Forests are home to many organisms, from mammals to birds, fish to fungi, and insects to amphibians. Special care is taken to protect sensitive ecosystems.

Trees and water are deeply interconnected because trees store and filter water. Regulations prevent the harvesting of trees in close proximity to rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water to protect water quality and quantity.

Trees produce oxygen and store CO2. They also enhance soil quality. When fallen needles and leaves decompose, they enrich the soil.

Forests are referred to as “carbon sinks” because they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. You may be surprised to know that even after it is harvested, wood continues to sequester CO2.

While we harvest trees for a variety of uses, forests are a renewable resource that grow back. Sustainable forestry is about ensuring we don’t harvest trees any quicker than they can grow back. Less than 1% of our forests can be harvested in a single year.

Many people enjoy escaping to the great outdoors. Forests are widely used for hiking, camping, off-road recreation, and bird watching.

Indigenous peoples have a historic cultural and spiritual tie to their traditional lands. Many exercise their rights to hunt, fish, trap, and use the forest as a source of traditional medicines.

Tourism is among Alberta’s four largest industries. Our forests and national parks are one of our major attractions.