Cochrane-Moose River Forest, Iroquois Falls Forest

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

1 Introduction

2 An Independent Forest Audit (IFA) was conducted on the former Cochrane-Moose River Management 3 Unit, Iroquois Falls Forest and Smooth Rock Falls Forests during the fall of 2010. The intent was to 4 assess forest management plan effectiveness, implementation and compliance with the Crown Forest 5 Sustainability Act (CFSA), achievement of planned activities, implementation of past IFA action plans 6 and compliance with the Sustainable Forest License(s) (SFL) terms and conditions.

7 The audit covered the five-year planning period from April 1st, 2005 to March 31st, 2010 and was 8 completed under the 2010 Independent Forest Audit Process and Protocol (IFAPP). This will be the last 9 time that these three forests are audited individually due to their amalgamation along with the former 10 Nighthawk Forest into the Abitibi River Forest on April 1, 2010. Upon completion of the audit processes, 11 three separate IFA reports were produced that detailed the findings of the audit team. The final of the 12 three audit reports was received by MNR and the SFL holder on August 23rd, 2011. As per the direction 13 provided by MNR, one consolidated Abitibi River Forest action plan, reflecting the findings from the 14 three audit reports was submitted by Oct 22, 2011.

15 Abitibi River Forest Management Inc. (ARFMI) holds the SFL (#551832) for the Abitibi River Forest. 16 Prior to amalgamation, MNR maintained responsibility for management of the Cochrane-Moose River 17 management unit as a Crown Management Unit. The Smooth Rock Falls Forest was managed by Tembec 18 through SFL # 541841 and the Iroquois Falls Forest was managed by AbitibiBowaterthrough SFL # 19 542531. These three forests, plus the former Nighthawk Forest (outside scope of this Action Plan), were 20 amalgamated for forest management purposes with approval of the 2010 contingency plan for the Abitibi 21 River Forest. The issuance of the SFL to ARFMI for the Abitibi River Forest occurred on August 10, 22 2010.First Resource Management Group Inc. (FRMG) has been contracted as agent for ARFMI to 23 manage all forest management activities on their behalf.

24 The 2010 IFAPP required the development of an action plan that addressed all recommendations made by 25 the audit team. The “Management Unit” Action Plan addressed the actions that are associated with the 26 immediate management of the Abitibi River Forest. A separate “Annual Provincial” Action Plan has been 27 developed to address the actions from this and other 2010 IFA’s that have a regional or provincial scope. 28 This Management Unit Action Plan has provided for each recommendation:

29 i) the action required 30 ii) the organization and position title responsible for completing the action 31 iii) deadline date 32 iv) a method for tracking the progress of the action

33 Progress Reporting on the Management Unit Action Plan

34 The Management Unit Action Plan was approved by the Director of MNR Forests Branch on January 13, 35 2011. In accordance with the Independent Forest Audit Process and Protocol, a status report is required to 36 demonstrate progress on action plan implementation. The status report, due within 2 years of the action 37 plan approval (January 13, 2014) will provide a record of:

38 • the action required 39 • progress to date

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

1 • action not taken to date and rationale 2 • future tracking requirements

3 The following status report is a collaborative effort between the Abitibi River Forest SFL holder and the 4 Ministry of Natural Resources.

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

1 Management Unit Status Report

Recommendation No. 1 (CMRMU; SRFF; IFF) MNR District must ensure that the LCC Terms of Reference are updated to meet the content requirements of the FMPM.

i. Actions required: a) The Cochrane LCC Terms of Reference will be updated to comply with the requirements of the 2009 Forest Management Planning Manual (FMPM), Section 3.2.4. b) As the Abitibi River Forest spans three administrative Districts (Cochrane, Timmins, and Kirkland Lake), the Terms of Reference for the Timmins and Kirkland Lake LCC’s will be reviewed to ensure compliance with the 2009 FMPM, Section 3.2.4.

ii. Organization and position responsible: a) & b) Cochrane District MNR – LCC Liaison

iii. Deadline date: a) & b) April 1, 2012

iv. Method of tracking progress: a) & b) Updated LCC Terms of Reference documents.

v. Progress to date a) Completed - The Cochrane LCC Terms of Reference were reviewed and updated to comply with the 2009 FMPM requirements, March 2012. Records of the LCC meeting minutes and Terms of Reference are on file at the MNR District offices. b) Partially complete- The Timmins LCC Terms of Reference was reviewed and meets the requirements of the 2009 FMPM; no further actions are required. A review of the Kirkland Lake LCC Terms of Reference identified that additional information is required. An updated Terms of Reference has been drafted and will be finalized early 2014.

vi. Future tracking requirements a) None required. b) None required for Timmins District LCC Terms of Reference. Updated Kirkland Lake LCC Terms of Reference on file at Kirkland Lake District MNR.

