Replanting isn’t the end of regeneration, any more than birth is the end of parenthood. The new forests we plant need nurturing and care to reach their full potential.

In Alberta, forest companies never cut and run, or even replant and run — this wouldn’t be sustainable. Instead, companies carefully monitor and tend the new growth until it reaches a self-sustaining stage. Even if all goes well and the forest develops as expected, companies are still required to watch over the areas they’ve replanted for a minimum of 14 years.

Goals are established in advance for that 14-year period. If the new forest hasn’t reached specific indicators of healthy, stable development by that time, the company stays involved until those standards are met and the forest is able to thrive on its own.