The CRP supports the sustainability of forest resources by reforesting cutblocks harvested by smaller timber operators. While every timber operator in Alberta must meet strict reforestation requirements after harvest, small timber operators don’t necessarily have the right skill sets or resources to do their own reforestation.

As our cornerstone program, FRIP carries out FRIAA’s mandate to sustain and enhance Alberta’s forests. In Alberta, the forestry industry must follow a strict set of regulations regarding timber and timber harvesting established by the government. FRIP projects include activities that are over-and-above these mandated requirements of forest tenure holders.

The MPBP was established in 2007 to control the infestation spreading throughout Alberta. The purpose of the program is to protect Alberta’s forest resource by supporting Alberta Forest and Park’s efforts to control, suppress and eradicate mountain pine beetles.

In 2013, the MPBFRP was introduced to address the large-scale damage to forests from mountain pine beetle infestations. As this is a relatively new phenomenon in Alberta, rehabilitating these forests poses unique challenges. The MPBFRP provides funding for the rehabilitation of pine-dominated forests that have been negatively impacted by the mountain pine beetle and are not expected to recover on their own in a reasonable time period. Project activities can include planting, seeding, stand tending and applied research.

Wildland/urban interfaces—places where buildings and forested areas meet—result in communities that are at increased risk of wildfire.

Woodland caribou populations in the province have been declining, and recovery of both habitat and caribou populations is required. While this is both technically and biologically feasible, it will include the use of conservation areas, restoration of human disturbance, mandatory Integrated Land Management, and other actions.

While Alberta’s boreal forest areas are commonly impacted by wildfire, natural regeneration of these forests can be marked by a significant delay. The EnRLD program is designed to reforest sites on Alberta public land that have been disturbed by wildfire and may be slow to regenerate naturally.

Reforestation is not a quick process. The WRP supports companies throughout the duration of reforestation activities, which is typically 14 years. Eligible activities include site assessments, site preparation, planting, seeding, administrative costs and others. The WRP strives to overcome the costly and negative impacts of wildfire, helping to re-establish forest cover damaged or destroyed by wildfire.