Recommendation No. 2 (CMR) & No. 4 (SRFF & IFF) MNR Cochrane District must ensure that the Steering Committee meets as required during the development of the 2012-22 FMP and that minutes for those meetings are recorded, distributed to planning team members and included in the FMP supplementary documentation.

i. Actions required: a) The Terms of Reference for the 2012-22 FMP will document the roles and responsibilities of the Steering Committee to ensure meetings are scheduled as required. b) Ensure minutes are taken for Steering Committee meetings and distributed to the Planning Team. c) Distribute all Planning Team minutes to the Steering Committee so that the Committee remains informed throughout plan production.

ii. Organization and position responsible: a) , b) & c) Cochrane District MNR – Planning Forester

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

iii. Deadline date: a) , b) & c) April 1, 2012 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) , b) & c) Kept on file at MNR

v. Progress to-date a) Completed - October 8, 2010 b) Completed - April 1, 2013. The 2012-22 Abitibi River Forest FMP Steering Committee met on four separate occasions throughout plan development: September 22, 2011 April 16, 2012 November 22, 2012 December 14, 2012 The need to prepare and implement a 1-year Contingency FMP for 2012-13, and the continued work on the 10-year FMP for April 1, 2013, meant that the Steering Committee met after the April 1st, 2012 target date for completion as noted in the IFA Action Plan. Minutes of the Steering Committee meetings were distributed to the Planning Team and included as information items at the Planning Team meetings. A complete record of the minutes is on file at the Cochrane District MNR office.

c) Completed - April 1, 2013. As Planning Team meetings were approved, electronic copies of the minutes were distributed to the Steering Committee. A complete record of the Planning Team and Steering Committee meeting minutes are on file at the Cochrane District MNR. vii. Future tracking requirements a), b) & c) None required.

Recommendation No. 2 (IFF) MNR must ensure that public notices are placed to allow the required public inspection periods to be met.

i. Actions required: a) Use of theInter-District Protocol for Cochrane, Timmins and Kirkland Lake Districts on the Abitibi River Forestthat clearly identifies the lead District in charge of ensuring public notices follow the FMPM requirements. b) The Lead District (Cochrane, Timmins, or Kirkland Lake) will ensure public notices meet the 2009 FMPM requirements. c) Conduct an annual review of the Inter-District Protocol for Cochrane, Timmins and Kirkland Lake Districts on the Abitibi River Forest. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) &b) Cochrane District MNR – Lead Forester b) Lead for the affected MNR District – Lead Forester(in Cochrane, Timmins, and/or Kirkland Lake) iii. Deadline date: a) &b) Effective immediately c) April 1, 2012 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) & c) Inter-District Protocol for Cochrane, Timmins and Kirkland Lake Districts on the Abitibi River Forest on file.

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

b) Public notices on file at MNR District

v. Progress to-date a) Completed - September 21, 2010 b) Completed - public notices are on file at Cochrane District MNR c) Completed - The Inter-District Protocol was completed on September 21, 2010 (as revised) and a tri-District meeting was held on November 30, 2011 to review the protocol following the first full year of implementation. The document received minor amendments to clarify roles and responsibilities and the Districts are currently operating under this, the March 15, 2012, Inter-District Protocol.

vi. Future Tracking Requirements: a), b) & c) None required

Recommendation No. 2 (SRFF) MNR must ensure that the approval process for public notices meets the requirements of the FMPM.

