CMFN News
News & Media
Exciting Changes at the Canadian Model Forest Network
The Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN) is pleased to announce that Dr. Brian Kotak has accepted the position of General Manager of the CMFN. While maintaining his responsibilities as General Manager of the Manitoba Model Forest, Brian will assist the CMFN Board in preparing for a strong future. To facilitate this process, the CMFN has established a Succession Committee, which will evaluate the current landscape as well as our changing member and partner needs. The CMFN and all of our member sites are in an exciting phase of transition. While this transition has just begun, we look forward to a long and bright future.
CMFN AGM & Land Management Conference Highlights a New Direction
The Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Prince George, British Columbia June 18th-21st. The event was held in collaboration with Resources North Association’s (RNA), a member of the CMFN, Cooperative Land Management Conference. Both events highlighted the CMFN’s new approach, responsible resource management (RRM) at the landscape level. CMFN members from thirteen sites across Canada, Natural Resources Canada representatives and members from the International Model Forest Network and international sites participated in the week’s events, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to share throughout the discussions and presentations.
CMFN Launches Bioenergy Website Featured
The CMFN has recently launched a new website as a part of its national project on bioenergy. This website features Model Forest case studies, information of bioenergy policy at the provincial level across Canada as well as news articles and publications.
IMFN Releases Connections: Responsible Resource Management
The International Model Forest Network has released their first 2013 issue of their Connections Newsletter. The theme is Responsible Resource Management, highlighting the Canadian Model Forest Network's new scope as well as other innovative projects happening in Model Forests around the globe. To see the full article please click here.
Building on our Past, Looking to the Future
The Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN) represents 15 member Model Forests across Canada. The past 20 years has provided the opportunity to gain expertise and experience engaging a wide range of partners in programs and activities. These have focused on many different forest topics, addressing environmental, social, and economic issues, as well as assisting in identifying and exploring new opportunities.
The EOMF Celebrates 10 Years of FSC Chain of Custody Certification
Congratulations to the Eastern Ontario Model Forest(EOMF) for being Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certified for 10 years!
On March 21st, EOMF long-standing partners, the CMFN, members of both FSC Canada and Rainforest Alliance, friends and family celebrated the EOMF's achievements. This innovative Certification program has not only had local relevance, but the lessons learned have been shared throughout the national and international network; a perfect example of knowledge sharing and information transfer at multiple scales, a core focus and role of Model Forests. Congratulations!
For more information on the EOMF Certification program, please click here
African Model Forest Conference
The African Model Forest Network finishes their first African Model Forests Conference, themed "The New Africa: Change and Innovation in the construction of a Green Development Economy". Many Model Forests from around the world were in attendance for this event, including Lac-Saint-Jean Model Forest. Congratulations on a successful event, RAFM!
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Model Forests Continue to Address Challenges from Coast to Coast
Following years of attrition, the management of Canada’s forest economy is at a crossroads and efforts towards its transformation need to be intensified. With a delicate global recovery and aging infrastructures, rural communities struggle to maintain viable tax bases and how to make a living from the forest attractive to young people. The Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN) is pleased to announce a continued commitment from Natural Resources Canada through the Canadian Forest Service, provincial and municipal governments, industry, Aboriginal, academic/research, and non-government organization partners to pave the way for the resilience and leadership of activities focused on supporting and addressing the needs of forest-based communities.
The CMFN Releases its First YouTube Video
The Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN) is pleased to announce the release of its first YouTube video! This emotive and engaging production provides an overview and showcases who we are and what we do, while also highlighting some specific projects championed by our member Model Forests across the country. French and English versions of the video are available on CMFN’s respective homepages. In addition, we also now have our own YouTube channel, ‘cmfnvideos’, in which the videos are posted.
English: www.youtube.com/cmfnvideos
French: www.youtube.com/cmfnvideos
Thanks go out to all of our contributors and interviewees for their involvement in this project!
The CMFN Celebrates its 20th Anniversary
The members of the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN) invited guests, supporters, and partners to help celebrate its 20th anniversary. An enthusiastic crowd gathered in a top floor salon at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Ottawa, to enjoy conversation, canapés, and cocktails against a backdrop of awesome views overlooking Parliament Hill and the rest of our nation's capital.
A welcome speech from the network's President, Brian Barkley, was followed by a brief recap of the networks proud past, present, and hopeful future delivered by CMFN's Board of Directors' Chair, Daniel Arbour. A presentation was given from the International Model Forest Network Secretariat, represented by Rich Verbisky. This gave the audience a global perspective of the work and significance of the Model Forest movement not only in Canada, but internationally as well.
Smiles, laughter, words of reflection, and appreciation echoed across the room as the CMFN and its members presented awards and told stories about individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions to its success. Laser-engraved maple plaques were awarded to the following recipients or in memory of important past contributors: