Protect Threatened and Endangered Species and Conserve Areas with Special Attributes

The Natural Resources Management Department is comitted to reserving or establishing special management regimes for those areas of our forest lands that have special conservation value. We call these values "special attributes" and they encompass:

1. Threatened and endangered species.
2. Cultural sites.
3. Unique geological features.
4. Unique ecological features such as old growth stands.
5. Social and economic values such as recreation areas or community watersheds.

Different types of special attributes require different levels of protection. In some cases, we can simply establish a small buffer area and prohibit operating activities within the area. In others, such as old growth stands, more active management protocols are required. However, in all cases we will ensure that the "special attribute" is protected by:

• Establishing Conservation Areas for all areas where special attributes are verified.
• Ensuring that all employees and field operators are trained on threatened and endangered species and other special attributes and are able to identify and report them if they are found.
• Mapping Conservation Areas into our GIS system.
• Ensuring sites are protected during forest management activities by identifying them in project plans and supervising activities to ensure they are protected.
• Cooperating with other agencies and landowners to identify, plan, and manage areas with special attributes.