i. Actions required: a) Use of theInter-District Protocol for Cochrane, Timmins and Kirkland Lake Districts on the Abitibi River Forestthat clearly identifies the lead District in charge of ensuring public notices follow the FMPM requirements. b) The Lead District (Cochrane, Timmins, or Kirkland Lake) will ensure public notices meet the 2009 FMPM requirements. c) Conduct an annual review of the Inter-District Protocol for Cochrane, Timmins and Kirkland Lake Districts on the Abitibi River Forest. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) & c) Cochrane District MNR – Lead Forester b) Lead for the affected MNR District – Lead Forester(in Cochrane, Timmins, and/or Kirkland Lake) iii. Deadline date: a) &b) Effective immediately c) April 1, 2012 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) & c) Inter-District Protocol for Cochrane, Timmins and Kirkland Lake Districts on the Abitibi River Forest on file. b) Public notices on file at MNR District

v. Progress to-date a) Completed - September 21, 2010 b) Completed - all public notices are on file at the Cochrane District MNR. c) Completed - The Inter-District Protocol was completed on September 21, 2010 (as revised) and a tri-District meeting was held on November 30, 2011 to review the protocol following the first full year of implementation. The document received minor amendments to clarify roles and responsibilities and the Districts are currently operating under this, the March 15, 2012 approved Inter-District Protocol.

vi. Future Tracking Requirements: a), b) & c) None required

Recommendation No. 3 (IFF & SRFF)

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

MNR must ensure that public notices letters contain all the content required by the FMPM.

i. Actions required: a) Use of theInter-District Protocol for Cochrane, Timmins and Kirkland Lake Districts on the Abitibi River Forest that clearly identifies the lead District in charge of ensuring public notice letters follow the FMPM requirements. b) The Lead District (Cochrane, Timmins, or Kirkland Lake) will ensure public notice letters meet the 2009 FMPM requirements. c) Conduct an annual review of the Inter-District Protocol for Cochrane, Timmins and Kirkland Lake Districts on the Abitibi River Forest. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) & c) Cochrane District MNR – Lead Forester b) Lead for the affected MNR District – Lead Forester(in Cochrane, Timmins, and/or Kirkland Lake) iii. Deadline date: a) &b) Effective immediately c) April 1, 2012 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) & c) Inter-District Protocol for Cochrane, Timmins and Kirkland Lake Districts on the Abitibi River Forest on file. b) Public notice letters on file at MNR District

v. Progress to-date a) Completed - September 21, 2010 b) Completed - all public notice letters are on file at the Cochrane District MNR. c) Completed - The Inter-District Protocol was completed on September 21, 2010 (as revised) and a tri-District meeting was held on November 30, 2011 to review the protocol following the first full year of implementation. The document received minor amendments to clarify roles and responsibilities and the Districts are currently operating under this, the March 15, 2012 approved Inter-District Protocol.

vi. Future Tracking Requirements: a), b) & c) None required

Recommendation No. 5 (CMR) & No. 7 (IFF & SRFF) ARFMI must ensure that the next FMP contains biological or silvicultural rationale for planned clear cuts [sic] greater than 260 ha.

i. Actions required: a) ARFMI will provide silvicultural or biological rationale for planned clear cuts greater than 260 hectares as described in Part A, Section 1.3.5.2 of the 2009 FMPM. The results will further be documented in FMP-12 for the 2012-2022 FMP. As per direction to the planning team from MNR, this documentation will include the full 10 year operational period but will not be included in the one year (2012-2013) contingency FMP. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) ARFMI, Plan Author iii. Deadline date:

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

a) March 31, 2013 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) 2012-2022 Abitibi River Forest FMP

v. Progress to date a) Completed – refer to section 4.3.4 Planned Clearcuts of the 2012-2022 FMP with all planned clearcuts over 260 ha being documented in table FMP-12. vi. Future tracking requirements a) None required - Item completed in the 2012-2022 FMP.

Recommendation No. 6 (CMR) & No. 8 (IFF & SRFF) ARFMI must consider the harvest profile selected in the 2010-12 CP when developing the profile for the next FMP so that further substitution into younger age classes does not occur.

i. Actions required: a) Elements leading to the planned harvest profile for the 2010 CP will be reviewed by the planning team to ensure that the development of the 2012 LTMD projected and planned forest unit – age class allowable harvest area are more closely aligned. b) Age class substitution resulting from operational planning for the 2012 FMP will consider direction from the (draft) boreal landscape guide as well as the Caribou Conservation Plan and will be subject to review and approval of MNR. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) and b) ARFMI, Plan Author iii. Deadline date: a) and b) March 31, 2013 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) and b) 2012-2022 Abitibi River Forest FMP LTMD and Section 4.9 (Comparison of Proposed Operations to the Long-Term Management Direction) of the plan text.

v. Progress to date a) & b) Completed– refer to section 3.6.2.1 of the 2012-2022 ARF FMP. ARFMI met with both District and Regional MNR and developed the most feasible solution to the age class substitution issue. Documentation containing justification for age class substitution is in both the plan text and the analysis package. vi. Future tracking requirements a) & b) None required- Completed with the completion of the 2012-2022 FMP.

