
resulting from MNRF review and, if necessary, the sustainable forest licensee willsubmit a revised annual report for approval on the later of February 15 or 60 days
from receipt of MNRF review comments.
Sustainable forest licensees and the MNRF will provide annual report information inaccordance with FIM Annual Report Technical Specifications.

Forest Information Manual 201782

Part D – Information for Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation1

3.0

Forest Operations Compliance Information

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35

Sustainable forest licensees will perform compliance planning, monitoring,inspection, and reporting. MNRF performs audits or spot checks of company
inspections, verifies all reported instances of non-compliance, and determines
enforcement actions and applicable remedies. The Forest Compliance Handbook
provides for the various policies and procedures that govern forest compliancebusiness and operational requirements for the forest operations complianceprogram and incorporates the former Guideline for Forest Industry Compliance
Planning and all the requirements it imposed.

36
37

3.1 Requirements and Standards for Forest Operations Compliance
Information

38
39
40
41
42

Sustainable forest licensees will conduct monitoring that includes inspecting andreporting on all forest operations carried out on Crown forests and will provide areport to the MNRF in digital form in accordance with the Forest ComplianceHandbook. The Forest Compliance Handbook also provides for the process for the
conduct of forest operations inspections and the requirement to provide a report in

One of the primary goals of the forest operations compliance program is to provide
a standard process and format for recording observations from individual forest
operations inspections. Sustainable forest licensees will prepare a 10-year strategic
compliance component in their FMP in accordance with Part B, Section 4.7.1 of the
FMPM and the Forest Compliance Handbook. Each year, sustainable forest licensees
will prepare an annual component of the strategic compliance plan to be included
with the AWS as set out in Part D, Section 3.2.7 of the FMPM.
Sustainable forest licensees will conduct forest operations inspections as per anapproved strategic compliance plan. Compliance planning identifies methods andintensities of inspections, and the frequency and circumstances that sustainable
forest licensees will conduct forest operations inspections and submit reports of
those inspections to the MNRF.
The MNRF also does compliance planning for the purposes of monitoring andauditing forest operations and dealing with the results of compliance inspections
conducted by sustainable forest licensees. All reports of non-compliance that areprovided by a sustainable forest licensee will be verified by the MNRF. The MNRF
identifies actions required for every report of non-compliance.
Forest operations inspection reports are available for public inspection. The MNRF
may make decisions regarding the availability of certain information contained in aforest operations inspection report based on the confidentiality or sensitivity of that
information with respect to the FIPPA or to ensure the protection of values.

Forest Information Manual 201783

Part D – Information for Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26

each case. The digital information required in a forest operations inspection reportwill be provided to the MNRF office responsible for approving and monitoring theimplementation of forest management operations conducted by the sustainable
forest licensee.

27
28

3.2 Roles and Responsibilities for Forest Operations Compliance
Information

29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40

Sustainable forest licensees will complete an inspection of forest operations andprovide a digital report. For each forest operations inspection, sustainable forest
licensees will confirm that the mandatory data requirements and standards havebeen met as set out in FIM, Part D, Sections 3.1.

The MNRF similarly provides sustainable forest licensees with forest operations
inspection information. The MNRF maintains all forest operations complianceinformation produced by sustainable forest licensees and the MNRF in the MNRF’s
compliance information system.
The requirement to provide digital forest operations inspection information
complements the direction in the following documents:(a) Forest Compliance Handbook – all policies and procedures related to the
MNRF’s compliance information system;(b) approved compliance plans and their implementation through FMPs andAWSs; and(c) conditions in Sustainable Forest Licenses that pertain to the collection andprovision of forest operations compliance inspection information.
Sustainable forest licensees will provide operations inspections information to the
MNRF in accordance with the Forest Compliance Handbook. MNRF provides forest
operations inspection information to sustainable forest licensees in accordance with
the Forest Compliance Handbook. Additionally, standards for operations inspections
information are dictated by MNRF’s compliance information system.

The MNRF reviews the digital information provided by sustainable forest licensees
for completeness. The check for completeness and verification may consist of, but is
not limited to, the following:(a) the comments and rationale that are provided as part of the forest
operations inspection report information are sufficient to evaluate each
instance of non-compliance;

Forest Information Manual 201784

Part D – Information for Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

(b) the forest operations inspection information has been received inaccordance with the compliance component of the approved company FMP
and in accordance with the timelines in the Forest Compliance Handbook;(c) the reference and location to source data, information and records that havebeen used in the preparation of the forest operations inspection report
information, is complete and traceable; and(d) verification, in some cases, of the ground observations and the information
related to those observations.
The MNRF completes forest operations inspections reports for inspections they
conduct and provides the digital information to the sustainable forest licensee.

