FOREST POLICY AND RESPONSIBLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
VFM Ltd. has a formal Forest Policy that is endorsed by it's Board of Directors that demonstrates a long-term commitment to forest management practices, certification principles, policies and standards. This policy is publicly available upon request, at no cost.
Vision
To administer an efficient program of sustainable forest management.
Mission
To maintain and enhance the long-term health and productivity of the Nipissing Forest, while providing environmental, economic, social, and cultural opportunities for the benefit of present and future generations. The Vermilion Forest Management Company Ltd. (VFM) is committed to its guiding principals.
Guiding Principles
Performance of Excellence
VFM is committed to achieving the highest standards of sustainable forest management through the application of scientifically-based practices.
Sustainable Forest Ethic
VFM ensures that all of its forest management practices are conducted according to the principles of sustainable forest management. VFM forest management practices will respect both ecological and social values of the Sudbury Forest.
Forest Environment
VFM recognizes that the forest environment comprises a broad spectrum of social, economic, and ecological values, all of which form the basis of environmentally-sound forest management planning and practices.
Environmental Protection
VFM plans and conducts forest management operations in a manner which minimizes the long term negative impacts on the forest resources. VFM encourages all licensees to practice Self-compliance with all environmental guidelines and regulations.
Forest Diversity
VFM acknowledges the value of genetic, species and ecosystem diversity in maintaining ecological processes and therefore implements forest management practices that promote diversity at a stand and landscape level across the Sudbury Forest.
Planning Horizons
VFM considers both short and long-term horizons in forest management planning to ensure that an appropriate portion of today’s economic gain from the forest is thoughtfully invested so the future forest and economic health will be at least as great as today.
Indigenous Values
VFM will continue to foster relationships and partnerships with local Indigenous Communities to provide opportunities for economic growth, educational development, and forest management planning input.
Public Input
VFM encourages and provides opportunities for public comments and concerns and incorporates these in the forest management planning process
Other Stakeholders
VFM encourages and provides opportunities for Other Stakeholders comments and concerns and incorporates these in the forest management planning process.
Accountability
VFM conducts its forest management planning practices in an open and transparent manner consistent with provincial policies and objectives. VFM addresses complaints through a publicly available dispute resolution process, which is available upon request.
Research and Development
VFM supports research and development initiatives which advance sustainable forest management.
Health and Safety
VFM conducts its forest management activities in a responsible manner while first and foremost protecting the health and safety of employees, contractors and the public.
Continuous Education
VFM maintains an experienced and educated forest management staff. Training and development opportunities are offered to continually improve skills and knowledge of all staff and contractors employed by the Company.
Code of Conduct
VFM employees, forest resource license holders and contractors are expected to act on behalf of the company in an honest, fair and respectful manner. Publicly available policies are available upon request at no cost that outline these expectations of VFM.