Recommendation No. 8 (CMR) & No. 10 (IFF & SRFF) ARFMI must amend the utilization standards in the 2010-12 CP to be consistent with the Northeast Region Operations Guide for Marketability Issues document or provide compelling rationale for the significant deviation from that direction document. The 2012-22 FMP utilization standards should also conform to the Guide direction or provide rationale for departure.

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

i. Actions required: a) The utilization standards located in Section 4.3.9 of the 2010 contingency FMP outline the process for the determination of marketability issues. At the time of plan production this process was deemed to be required to allow forest operations to proceed in the event markets for specific species/products were not available. The approved number of residuals (up to 70/ha) allowed in the plan deviated from the regional direction (25-50) however the target of maintaining no more than 30% post harvest crown closure to ensure the site conditions were adequate for regeneration was clearly described in the plan text and provides the compelling rationale for the approved approach. Operator training around the existing standardsin the contingency FMP has been completed for the last year of the planand Regional MNR is currently reviewing and updating the standards however this process has not been finalized. As a result, there will be little time remaining to implement the updated document in the remaining months of the contingency FMP via an amendment. b) ARFMI will ensure that the utilization standards developed within the 2012-2022 Abitibi River Forest FMP are consistent with MNR’s most recent interpretation and direction of the Northeast Region Operations Guide for Marketability. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) N/A b) ARFMI, Plan Author iii. Deadline date: a) N/A b) March 31, 2012 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) Utilization standards listed within the 2012-2022 Abitibi River Forest FMP b) 2012-2022 FMP

v. Progress to date a) & b) Ongoing - MNR Regional utilization standards finalized in Spring of 2013. A task team consisting of both MNR and industry personnel will be formed to review the document and this group will determine the course of action for integrating this document into the FMP. vi. Future tracking requirements a) & b) Ongoing - Utilization standards will be updated within the FMP through an amendment or through the next planning cycle(as per MNR direction) to bring the forest in line with the recently reviewed Regional utilization standards

Recommendation No. 9 (CMR) & No. 11 (IFF & SRFF) The Abitibi River Forest planning team must consider on-the-ground results, current Provincial direction and the remote nature of a large portion of the Forest when modeling for productive land loss due to waste wood fibre in the 2012-22 FMP.

i. Actions required: a) The 2012 ARF FMP planning team will utilize two different data sources when modeling productive land lost due to waste wood fibre. For the Southern Strategic Management Zone (i.e. south of the Kesagami caribou range) data from the adjacent Timiskaming Forest will be utilized since the logging methods, site conditions and silvicultural treatments are similar. For the Northern Strategic Management Zone (caribou range) the planning team will rely on the results of a GIS analysis completed for the 2010 CFMP. The analysis reflected the terrain and site conditions

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

encountered for this part of the forest and accounted for roads, landings as well as slash management. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) ARFMI – Plan Author iii. Deadline date: a) March 31, 2013 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) Approval of Analysis Package and the 2012 FMP LTMD

v. Progress to date: a) Completed– refer to section 4.2.2.4 of the 2012-2022 ARF FMP. ARFMI met with District MNR and developed a slash management strategy for the ARF. Roadside slash may be mechanically piled and potentially burned, stacked into corridors, redistributed into the block, chipped at roadside or ground for biofibre. vi. Future tracking requirements a) Annual slash management activities will be documented in the annual report.

