Sakaw Askiy Management, Prince Albert Forest Management Agreement

Natural forest pattern harvesting is used to create a healthy, diverse and resilient forest landscape that promotes biodiversity while supporting the sustainable use of Saskatchewan's forests.

Learn more:

Infographic PDF
Natural Forest Pattern Powerpoint

Sakâw Askiy Management Inc. (Sakâw) is a corporation that holds the Forest Management Agreement for the Prince Albert Timber Supply Area (PA TSA). Sakaw facilitates forest management in the Timber Supply Area for eight shareholders who have been allocated wood to harvest from within it. The shareholders are four forest product companies and four First Nations.

Sakâw itself does not own any mills but several of its shareholders own processing facilities in Saskatchewan which use timber from the PA TSA. The wood harvested from the Timber Supply Area is used to support forest products mills in Glaslyn, Meadow Lake, Big River, Prince Albert and Carrot River, as well as several smaller facilities operated by third parties.

The Sakâw entity was formed to jointly assume the TSA and its management responsibilities. Forest operations - planning, harvesting, hauling, and renewal - are carried out by each of the shareholders in operating zones within the Timber Supply Area. The business model is designed to leave operating decisions to those with the local knowledge (shareholders) while still providing coordinated oversight at the TSA level (Sakâw).

The shareholders of Sakâw conduct all of their forestry activities under recognized forest management certification standards. These standards include measures to maintain and protect water quality, soils, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk and forests with exceptional conservation value. In addition, Indigenous Peoples’ rights are upheld and other social values are carefully managed. To be certified, and remain certified, Sakâw shareholders’ forest operations undergo independent audits by competent and accredited certification bodies. Sakâw shareholders are committed to continuous improvement within their forestry operations.

Sakâw Askiy - Cree for Forest Land

SHAREHOLDERS

Shareholders are responsible for their own planning, harvesting, hauling, renewal operations, paying Crown dues and fees, and providing related plans and reports

"Sakâw Askiy Management Inc. was formed after some very tough years for the Saskatchewan forest industry, following a reallocation of the forest resources."

TIMBER SUPPLY AREA

The total area (land, water, swamp) of the TSA is 3.3 million hectares with 2.7 million being forested. Timber harvesting is expected to be possible on 1.7 million hectare or 63% of the forested area.

MANAGEMENT PLAN

A long-term Forest Management Plan for the Prince Albert Forest Management Agreement area sets out the goals, objectives, and strategies for this forest for the period from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2038.

OPERATING PLANS

Sakâw, through its Shareholders, compiles an operating plan each year outlining the forestry activities (harvesting, road building, renewal, etc.) being planned for the next 1-5 years.