13
14

3.3 Timelines and Conditions for Forest Operations Compliance
Information

15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

The timeline for providing forest operations inspection report information describedin this section applies to sustainable forest licensees and the MNRF. Forest
operations inspection reports will be provided at different times depending on thefollowing direction:

4.0

Silvicultural Monitoring Information

31

4.1

Requirements and Standards for Silvicultural Monitoring Information

32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40

The requirement to develop a monitoring program is defined in the FMPM, Part B,
Section 4.7.3, and Part A, Section 1.3.8. The program is to be described in the FMP.
FIM provides a framework for the information to support a monitoring program as
many of the information requirements to support a monitoring plan are met byexisting FIM requirements.

(a) the frequency and timelines (i.e., inspection schedules) described in thecompany and/or district compliance planning and strategies identified in theapproved FMP, and in the approved AWS related to submission of forest
operations inspection reports; and(b) the timelines set out in the Forest Compliance Handbook – specific to
Directive FOR 07 03 04 and FOR 07 03 05 or their successors.
Forest operations inspections information is specified in the Forest ComplianceHandbook and the MNRF’s compliance information system.

The results of the assessments of regeneration will be recorded in the annual report.
The information collected during implementation of the program will support thereview of renewal and maintenance activities set out in Part E, Section 3.3 of theForest Information Manual 201785

Part D – Information for Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation

1
2
3
4
5
6

FMPM. The information supports an adaptive management approach to forest
management.

7

4.2

8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

The sustainable forest licensee will develop a monitoring program for the
management unit, record it in the FMP as per the FMPM, and implement the
program. The sustainable forest licensee will also maintain all records of information
gathered during implementation of the monitoring program, and use thisinformation in annual reporting and in future FMP development.

21

4.3

22
23
24
25
26
27
28

The timeline associated with provision of silvicultural monitoring information islinked to the annual reporting timelines and to FMP development timelines.

The FOSM defines the information to be collected and survey methodologies to be
used during monitoring.

Roles and Responsibilities for Silvicultural Monitoring Information

The MNRF reviews the monitoring program as part of the approval process for the
FMP.
The MNRF may provide additional information to the sustainable forest licensee
regarding the results of the assessments of regeneration and will provide theinformation when assessment results have been rejected.

Timelines and Conditions for Silvicultural Monitoring Information

Technical guidance and other direction in meeting silvicultural monitoring
requirements are available in the FMPM and the FIM Annual Report Technical
Specification. The processes and timelines will be explicitly outlined in FOSM and its
associated policies.

Forest Information Manual 201786

Glossary of Terms

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Definition Source
Definitions taken fully, modified or adapted from an already existing source, notethe source following the definition – [source]. Sources are abbreviated as follows:
AGI

On-line dictionary of GIS terms by the Association for Geographic
Information and the University of Edinburgh Department ofGeography (http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/agidict/welcome.html).

ESRI

On-line GIS Dictionary at Environmental Systems Research Institute(ESRI) Support Center website (http://support.esri.com).

FITC

Forestry Canada, 1988. Forest Inventory Terms in Canada. Canadian
Forest Inventory Committee, Forestry Canada.

FIPPA

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.
F.31

ISAC

Province of Ontario, Information Security Advisory Council.

ISO

International Standards Organization.

OpenGIS

On-line glossary at Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. website(http://www.opengeospatial.org/resource/glossary).

U GIS

ESRI. 1992. Understanding GIS: The Arc/Info Method.

Definition/Term
AttributeNonspatial information about a geographic feature in a GIS, usually stored in a table
and linked to the feature by a unique identifier. For example, attributes of a rivermight include its name, length, and sediment load at a gauging station. [Source:
ESRI]
Base Features
Base features represent the geographic locations and descriptions of topographic,
cultural, and cadastral entities of Ontario’s landbase. Base features can be natural,
physical features, such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands, or they can be features ofForest Information Manual 201787

