Conservation-Based Forestry 

What is Conservation-based Forestry?

In response to society's demand for a higher standard of environmental protection, Iisaak has developed a conservation-based approach to forestry.  Iisaak defines conservation based forestry as forest operations designed to achieve conservation as a primary objective.  Conservation-based forestry features a unique approach to ecosystem planning and operations in which Iisaak commits to: 

• Increasing the participation of First Nations and other local communities in resource management.
• Protecting cultural values.
• Implementing the unique Clayoquot Sound Scientific Panel Recommendations (CSSPR) for sustainable forestry in Clayoquot sound.
• Maintaining a continuous reserve network.
• Emphasizing non-timber opportunities in pristine areas.
• Applying variable retention harvesting systems in developed watersheds.
• Monitoring and adapt management practices.
• Certifying forest operations on TFL 57 with the Forest Stewardship Council.

Iisaak’s unique conservation based approach is more labor intensive and ecologically sensitive than traditional approaches to timber harvesting.  It requires more detailed inventories, more comprehensive planning, and more careful harvesting techniques.   This approach will enhance the Clayoquot Sound’s social and economic objectives through: 

• Creating access to areas where a traditional approach to harvesting is no longer socially acceptable.
• Creating more employment and training opportunities than conventional forestry.
• Supporting the development of non-timber and value added enterprises.
• Recovering the highest possible value from the volumes harvested.

Conservation-based forestry is also designed to meet local and global social and economic needs.  In order to achieve these goals, Iisaak will maximize the value of the timber harvested rather than the volume.  Iisaak expects to achieve a premium on its products in recognition of high standards and enhanced resource protection.  Through the protection of the forest resource Iisaak will develop opportunities for markets in:

• botanical forest products

• under valued species

• carbon

• biodiversity

• eco-tourism

• recreation

Iisaak is currently developing opportunities for investment in environmental values such as carbon and biodiversity to support our conservation efforts.  

How is Iisaak implementing Conservation-based Forestry?

isaak's conservation-based approach protects biodiversity; water systems and related resources; eco-tourism; recreational and research opportunities; spiritual and sacred values; and traditional cultural uses.

Respecting areas of special value to the Nuu-chah-nulth people

Iisaak respects eehmiis areas, and will emphasize opportunities associated with non-timber values in undeveloped areas that are in Nuu-chah-nulth "very, very precious".

Creating a continuous reserve network

In addition to maintaining the integrity of the hydroriparian ecosystems, a continuous reserve system which spans an entire drainage forms a connected forest environment. The continuous reserve system identifying the areas to be retained is created first. Once the reserve network is established detailed site level inventories and layout leads to the finalization of harvest units. This approach allows for the protection of key elements of the ecosystem as well as movement and dispersal of animals and plants throughout the landscape.

Implementing variable retention harvesting systems

The creation and maintenance of structurally complex managed stands is an effective way to achieve the multiple objectives of forest management in Clayoquot Sound. The Clayoquot Sound Scientific Panel Report recommends the implementation of "variable retention" systems to protect the ecological integrity of Clayoquot Sound.

Implementing adaptive management and monitoring

Adaptive management is an active process for continually improving management policies and practices by learning from their outcomes. Iisaak is committed to implementing an adaptive management approach to forest management in Clayoquot Sound.  Iisaak has implemented a monitoring program in partnership with the Long Beach Model Forest to assess the results of implementing the recommendations of the Clayoquot Sound Scientific Panel.

Emphasizing value

Iisaak is developing a "value based" ecosystem management approach. This approach includes incrementally shifting to a second growth economy as well as maximizing product values through value added manufacturing.


Focusing on developed drainages

Initial ecosystem management efforts will focus on drainages that have been previously developed. Iisaak will maintain old-growth forest characteristics at the stand and the landscape level and encourage the transformation of some second growth forests into old-growth forests. Old growth forest characteristics will be maintained at the stand level as well as at the landscape level through an extensive reserve network and a variable retention approach to harvesting.

Creating employment opportunities for local communities

Employment opportunities will include training First Nations in the technical and management aspects of Iisaak’s operations. Iisaak will also work with the Southern Group members in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding. Over time, Iisaak will expand its business resulting in additional local employment opportunities.

Supporting other  business enterprises in Clayoquot Sound

Iisaak is developing cooperative working relationships with other business enterprises in the Clayoquot Sound area.