1. The twentieth session of the North American Forest Commission (NAFC) was held in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada, at the kind invitation of the Government of Canada, from 12 to 16 June 2000. The session was attended by 26 participants from the three member countries of the Commission, as well as two observers representing the International Union of Forestry Research Organizations (IUFRO) and the International Model Forest Network Secretariat (IMFNS). The agenda of the session is given in Annex A, the list of participants in Annex B and the list of documents submitted for consideration by the Commission is Annex C.

2. Mr. Yvan Hardy, Chair of the Commission, welcomed participants to the session. He noted the importance of the Commission in addressing forest issues of common interest to its membership, underscoring the many contributions that study groups have made over the years with regard to improving sustainable forest management across the continent.

3. Mr. M. Hosny El-Lakany, Assistant Director-General, FAO Forestry Department, also welcomed the participants on behalf of Dr. Jacques Diouf, Director-General of FAO. He thanked the Government of Canada, and particularly Natural Resources Canada, for hosting the session, underlined the importance of the FAO regional forestry commissions in helping FAO to identify issues and determine appropriate courses of action. Mr. El-Lakany then reviewed policy and technical issues of importance to the North American region, such as sustainable forest management, forest fire management and the need for more accurate forestry information and statistics, and recalled the FAO's offer to host the Secretariat of the proposed UN Forum on Forests.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA (Item 1)

4.The Commission approved the Provisional Agenda with the following amendment: to include, under item 9, an additional proposal to amend Rule VIII of the Rules of Procedure of the Commission (Subsidiary Bodies) (for decision).

5. The following were appointed to the Drafting Committee:

Rosalie McConnell (Canada)

Laura Lara (Mexico)

Jan Engert (United States of America)

Yves C. Dubé (Secretary of the Commission) assisted the Drafting Committee.

STATE OF FORESTRY IN THE REGION (Item 2)

(A) CANADA

6. Canada's report to the twentieth session of the North American Forest Commission (NAFC) provided an overview of the importance of forests to Canadian society, culture, environment and economy and described major initiatives.

7. One such initiative was Government on-line. It would provide Canadians, by 2004, electronic access to all federal information on programs and services. Within this same period, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) would establish a Canadian Natural Resources Knowledge Network to give interested parties a single point of access to the natural resources sector at the federal, provincial, territorial and private enterprise levels.

8. With regard to forestry, a series of cross-country public workshops and a multi-party review resulted in a new five-year national strategy that built on the successes of the previous one. As with its predecessor, independent reviews would assess progress in implementation and findings would be published.

9. Also of note was the work being done on criteria and indicators (C&I) for sustainable forest management. Since 1995, the capacities of information systems had grown, the approaches to forest inventories had changed and the availability of data for some indicators had improved. These advances had increased Canada's ability to measure progress, making it possible to prepare a report that would be released in the coming months. Several provinces had adopted their own C&I, incorporating them into their forest planning and, in some cases, their forest legislation.

10. In the area of science and technology, two recently established groups were providing advice on issues of importance to the forest sector. Members represented a cross section of forest groups, including academia, non-governmental organizations, Aboriginal groups, industry and provincial and territorial governments. In addition, workshops had been conducted with staff throughout the Canadian Forest Service to help bridge science and policy dimensions while enhancing their effectiveness to deal with complex problems.

11. With regard to Aboriginal forestry, the First Nation Forestry Program was exceeding expectations. An independent review concluded that the program was enhancing the capacity of First Nations; was responding to the needs of 85 percent of its participants; and was ushering in a new relationship among First Nations, governments and the private sector.

12. On the international front, Costa Rica and Canada had formed a partnership to support the work of the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests (IFF) with regard to future arrangements and mechanisms. Twenty-one countries and organizations had lent their support to the initiative. Participation was open to governments, intergovernmental institutions and the range of non-governmental groups. Two international and eight regional meetings had taken place between February and December 1999. The final one, held in Ottawa, Canada, produced a report for the fourth session of the IFF.

