Contrary to popular belief,…

Contrary to popular belief, the CFSA exemption under the ESA does not mean forestry has a blanket exemption from protecting endangered species. The CFSA along with the Ontario Forest Management Guides provide some of the strictest science-based regulations for the protection of endangered species in the world. As the Forest Management Guide for Conserving Biodiversity at the Stand and Site Scales states, "[w]ith respect to forest management operations, this guide provides science-based information and direction for species within the [Area of Undertaking] AOU that have been designated as endangered, threatened, or special concern". The CFSA and Forest Management Guides are the sustainable long-term solution that is practical, efficient and effective at protecting not just endangered species, but the biodiversity (i.e. all forest species and their habitat) of Ontario forests.