Glossary of Terms

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44

human influence such as hydro lines, gas pipelines, provincial highways, roads, andrailways. Base features include areas that identify subdivisions of land, water,
vegetation, environmental features, and other physical and administrative
boundaries. Examples of this latter type of base features include forest management
units and ownership parcels that identify areas designated for legal, political, taxbase, population base, land-use zoning, or management decision purposes.
BufferA polygon enclosing a point, line, or polygon at a specified distance. [Source: ESRI]
Data
Any collection of related facts arranged in a particular format; often, the basic
elements of information that are produced, stored, or processed by a computer.
[Source: ESRI]
Data Attribute
See Attribute
Datum
The reference specifications of a measurement system, usually a system of
coordinate positions on a surface (a horizontal datum) or heights above or below asurface (a vertical datum). [Source: ESRI]
Digital Data / Digital Information
Data / information represented in a computer compatible format. [Source: modified
AGI]
Electronic Information
See Digital Data / Digital Information
Forest Information Portal (FI Portal)
The Forest Information Portal is an extranet (an internet site with user name andpassword security restrictions) available to MNRF and the licensees for the sharing,
distribution and exchange of forest information and data.
Forest Management Planning Manual (FMPM)
The Forest Management Planning Manual refers to the July 2017 version of themanual prepared in accordance with Section (68) of the Crown Forest Sustainability
Act. This FMPM provides direction for all aspects of forest management planning for
Crown lands in Ontario.
Forest Management Unit
An area of Crown forest designated under section 7 of the Crown Forest
Sustainability Act, 1994.
Forest Information Manual 201788

Glossary of Terms

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41

Forest Resources Inventory
The Forest Resources Inventory (FRI) is a spatial product that provides description of
all areas within a forest management unit and provides a snapshot in time of thecharacteristics of water and land base geography.
Geographic Information / Geographic Data
Information describing the location and attributes of things, including their shapes
and representation. Geographic data is the composite of spatial data and attributedata. [Source: ESRI]
Geographic Information System (GIS)(1) An integrated collection of computer software and data used to view andmanage information about geographic places, analyze spatial relationships, andmodel spatial processes. A GIS provides a framework for gathering and organizing
spatial data and related information so that it can be displayed and analyzed.
[Source: ESRI](2) A computer system for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating,analyzing and displaying data related to positions on the Earth's surface. [Source:
modified AGI]
Geographically Referenced
Refers to the condition of data for which “positional” information is available,
enabling the geographical position of the data to be established and communicated.
The normal functioning of a geographic information system requires the existence ofgeographically referenced data in a spatial data base and a means of manipulatingthese data. [Source: FITC]
Geo-referenced
See Geographically Referenced
Geospatial Data
See Geographic Information / Geographic Data
Information
Information comes from data that have been processed (e.g., synthesized,organized, selected, sorted) to provide products that can be used in decision making.
Information includes numerical data, text, drawings, designs, maps, photographs,
video and audio recordings, and ideas.

Forest Information Manual 201789

Glossary of Terms

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

Information Management
The application of a set of management disciplines for the purposes of managing allof the data and information and related technological, physical and humanresources relevant to the business of the organization. [Source: ISAC]
Information System
A system (manual or automated or computerized) which enables the processing anddissemination of information. [Source: modified ISO]Intellectual Property
Data, information and their related intellectual property rights, including: text,
brochures, books, tables, software, maps, photographs, research findings, and newplant strains.
Intellectual Property Rights
Intellectual property rights include copyright, patent, trademark, and other forms ofintellectual property protection.
Known Value
A value is a natural, cultural, First Nation or Métis resource attribute or use of land,
including all lakes and streams, which must be considered in forest management
planning. A value is considered to be a known value when sufficient information
exists to describe its geographic location and its basic features.
Layer
A reference to a spatial data source, such as a shapefile, coverage, geodatabasefeature class, or raster image. [Source: modified ESRI]
Map Projection
A mathematical model that transforms the locations of feature on the Earth's
surface to locations on a two-dimensional surface. Because the Earth is threedimensional, some method must be used to depict a map in two dimensions. Some
projections preserve shape; others preserve accuracy of area, distance, or direction.
Map projections project the Earth's surface onto a flat plane. However, any such
representation distorts some parameter of the Earth's surface be it distance, area,
shape, or direction. [Source: U GIS]
MNRF
“MNRF” means the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, or the ministry of
the Minister that has been assigned to undertake responsibility for the Crown Forest
Sustainability Act.