Recommendation No. 11 (CMR) & No. 13 (IFF & SRFF) ARFMI must include direction regarding management of chipping debris in the next FMP.

i. Actions required: a) The 2012 FMP will detail the direction regarding the management of chipping debris. The procedure will be located in the Implementation Toolkit located in the supplementary documentation of the plan. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) ARFMI – Plan Author iii. Deadline date: a) March 31, 2013 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) 2012 Abitibi River Forest FMP

v. Progress to date a) Completed-Module 11 of the Implementation Toolkit in the 2012-2022 Abitibi River Forest Management Plan. vi. Future tracking requirements a) None required

Recommendation No. 12 (CMR) & No. 14 (IFF & SRFF) ARFMI must consider the renewal profile selected in the 2010-12 CP when developing the profile for the next FMP and include sufficient analysis in the 2012-22 FMP to justify the significant deviation from the planned LTMD during the two year contingency period.

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

i. Actions required: a) Elements leading to the planned renewal profile for the 2010 CP will be reviewed by the planning team to ensure that the development of the 2012 LTMD projected and planned renewal areas are more closely aligned. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) ARFMI, Plan Author iii. Deadline date: a) March 31, 2013 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) 2012-2022 Abitibi River Forest FMP

v. Progress to date a) Completed - The renewal profile for the 2012-2022 Abitibi River FMP (as detailed in the Analysis Package, Supplementary Documentation Section 1) is more closely aligned with actual harvesting and utilization trends, and includes the projected increases in harvest across the forest. The planned silvicultural levels detailed in the FMP are achievable and on target for the 10 year term. vi. Future tracking requirements a) None required.

Recommendation No. 13 (CMR) & No. 15 (IFF & SRFF) ARFMI must review the planned renewal assessment program in the 2010-12 CP to ensure that the next FMP covers the existing shortfall.

i. Actions required: a) ARFMI to complete an aerial survey of recently harvested unsurveyed area for the entire Abitibi River Forest. b) ARFMI to develop a renewal strategy for the ARF. c) Renewal strategy (once developed) will be followed within the 2012-2022 FMP. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) b) and c) ARFMI, Plan Author iii. Deadline date: a) December 31, 2010 b) & c) March 31, 2013 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) Annual Reports to show new areas declared FTG b) Regeneration plan for shortfall area, Annual Reports, IFA Status report c) 2012-2022 Abitibi River Forest FMP

v. Progress to date: a) Completed- Review extended beyond the 2010-2012 FMP, including aerial surveys of over 90,000 hectares completed in the fall of 2010 on all non-FTG areas rather than recently harvested area.

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

b) Completed –. The renewal strategy is comprised of the text and tables located within the 2012 FMP including Section 4.2.2, 4.4, table FMP-17, FMP 20 and FMP-21. As detailed in the text in Section 4.4.1 all non-FTG area, including area referenced as “backlog” by the auditors is incorporated into the FMP’s renewal strategy. c) Ongoing - Renewal strategy implemented annually across the Abitibi River Forest via the approved silvicultural program. Outstanding silvicultural work is recalculated annually and reviewed with MNR. Current outstanding silvicultural work represents 5.51% of the total landbase for 2013-14.

Recommendation No. 14 (CMR) & No. 16 (SRFF) ARFMI must ensure the slash management plan in the 2012-22 FMP can meet plan objectives and guidelines focused on minimizing loss of productive land.

i. Actions required: a) ARFMI, via the 2012 FMP planning team will develop a slash management approach designed to meet environmental, economical and social plan objectives and will include a methodology for determining what is treatable.

ii. Organization and position responsible: a) ARFMI – Plan Author iii. Deadline date: a) March 31, 2013 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) Approved 2012 FMP, Annual Reports

v. Progress to date a) Completed - Slash management strategy incorporated into Module 11 of the Implementation Toolkit for the 2012-2022 Abitibi River Forest Management Plan. vi. Future tracking requirements a) Annual slash management activities will be documented in the annual report.

Recommendation No. 15 (CMR) & No. 18 (IFF) & No. 17 (SRFF) ARFMI must: a) Conduct an immediate review of all upland sites harvested under the CLAAG system since 2003 and implement remedial silvicultural treatments, where practical, on sites found not likely to become a silvicultural success. b) Implement exceptions monitoring on all upland CLAAG sites for which the use of natural advance growth (without planting) as a regeneration method is deemed as not recommended under the Silvicultural Guide.

