Canadian Model Forest Network

The Canadian Model Forest Network  represents Canada's 14 Model Forests. The Model Forest concept was developed and initiated in 1992 under the Canadian Model Forest Program, which was funded by the Canadian Forest Service.

There are now approximately 50 Model Forests world wide sharing knowledge through the International Model Forest Network.
 
How A Model Forest Works

In a Model Forest, a variety of people with differing interests and perspectives come together to form a neutral partnership based on the following goal:
•    to manage their own natural resources in a way that makes the most sense to them given their history, economic  and cultural identities and in a way that does not jeopardize future generations.

The partnership defines what sustainability means in its own context, develops a common goal, governance structure and strategic plan, then works collaboratively to achieve the goals set out in that plan. These goals typically strive to harmonize economic and non-economic priorities and to focus on education and research. Model Forest partnerships are very effective in identifying economic opportunities that are not based on timber alone. A Model Forest is best thought of as a long-term process.

Model Forests are unique in several ways:
•    the comprehensiveness of their approach
•    the scale of operation
•    the breadth of their partnerships
•    the level of policy they aim to affect 
•    the importance placed on networking

Geographically, the Model Forest must represent wide variety of uses and values at play within a particular landscape, such as a watershed.