Logging Certification

Atlantic Master Logger Certification Program

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Recognizing the Forest Stewards of Atlantic Canada

A Unique Recognition Program for the Professional Logging Contractor

The Atlantic Master Logger Certification Program (AMLCP) provides a third-party verification process for acknowledging the sustainable practices of harvesting contractors in Atlantic Canada.

Based on a program template developed and initiated by loggers in the State of Maine, the AMLCP will help redefine the logging profession by recognizing logging contractors who excel in their businesses. It is a volunteer, employer-driven program. The AMLCP is not an education or training program, but a recognition program for all logging companies, be they sole proprietors or contractors with employees. The certification is held by the contractor's logging company.

The Players

The AMLCP is administered as a program of the Canadian Woodlands Forum (CWF), by a Program Ambassador .

Provincial Certification Boards will operate independently from the CWF with the primary function of objectively reviewing certification applications received from loggers and rendering decisions. Loggers will be represented on the Certifying Boards, however, in order to ensure a balanced approach and transparency, members from other organizations will also be represented, i.e., Model Forests, conservation organization, tourism/recreation, woodlot owner, academia and government.

The final and most important party in the certification process is the logger. To be eligible for certification, a logging contractor must meet the following criteria:

  • Sole proprietor or incorporated company whose primary income is from forestry activities and is involved in harvesting;
  • Meet training requirement of the program, including approved BMP training and mandatory training required by legislation (i.e., OH&S, WHMIS, TDG, First Aid).

How will this program help you as a business owner?

You may be thinking, "My company has a great reputation and my customers are extremely satisfied; why should I become an AML company?" Although you have an outstanding operation, the global marketplace is demanding specific assurances of local professionalism. In order to maintain access to the marketplace, it is important to remain competitive worldwide though you operate locally in Atlantic Canada.

People who do a great job as logging professionals are the people who should be recognized by industry, regulatory agencies and the general public. This professional recognition is paramount to ensuring public confidence, as well as helping to "level the playing field."

The Atlantic region is unique with a high percentage of the forested land base held in small private holdings. As a business owner and an Atlantic Master Logger, there is a great opportunity to market your professional services to interested landowners who wish to manage their woodlots.

Measures are also being taken to establish certain alliances with suppliers in order to offer Atlantic Master Loggers a means of obtaining specific benefits for insurance or other products and services.

The AMLCP is a program of the CWF in support of the independent logging contractor. The CWF, along with its industry partners, is looking at completing the development of the program and launching a pilot phase in early spring.

Vision Statement

"To have the Atlantic Master Logger recognized as a professional and responsible steward of the forest resource, committed to superior standards of environmental, business and sustainable forestry practices."

Principles

  1. Sustainable forestry is demonstrated by respecting landowner needs and objectives without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their need
  2. Use of responsible practices that protects water quality, conserves forest and aquatic habitats, and enhances forest health, reforestation and productivity.
  3. Supporting skilled forest professionals, acknowledging those who are highly trained and accepting of third party certification.
  4. Minimizing negative impacts to the forest, reducing disturbance and avoiding damage to that which remains.
  5. Strengthening forest communities, highlighting the vital role of natural resources to the long term economic success of Atlantic Canada.
  6. Guaranteeing transparency, allowing anyone to assess our processes and actions.
  7. Ensuring continual improvement in harvesting practices, supported by effective training, procedures, and monitoring.