At Resolute Forest Products Ontario Woodlands, we have a commitment to using harvesting patterns that emulate natural disturbances, minimize the "footprint" left by machinery, and maximize our utilization of the forest resources.
Harvest activities are carefully planned to diminish the site impact of operations. To protect fragile sites (i.e. fine texture soils such as silt and clay, and organic soil sites), harvesting activities usually take place during the winter months, after the ground has frozen.
Buffer zones, where no harvesting can occur, are designated in cutovers to protect waterways, wildlife habitat, aesthetic and other non-timber values.
By minimizing waste in harvest operations, we further reduce our impact on the forest ecosystem. Bush chipping, which maximizes the amount of fibre from each tree harvested, is an example of efficient harvesting practice. We have also developed leading edge salvage harvest techniques for recently burned areas.