Come explore our website and discover an invaluable resource that can help you gain an understanding of forest ecosystems and the work that the Manitoba Model Forest is doing in partnership with communities and other stakeholders to preserve a sustainable resource through responsible collaborative stewardship.

The Manitoba Model Forest Inc. is a not-for-profit non-government organization located in the Province of Manitoba, Canada. Our organization represents a diverse partnership of those with a vested interest in the wise management of natural resources and the sustainability of rural communities in forested regions of Manitoba.

Addressing the Challenges Facing Canadian Forests and Our Forest-dependent Rural Communities

Increasingly, rural, forest-based communities that depend heavily on natural resource industries for jobs, tax base, economic spin-offs and other services are facing significant challenges. Globalization, changes in international currency exchange rates and industry rationalization (usually resulting in downsizing of the workforce), put strain on resource industries and thus, the economic and social well-being of communities. In addition, the increasingly complex nature of land use planning that accommodates environmental and other societal values places more demands on industries, governments and the forests themselves. The heavy reliance on single industries leaves communities in a precarious position. Despite this, forest-based communities have the opportunity to diversify their economies, capitalizing on products and services of the forest while at the same time conserving the important values of the forest.

To address these issues, and as part of the Forest Communities Program, we have implemented programs and projects to:

• better equip forest-dependent communities to adapt to changing circumstances in the forest sector
• provide for the development and adoption of better integrated landscape management decision making tools and processes
• assist forest-based communities to diversify their local economies, and
• assist Canada in being known internationally for its sustainable natural resource management practices.

Manitoba Model Forest Inc
General Manager - Brian Kotak
Email Brian at miette@granite.mb.ca
P.O. Box 6500
Pine Falls, Manitoba, Canada R0E1M0
Tel: 204-367-5232
Fax 204-367-8897