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

monitoring that may be required for sites where CLAAG were applied to upland sites. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) – d) ARFMI– Plan Author iii. Deadline date: a) December 31, 2010 b) March 31, 2013 c) Marc h 31, 2013 d) March 31, 2013 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) Flight records at FRMG office, Annual Reports to show new areas declared FTG b) FMP regeneration strategy, Annual Reports, IFA Status report c) FMP regeneration strategy, Annual Reports, IFA Status report d) FMP regeneration strategy, Annual Reports

v. Progress to Date: a) Completed- aerial surveys in the fall of 2010 as stated above in Recommendation 13 b) Completed - The renewal strategy is comprised of the text and tables located within the 2012 FMP including Section 4.2.2, 4.4, table FMP-17, FMP 20 and FMP-21. As detailed in the text in Section 4.4.1 all non-FTG area, including area referenced as “backlog” by the auditors is incorporated into the FMP’s renewal strategy. c) Ongoing - Renewal strategy implemented annually across the Abitibi River Forest via the approved silvicultural program. Outstanding silvicultural work is recalculated annually and reviewed with MNR. Current outstanding silvicultural work represents 5.51% of the total landbase for 2013-14. d) Ongoing - Renewal strategy includes tracking CLAAG in the GIS system to monitor these areas. The retreatment of areas occurs as required after post-harvest assessments. Some sites may require supplemental planting however all harvested areas require 3+ years post-harvest to regenerate to allow for the assessment of natural regeneration. Therefore, no additional treatment has occurred in these areas to date. There is no exceptions monitoring identified for these sites in the FMP

Recommendation No. 16 (CMR) & No. 19 (IFF) & No. 18 (SRFF) ARFMI must address the increase in presence on the Forest of less desirable tree species such as larch and balsam fir.

i. Actions required: a) ARFMI,with direction from the planning team, will develop residual standards detailing how Stand and Site Guide residual targets are to be achieved within the 2012-2013 CFMP and the 2012-2022 FMP. b) These standards will be communicated to operators via annual operator training, the Implementation Toolkit and ARFMI operations Group meetings. c) ARFMI, will explore options for utilizing currently unmarketable species (eg bio-fuel) ii. Organization and position responsible: a) ARFMI - Plan Author b) ARFMI - Plan Author c) ARFMI - Plan Author iii. Deadline date:

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

a) March 31, 2012 b) Ongoing c) Ongoing iv. Method of tracking progress: a) 2012-2022 Abitibi River Forest Implementation Toolkit (Residual section) b) Annual operator training and shareholder operations group meeting minutes c) FRMG documentation detailing efforts to utilize unmarketable species

v. Progress to date a) Completed - in the 2012-2022 Abitibi River Forest FMP b) Ongoing – Completed at annual supplemental operator training c) Ongoing – ARFMI continues to explore options for utilizing unmarketable species vi. Future tracking requirements a) No further tracking required b) Minutes of shareholder and operator training kept on FRMG server c) iTrees volume data for bio-fuel. Business arrangements with processing facilities

Recommendation No. 16 (IFF) ARFMI must assess the stands listed as second pass in the 2010-2012 CP and, where three or more years have lapsed since removal of conifer, follow the CP direction related to two-pass harvesting so successful renewal of the stands can occur.

i. Actions required: a) ARFMI will complete a review of all 2010-12 CP second-pass blocks. b) An appropriate silvicultural plan will be implemented to ensure these sites meet 2012 FMP SGR renewal standards. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) & b) ARFMI, Plan Author iii. Deadline date: a) & b) March 31, 2013 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) & b) Annual Reports, IFA Status Report

v. Progress to date a) Completed - aerial surveys in the fall of 2010 – no supplemental treatments are prescribed to promote successful regeneration of these sites. b) Completed - Second pass areas are incorporated into the renewal strategy for the Abitibi River Forest and the sites will be monitored to FTG. The amount of 2nd pass harvest area was relatively small and if required, additional treatments will be carried out to ensure the successful regeneration of these areas to SGR requirements. vi. Future tracking requirements a) These areas reviewed in 2010 aerial surveys and are tracked through the GIS-based ARFMI silvicultural tracking system b) Areas tracked in annual reports as they become free to grow

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

Recommendation No. 17 (CMR) ARFMI must implement an effective silviculture monitoring system, complete the assessment of naturally regenerating backlog areas, and report areas planned for natural regeneration within the timeframe specified in the FMPM.

