For Bowater, ‘sustainability’ isn’t just a word; it’s an everyday part of the way we do business.  Sustainability means balancing the economic value of the forest, with the need to protect the environment, local wildlife, unique ecosystems, and to respect the interests of the First Nations peoples who live near the forest.

Bowater is proud to be an industry leader in their commitment to sustainable forest management.  The company has well-established and rigorous environmental policies in place, and just as importantly, we work hard to train and empower foresters and other workers to ensure the sustainable forest areas we manage are fully protected.

Sustainable Forest Management

Bowater uses sustainable forest management practices and harvesting procedures to protect the ecological integrity of the forest and the wildlife living in it. 

• In the forest, we work hard to ensure that natural resources are managed sustainably and efficiently.

• In our operations, we reduce environmental impacts through pollution prevention; more efficient energy use; cogeneration programs; reduction, reuse and recycling practices; and research and development to improve the environmental performance of our manufacturing processes.

• We work closely with governments to protect fish and animal habitats, migration tracks and breeding and spawning grounds.
 
• We partner with local First Nations peoples to maintain traditional hunting and fishing opportunities and to develop economic opportunities for their communities.

• Bowater’s proactive and progressive approach to forestry management and environmental sustainability has been recognized by organizations such as the Dogwood Alliance, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and the First Nations communities near our areas of operation.

Our Commitments

Learn more about our commitments:
 
• Respect for the boreal forest
• Protecting woodland caribou
• In partnership with First Nations
• Forestry Certification

Learn more about our processes and standards:

• Our processes for sustainable forest management
• Our use of fiber supply
• Our certification standards
• Our ongoing sustainable forestry research

Forest Sustainability Process

Our forestry process involves much more than simply harvesting trees.  Careful planning, harvesting and forest regeneration are the cornerstones of our sustainability.

Planning
Depending on a forest’s type and location, our planning may begin as many as 25 years before harvesting.  In Canada, we consider government regulations, work with other forest users, take steps to protect wildlife and biological diversity, prepare for the maintenance of soil and waterways, and provide for forest regeneration.

We follow forest management plans, which drive the annual harvest and regeneration cycles.  Potential impacts on soil, water, wildlife, regeneration, and various non-timber aspects are considered before harvesting begins.

We typically use data from geographic information systems and global positioning systems to achieve an accurate and comprehensive plan for harvesting, environmental protection and forest regeneration.  

Harvesting
We require the use of forestry Best Management Practices or Forestry Management Guidelines, where appropriate, and thus strive to minimize the impact of machinery and equipment and to respect the aesthetic qualities of the land.  

A variety of harvest methods are employed, depending on the species mix and stage of forest stand development.  Harvest methods for Canadian forest types can include partial harvests, thinning, mosaic harvests, and final harvests followed by forest regeneration.  In the U.S., harvest methods include thinning and final harvests on areas intended for forest regeneration.  

Forest Regeneration
Our future depends on a sustainable forest resource and we take steps to promote forest regeneration on areas that are harvested.  

In many cases, especially in Canada, our forest management plans call for natural regeneration, which is accomplished by creating the right conditions for forests to regenerate through stump sprouting and/or natural seeding.  Where appropriate, we replant harvested areas with new seedlings to replace the trees that were harvested.

New growth provides a future resource and habitat for many wildlife species that depend on varied forest types.  In this way, harvested and reforested areas contribute to overall biological diversity of the landscape, a beneficial outcome that is considered during the planning stage.