Alberta
Forest Management Planning
In Alberta, all of West Fraser’s forest management activities take place on public land. Management of those forest areas is guided by provincial requirements as set out under legislation pertaining to land use and the Forests Act.
West Fraser is required to submit Forest Management Plans, General Development Plans and Annual Operating Plans for public review for each of the areas in which we operate.
Forest Management Agreement (FMA) holders are required to prepare Forest Management Plans (FMPs) every 10 years, covering all hectares within the FMA, including an updated forest inventory prior to the start of each planning cycle.
Planning includes an outlook extending 200 years into the future. The FMP outlines how the agreement holder will align with government objectives, addressing values related to soils, water, fish, wildlife, biodiversity, cultural heritage, timber, forage, recreation, resource features and visual quality.
Public input collected during this process helps shape our approach to forestry stewardship and informs decisions on which regions to harvest. The planning process results in a map that designates harvesting areas and specifies the details of where, when and how trees on Crown land in Alberta are sustainably harvested and stewarded to the Government of Alberta’s standards.
General Development Plans (GDPs) are completed annually, outlining our proposed timber operations for up to five years. The GDP serves as the operational link to the commitments of the FMP and is a tool for communicating where forestry operations will take place.
At this stage, the approved preliminary harvest design is refined to meet operational requirements, and additional details regarding the location of structures and facilities are provided.
Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) describe in detail the harvesting, road building, maintenance and reclamation activities proposed for the current year. AOPs must also include details on reforestation and fire mitigation plans.
The AOP serves as the annual authorization West Fraser requires to conduct forest management activities.
Alberta Forest Management Information
West Fraser Cochrane
West Fraser Cochrane (formerly Spray Lake Sawmills) was acquired by West Fraser in 2023.
Sundre Forest Products
Sundre Forest Products is a lumber mill located in Sundre, Alberta.
Hinton Wood Products
Hinton Wood Products is a lumber mill based in Hinton, Alberta.
Edson Forest Products
Edson Forest Products is a dimensional lumber mill in Edson, Alberta.
Blue Ridge Lumber
Blue Ridge Lumber is a lumber mill located in Blue Ridge, Alberta.
Slave Lake Veneer & High Prairie Forest Products
Slave Lake Veneer is located in Slave Lake, Alberta. High Prairie Forest Products is located in High Prairie, Alberta.
Grande Prairie OSB
Grande Prairie OSB is located in Grande Prairie, Alberta.
Manning Forest Products
Manning Forest Products is a lumber mill located in Manning, Alberta.
High Level OSB
High Level OSB is located in High Level, Alberta.