Managing the Algoma Forest

Clergue Forest Management Inc. ("CFMI") was formed in 1997 as the shareholder-based Sustainable Forest Licence holder for the Algoma Forest in the Sault Ste. Marie area of Northeastern Ontario. 

Our mission is to ensure the long-term health of the Algoma Forest while producing a sustainable supply of forest products for each of CFMI's shareholder mills through environmentally sound forest management practices.

Products made with Algoma Forest fibre include hardwood and softwood lumber, plywood, composite wood panels, pulp, and paper. 

CFMI's current shareholders are:

• Boniferro Mill Works, Sault Ste. Marie, ON
• GreenFirst Forest Products, Chapleau, ON
• Domtar, Espanola, ON
• Midway Lumber Mill, Thessalon, ON
• Columbia Forest Products (Levesque Plywood Division), Hearst, ON

The Great Lakes - St. Lawrence forest type comprises 47% of the Algoma Forest.  Great Lakes - St. Lawrence tree species are predominantly managed on the Algoma Forest using either the selection or shelterwood silviculture systems.  Both systems rely on tree-marking and partial harvesting with the intent of improving stand quality into the future, as opposed to high-grading.  Regeneration typically occurs naturally through seeding by residual trees, although tree-planting may be employed to regenerate white and red pine.  The application of herbicides (e.g. aerial spray) typically does not occur in the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence forest type on the Algoma Forest.

The primary Great Lakes - St. Lawrence forest species harvested on the Algoma Forest include sugar maple, yellow birch, white pine, and red pine.

The boreal forest type comprises 53% of the Algoma Forest.  Boreal tree species are predominantly managed on the Algoma Forest using the clearcut silviculture system.  This system relies on a mix of natural regeneration (through natural seeding and vegetative reproduction) and artificial regeneration (tree-planting) to create even-aged forest conditions.  The application of herbicides occurs almost exclusively in the boreal forest type on the Algoma Forest, but only after multiple site assessments and only to the extent required to maintain areas of a pure conifer species composition on the landscape.

The primary boreal forest species harvested on the Algoma Forest include black and white spruce, jack pine, poplar, and white birch.