RESULTS OF INDEPENDENT FOREST MANAGEMENT AUDIT RELEASED

The results of the second independent sustainable forest management audit conducted under Saskatchewan's updated legislation were released today, highlighting requirements for monitoring and reporting of forest practices in the province.

Weyerhaeuser Saskatchewan had its performance assessed for its Pasquia-Porcupine Forest Management Agreement (FMA) area, on the province's east side. The comprehensive audit was conducted in June 2006 by KPMG Performance Registrars Inc. The auditors found positive aspects of Weyerhaeuser's practices on the FMA; they also found areas where both the company and the government needed to improve.

"We accept all of the auditor's findings and recommendations," Environment Minister John Nilson said. "KPMG's very thorough report pointed out many areas where both government and industry are doing well, but there are also areas where we need to do better. We acknowledge this and are working with the company to make sure that all concerns are addressed."

The auditors found that Weyerhaeuser was doing a commendable job in many areas, including: a strong Forest Management Plan with measurable goals and objectives; consideration of visual values when planning harvest; maintenance of water quality and flow; minimizing soil compaction; and commitment to ongoing public involvement. KPMG also found areas needing improvement for both the company and the government, including some isolated incidents of minor non-compliance for harvesting and road activities; a lack of up-to-date data on reforestation success, and the government's extensive use of approval conditions as part of its Forest Management Plan review and approval process. The company and the government have jointly developed and are implementing action plans in response to all the issues identified. Detailed information is available at www.se.gov.sk.ca/forests under Forest Management.

"The audit has provided important information to help us improve forest management practices in Saskatchewan," Nilson said. "It also confirms the effectiveness of these periodic independent assessments, as required by our legislation."

Weyerhaeuser Saskatchewan has held the Pasquia-Porcupine FMA since November of 1999. An ongoing sales process for two facilities supplied by the FMA area has no effect on the company's responsibilities under the FMA; Weyerhauser maintains its responsibility for sustainable forest management and harvesting activities on the approximately two million hectares of boreal forest covered by the agreement.

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For more information, contact:

Rod Thompson
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-2454
Email: rod.thompson@gov.sk.ca

John Daisley
Weyerhaeuser
Hudson Bay
Phone: 306-865-1709
Email: john.daisley@weyerhaeuser.com