i. Actions required: a) ARFMI to complete an aerial survey of recently harvested unsurveyed area for the entire Abitibi River Forest. b) ARFMI to develop a renewal strategy for the ARF. c) Renewal strategy (once developed) will be followed within the 2012-2022 FMP. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) b)& c) ARFMI – Plan Author iii. Deadline date: a) December 31, 2010 b) March 31, 2013 c) March 31, 2013 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) Annual Reports to show new areas declared FTG b) Regeneration plan for shortfall area, Annual Reports, IFA Status report c) Regeneration plan for shortfall area, Annual Reports, IFA Status report

v. Progress to Date: a) Completed- surveys in the fall of 2010 b) Completed - Backlog renewal area incorporated into a renewal strategy for the Abitibi River Forest. Silvicultural liability area reviewed annually, and silvicultural budgets are tailored to treat these areas. c) Ongoing - Renewal strategy implemented annually across the Abitibi River Forest

Recommendation No. 19 (CMR) & No. 26 (IFF) The Cochrane District Manager must ensure that the submission timelines for IFA Action Plans and Status Reports are met.

i. Actions required: a) One consolidated Abitibi River Forest action plan, reflecting the findings from the three audit reports, will be produced. Cochrane District MNR will ensure the IFA Action Plan is submitted within two months of receipt of the final Audit Report. b) Cochrane District MNR will ensure the IFA Status Report is submitted within two years of approval of the Action Plan. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) & b) Cochrane District MNR – Cochrane District Manager. iii. Deadline date: a) October 22, 2011 b) Within two years of the approval of the Action Plan.

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests iv. Method of tracking progress: a) Action Plan Submission Signature Page will be on file at Cochrane District MNR. b) Action Plan Status Report Signature Page will be on file at the Cochrane District MNR.

v. Progress to date a) Completed - the Action Plan was submitted by District MNR for Regional Director approval on November 16, 2011 and final approval by the MNR Assistant Deputy Minister was received on January 13, 2012 b) Completed - the Status Report was submitted by the Cochrane District MNR on January 16, 2014 vi. Future tracking requirements a) & b) None required

Recommendation No. 19 (SRFF) ARFMI must develop and implement a Use Management Strategy for the Marceau Road following direction in the 2009 FMPM; the strategy must be informed by the Endangered Species Act, 2007.

i. Actions required: a) ARFMI will ensure that a new UMS for the Marceau Road is included within the 2012-2022 Abitibi River Forest FMP that is consistent with the Caribou Conservation Plan.

ii. Organization and position responsible: a) ARFMI, Plan Author iii. Deadline date: a) March 31, 2013 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) 2012-2022 Abitibi River Forest FMP, Primary Roads Supplementary Documentation

v. Progress to date a) Completed– refer to Roads Use Management Strategy Supplementary Documentation of the 2012- 2022 Abitibi River Forest FMP vi. Future tracking requirements a) None required -Road will proceed with decommissioning as per the Roads Use Management Strategy

Recommendation No. 20 (IFF) ARFMI must ensure that aggregate pits are operated in accordance with the relevant standard.

i. Actions required: a) ARFMI, will ensure that aggregate pits will be operated in accordance with the relevant standards as described in the 2012 Implementation Toolkit, and will conduct field visits when required. If pits are deemed an operational issue, a FOIP report will be created to address the fault.

ii. Organization and position responsible: a) ARFMI – Operations Manager

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests iii. Deadline date: a) Ongoing, as new pits are opened iv. Method of tracking progress: a) FOIP reports, Annual Reports

v. Progress to date a) Completed - Standard for aggregate pits found in Module 3 of the Implementation Toolkit for the 2012-2022 Abitibi River Forest Management Plan vi. Future tracking requirements a) Aggregate pits reported through FOIP and Annual Reports as required.

Recommendation No. 20 (SRFF) MNR must establish record keeping procedures that ensure maintenance of public notice records for all amendments.

i. Actions required: a) Use of theInter-District Protocol for Cochrane, Timmins and Kirkland Lake Districts on the Abitibi River Forest, which outlines record keeping procedures for amendment public notices. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) Cochrane District MNR – Planning Forester iii. Deadline date: a) April 1, 2012 iv. Method of tracking progress: Inter-District Protocol for Cochrane, Timmins and Kirkland Lake Districts on the Abitibi River Forest on file.

v. Progress to date: a) Completed - records of public notices for FMP amendments are on file at Cochrane District MNR. vii. Future tracking requirements a) & b) None required

Recommendation No. 21 (IFF & SRFF) ARFMI must address the backlog of areas that require assessment of natural regeneration.

