Forestry Branch

Within the framework of a long-term Forest Management Plan a Forest Management Licensee must also prepare Annual Operating Plans. Annual Operating Plans describe in detail the timber harvesting, access development, and forest renewal activities proposed for the current year. They clearly identify where the activities will take place and how they will be carried out. The Annual Operating Plan also identifies, in lesser detail, proposed activities for the following two years to provide a general projection of where the company's operations will proceed.

Annual Operating Plan Guidelines

The document "Planning and Submission Requirements for Annual Operating Plans" (1994) provides direction to Forest Management Licensees developing Annual Operating Plans. In addition to meeting the requirements of Manitoba Conservation there is an expectation that Annual Operating Plans will reflect the latest industry standard for content and presentation. Annual Operating Plans should also contain specific details that may be requested by Manitoba Conservation from time to time as a result of the review of previous Annual Operating Plans or public comment.

Annual Operating Plan Approval Process

Since the Annual Operating Plan is developed within the framework of an approved long-term Forest Management Plan it requires a less intensive review process than the Forest Management Plan. Licensees are required to communicate draft plans to Manitoba Conservation and attempt to mitigate concerns prior to the delivery of a final Annual Operating Plan. Licensees should also conduct public meetings to discuss the proposed operations so that public comment can be taken into account during the development of the Annual Operating Plan. Regional Integrated Resource Management Teams are primarily responsible for the review of proposed operations within their respective regions. The Integrated Resource Management Teams will provide recommendations to the Director of Forestry who is responsible for rendering a decision to approve, refuse or require amendment to a proposed Annual Operating Plan.

Annual Operating Plan Amendments

During an operating year an Annual Operating Plan may require an amendment to modify an approved activity or request the addition of a new activity. The Forest Management Licensee must communicate the proposed amendment to the Regional Integrated Resource Management Team to determine if the amendment requires regional or Director approval. Significant amendments to an Annual Operating Plan must be submitted in writing to the Director of Forestry for approval before the amendments are carried out.

General Permits and Conditions

General Permits are required to authorize the harvest of timber on Provincial Crown Land. Standard operating conditions may be indicated upon, or attached to a General Permit to identify special conditions or reinforce provincial practices for timber harvest operations.

Work Permits and Conditions

Work Permits are required by The Lands Act to authorize any activity that is to take place on provincial Crown land. These permits are issued by regional or district Manitoba Conservation offices and may contain site specific operating conditions in addition to those that may have been identified in Environment Act Licences, provincial guidelines, General Permits or Annual Operating Plan comments.