Recent Forest Fires Have Quebec Questioning Its Long-Term Timber Harvest Projections

Quebec had planned to nearly double its timber harvest by 2080, but the targets are now being called into question due to wildfires, climate disruption, and the province’s commitments to protect territory, Radio-Canada’s ICI Quebec reported (3-12-24).

Just three years ago, the Legault government had big ambitions for the forestry industry. Presented in December 2020, the National Timber Production Strategy projected an increase in annual harvest from 29 million m³ to 53 million m³ over the next 60 years. Now, that plan is being called into question by Quebec’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).

“The targets were evaluated considering the situation at the time,” the ministry said in a statement to Radio-Canada (translated). “Analyses are underway to reassess the ability to achieve these targets considering the new realities that we must take into account.”

Among the factors being considered, the MNRF points to the threat of forest fires and the province’s commitments to protected areas. Quebec wants to reach a goal of 30% protected areas on its territory by 2030. Furthermore, a recent MNRF study shows Quebec plantations are not meeting expected yields, Radio-Canada’s ICI Quebec reported.

Due to recent forest fires, Quebec has already reduced its allowable cut for the 2023–28 period on the recommendation of the Office of the Chief Forester. Some 1.3 million hectares of forests burned in 2023, including 920,000 hectares subject to calculations of the allowable cut in public forests.

Considering the severity of some of the blazes, which caused regeneration accidents on some burned areas, the Chief Forester cut 2% from the new allowable cut calculations, which were updated in the fall. This represents a decrease of 619,000 m³ of wood per year. The measure, which will have a significant economic impact in Northern Quebec, will come into effect on April 1st.