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

a) b) & c) ARFMI – Plan Author iii. Deadline date: a) December 31, 2010 b) March 31, 2013 c) March 31, 2013 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) Annual Reports to show new areas declared FTG b) Regeneration plan for shortfall area, Annual Reports, IFA Status report c) Regeneration plan for shortfall area, Annual Reports, IFA Status report

v. Progress to Date: a) Completed - aerial surveys completed in the fall of 2010 b) Completed - Backlog renewal area incorporated into a renewal strategy for the Abitibi River Forest. Silvicultural liability area reviewed annually, and silvicultural budgets are tailored to treat these areas. c) Ongoing - Renewal strategy implemented annually across the Abitibi River Forest

Recommendation No. 22 (IFF) ARFMI must ensure that sufficient system and staffing support is available to properly execute the SEM program.

i. Actions required: ARFMI has included requirements for sufficient system and staffing support to execute the ARF silvicultural program in the management contract with FRMG. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) ARFMI – General Manager iii. Deadline date: a) ongoing iv. Method of tracking progress: a) Annual reports, IFA status report

v. Progress to date a) Completed - Sufficient staffing for the ARFMI silvicultural program is a requirement of the service provider contract. vi. Future tracking requirements a) Ongoing – silvicultural workload assessed annually by FRMG and staffed accordingly

Recommendation No. 22 (SRFF) & No 23 (IFF) ARFMI must address the current backlog of FTG surveys on the Smooth Rock Falls Forest.

i. Actions required: a) ARFMI to complete an aerial survey of recently harvested unsurveyed area for the entire Abitibi River Forest. b) A RFMI to develop a renewal strategy for the ARF.

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

c) Renewal strategy (once developed) will be followed within the 2012-2022 FMP. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) b) & c) ARFMI – Plan Author iii. Deadline date: a) December 31, 2010 b) March 31, 2013 c) March 31, 2013 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) Annual Reports to show new areas declared FTG b) Regeneration plan for shortfall area, Annual Reports, IFA Status report c) Regeneration plan for shortfall area, Annual Reports, IFA Status report

v. Progress to Date: a) Completed- aerial surveys in the fall of 2010 b) Completed- Backlog renewal area incorporated into the renewal strategy for the Abitibi River Forest. Silvicultural liability area reviewed annually, and silvicultural budgets are tailored to treat these areas. As well, silvicultural program levels, including backlog renewal area reviewed with MNR annually. c) Ongoing - Renewal strategy implemented annually for the entire Abitibi River Forest

Recommendation No. 23 (SRFF)& No. 24 (IFF) MNR must conduct spot checks on the outstanding suspension reports and determine any compliance action to be taken.

i. Actions required: a) Review outstanding suspension reports in FOIP and determine if there are any compliance actions required. Where warranted, conduct field visits. ii. Organization and position responsible: a) Cochrane District MNR – Senior Technical Specialist. iii. Deadline date: a) July 31, 2012 iv. Method of tracking progress: a) Show record of those suspended reports and document review results, noting any compliance actions required and their progress.

v. Progress to date a) Completed - A review of the suspended FOIP reports was undertaken by the Cochrane District MNR in July 2011. The IFA noted a total of 69 suspended reports in the FOIP system and it was uncertain if compliance issues needed action. The MNR review concluded that the majority of suspended reports were created due to harvest bypass or incomplete harvest, with some follow up needed the next fiscal year. For the carry over harvest in the following year, a new harvest report was created, leaving the initial suspended report in the FOIP system. The FOIP system shortcoming was identified by the Province and corrected to allow suspended reports to be changed to “completed”. Of the 69 suspended reports, 50 reports were found in FOIP to have a follow up report on that particular suspended block.

Status Report for the 2010 IFA’s of the Cochrane-Moose River MU, Iroquois Falls and Smooth Rock Falls Forests

For the remaining 19 reports, various reasons for the suspended reports were given and documentation is on file at Cochrane District MNR. Eighteen (18) were checked by field inspections by Cochrane MNR, Supplemental Aerial Photography (SAP) review, or conversations with internal or external staff. These inspections were all found to be compliant and no further actions are required.

vi. Future tracking requirements a) None required