For Rational Logging

In order to protect trees and forests, all lumbering operations aim at protecting the regeneration of the water, air, and soil. In the past, it could take decades for a forest to regenerate. With today's harvesting methods, a forest can regenerate itself in just a few years. For some time, we have been reducing the number of hectares harvested. Regular intervention promotes natural forest regeneration while it protects wildlife habitats and the countryside.

Strip cutting is an example. A strip of trees about 60 metres in width is harvested. The trees on both sides of the strip drop their seeds into the strip and regeneration starts.

The selection method is practised in certain hardwood forests. This consists in removing some of the trees in a forest among the oldest, the least healthy, and those that are less likely of growing healthily. In principle, the selection method is carried out in forests that have a good distribution of trees of all ages.

Planting is sometimes necessary to regenerate a forest that is having a hard time doing so on its own. Species that are suited to climatic and soils conditions are planted.

We have also been able to develop production recipes that include species that used to be considered as "trash trees," which reduces waste.