Forestry in Saskatchewan
Socio-Economic Benefits
- Second largest industry in northern Saskatchewan.
- Forest products sales of over $1 billion annually and the sector supports nearly 8,000 jobs.
- Full development of the sector has the potential to generate over $2 billion in forest products sales annually and support nearly 12,000 jobs.
- Over 75% of primary forest products are exported to other countries.
- Over 28% of the timber is allocated to Indigenous businesses, the highest of any province.
- Largest 100% owned and operated First Nations saw mill in Canada.
- First Nations and Métis people make up over 30% of the workforce, by far the largest percentage of Indigenous forestry employees in any province.
- Saskatchewan represents approximately 10% of Canada’s total Indigenous forestry employment.
- The emerging bio-economy can foster value-added economic development opportunities and create new jobs.
Sustainable Forest Management
- Over half of Saskatchewan is forested.
- Commercial Forest Zone is 11.7 million hectares, of which 5.3 million hectares is productive forest land available for commercial timber harvesting.
- Sustainable timber harvest (Annual Allowable Cut) from the Commercial Forest Zone is over 8 million cubic metres.
- Government of Saskatchewan ensures forests are sustainably managed by maintaining a balance of economic, social, and ecological values, in cooperation with industry, local stakeholders, communities and Indigenous groups.
- Forest industry currently has 62% of the commercial forest certified to one or more internationally recognized forest certification regimes, which represents over 95% of the timber harvested annually.
- Forest industry is required by law to complete long-term forest management plans and shortterm operating plans, in consultation with affected stakeholders and communities.
- Timber harvesting occurs on less than 1% of the productive forest landbase annually.
- Forest industry is required by law to ensure all timber harvest areas are reforested.
- Government of Saskatchewan monitors and manages forest insect and disease populations that can threaten forest health.
- Forests are a renewable resource contributing to global greenhouse gas reductions and carbon sequestration.
- Government of Saskatchewan is responsible for ensuring the Crown’s duty to consult obligations are met with respect to Treaty and Indigenous rights.
For more information:
Forestry Development Branch
Ministry of Energy and Resources
(306) 953-3785