Forest Information Manual 201790

Glossary of Terms

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44

Resolution(1) The detail with which a map depicts the location andshape of geographic features. The larger the map scale, thehigher the possible resolution. As scale decreases, resolution
diminishes and feature boundaries must be smoothed,simplified, or not shown at all; for example, small areas may
have to be represented as points.
(2) The dimensions represented by each cell or pixel in a raster.
(3) The smallest spacing between two display elements, expressed as dots per inch,pixels per line, or lines per millimeter. [Source: ESRI]
Map Scale
The relationship between distance on a map and the corresponding distance on theearth’s surface. Map scale is often recorded as a representative fraction such as
1:1,000,000 (1 unit on the map represents a million units on the earth’s surface) or
1:24,000 (1 unit on the map represents 24,000 units on the earth’s surface. The
terms ‘large’ and ‘small’ refer to the relative magnitude of the representative
fraction. Since 1/1,000,000 is a smaller fraction than 1/24,000, the former is said tobe a smaller scale. Small scales are often used to map large areas because each map
unit covers a larger earth distance. Large-scale maps are employed for detailed mapsof smaller areas. [Source: OpenGIS]
Metadata
Information that describes the content, quality, condition, origin, and othercharacteristics of data or other pieces of information. Metadata for spatial data may
describe and document its subject matter; how, when, where, and by whom thedata was collected; availability and distribution information; its projection, scale,resolution, and accuracy; and its reliability with regard to some standard. Metadata
consists of properties and documentation. Properties are derived from the data
source (for example, the coordinate system and projection of the data), while
documentation is entered by a person (for example, keywords used to describe thedata). [Source: ESRI]
Personal Information
Personal information means recorded information about an identifiable individual,
including:(a) information relating to the race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age,sex, sexual orientation or marital or family status of the individual,(b) information relating to the education or the medical, psychiatric, psychological,
criminal or employment history of the individual or information relating to financialtransactions in which the individual has been involved,(c) any identifying number, symbol or other particular assigned to the individual,(d) the address, telephone number, fingerprints or blood type of the individual,
Forest Information Manual 201791

Glossary of Terms

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43

(e) the personal opinions or views of the individual except where they relate toanother individual,(f) correspondence sent to an institution by the individual that is implicitly or
explicitly of a private or confidential nature, and replies to that correspondence thatwould reveal the contents of the original correspondence,(g) the views or opinions of another individual about the individual, and(h) the individual's name where it appears with other personal information relating
to the individual or where the disclosure of the name would reveal other personal
information about the individual; ("renseignements personnels") [Source: FIPPA]
Planning Inventory
The planning inventory is a specific forest resources inventory product required forthe preparation, implementation and monitoring of a FMP. The planning inventory is
prepared for each specific plan and stays with the perspective FMP for the life ofthat FMP. The planning inventory is a generic term that encompasses the following
information components: planning composite and the forecast layer.
PolygonA closed shape defined by a connected sequence of x and y coordinate pairs, where
the first and last coordinate pair are the same and all other pairs are unique.
[Source: ESRI]; A feature used to represent areas. [Source: AGI]
Polygon Forest
The polygon forest is an information layer that provides a description of the forest,
water and other landbase features within a forest management unit. The
management unit is delineated and classified based on geographic features andcharacteristics into homogeneous water and land types called polygons. Polygons
have a spatial component (geographic location) and a tabular component(description of characteristics).
Precautionary Principle
In the absence of conclusive information to confirm the presence or features of avalue, this principle requires the consideration of the value in the planning of roadlocations and area of concern prescriptions in order to ensure that the value isprotected, based on the high probability of its presence and the potential that it may
be affected by forest management operations in a significant and negative way.
Quality Assurance
All the planned and systematic activities implemented within the quality system, anddemonstrated as needed, to provide adequate confidence that an entity will fulfill
requirements of quality. [Source: ISO]

Forest Information Manual 201792

Glossary of Terms

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36

Quality Control
Comprises the operational techniques and activities that are used to fulfill
requirements of quality and quality assurance. [Source: modified ISO]
Records
A record is any information however recorded, whether in printed form, on film, byelectronic means or otherwise and includes:(a)correspondence, memorandum, a book, a plan, a map, a drawing, a diagram,a pictorial or a graphic work, a photograph, a film, a microfilm, a sound recording, avideotape, a machine-readable record, any other documentary material regardlessof physical form or characteristics, and any copy thereof; and(b)subject to the regulations, any record that is capable of being produced froma machine readable record under the control of an institution by means of computer
hardware and software or any other information storage equipment and technicalexpertise normally used by the institution. [Source: FIPPA]
Scale
See Map Scale
Standard
Measurable parameters established for use as a rule or basis for comparison inmeasuring or judging quantity, quality, value, capacity, or other characteristics.
Tabular Data/Information
Descriptive information, usually alphanumeric, that is stored in rows and columns ina database and can be linked to spatial data. [Source: ESRI]
See Attribute
Theme
See Layer
Value
Values are features, benefits, or conditions of the forest that are linked to ageographic area, that are of interest from various points of view, and that must be
considered in forest management planning.
See Known Value

Forest Information Manual 201793