13. With a renewed commitment to sustainable forest management, innovative partnerships, ongoing dialogue and the most advanced technologies, Canada entered the new millennium confident that it could face tomorrow's forestry challenges.

(b) Mexico

14. The strategic guidelines being implemented by the Mexican government were consistent with the principles of sustainable forest management, based on integrated management; protection and development; and job creation. To facilitate this process, the Mexican government had established and strengthened several programs, including the Forestry Development Program, the Commercial Forest Plantations Program, the National Reforestation Program and the Forest Fire Protection Program. The government had recognized that the move towards the sustainable management of the forested areas was a long-term strategy that needed to be implemented on a continuous basis.

15. Mexico also reported on progress in implementing the Periodic Forestry National Inventory, established this year to obtain new statistics regarding 2000-2001 and to provide more accurate information on the changes to, and the current status of, vegetation. Institutional agencies that had direct or indirect responsibility for the management of forest resources whose activities were compatible and consistent with those required by the forestry sector to achieve sustainable development had been included.

16. It noted that funding for forest resource management by the Mexican federal government had risen nine-fold over 1996 levels. With regard to the economic aspects of forestry, it was noted that despite increased production and a consequent upward contribution to the gross domestic product, the trade balance in the forest sector was still in deficit because of imports of cellulose products.

17. On the subject of forest fires, in the past two years, efficiency indicators reflected that progress had been made in fire prevention, detection and fighting.

18. Mexico further recognized that the range of goods and services provided by forests have to be evaluated and appraised when setting out development policies because this would make it possible to give them priority for conservation purposes. Mexico continued to implement an open and transparent consultation process with the national, state and regional forestry advisory councils. There had been wide-ranging and highly beneficial international co-operation with other countries and with international agencies such as FAO. The conservation of forest ecosystems was a priority for Mexico. For this reason the National Commission for Natural Protected Areas had recently been established and 116 areas, totalling 12.7 million hectares and representing 6 percent of the national territory, had been set aside as natural protected areas.

(c) United States of America

19. The U.S. presentation on the State of Forestry in the United States summarized the history, condition of forests and the timber situation in the country. In addition it focused on three challenges facing public forest lands in the United States: the Forest Service proposal for roadless area conservation, the consensus being reached U.S.-wide on criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management, and the importance of education in creating a support base for sound forest management.

20. The U.S. had the fourth largest forest estate of any nation with 300 million hectares of forest, most in private ownership. Federal forests comprised 27 percent of all forests, with 9 percent of U.S. forest land administered by states and local governments. Private forest lands were concentrated in the East while federal forests were concentrated in the West. Forests in the U.S. were considered productive and provide for much of the country's needs, although the U.S. imported 50 million cubic meters of wood products annually. American society in the 20^th century had changed from rural and agrarian to urban and industrialized. This had caused a shift in the mix of uses and values the public seeks from its forests, particularly public forest land. Increased demands for recreation, protection of biodiversity, and watershed management were driving forest management.

21. In October 1999, President Clinton announced a proposal to protect roadless areas on public forest land from further road construction. Roadless areas represented 22 million hectares of the national forests and grasslands that do have roads and are not currently part of the system of designated wilderness in the United States. Roadless areas represented some of the last remaining refuges for rare ecosystems and species as well as providing clean water, recreation opportunities and reference areas for research. The roadless issue was also an infrastructure issue for the Forest Service. Public forest lands had over 610,000 kilometers of roads with neither the budget nor public support for maintenance. After a year of deliberation and analysis and over 365,000 public comments, the Forest Service proposed to prohibit road construction and reconstruction on 16 million hectares. All other uses in the areas, such as recreation, watershed, wildlife and timber management would be decided at the local level through local forest planning processes.

22. One of the ways the U.S. was implementing their commitment to sustainable forest management by the year 2000 was through the Montreal Process Criteria and Indicators. A comprehensive national assessment of U.S. forest conditions and forest management based on the Montreal criteria and indicators would be released in 2003. In July 1998, a Roundtable on Sustainable Forests was initiated with key internal and external partners and consensus was reached in using criteria and indicators as a common basis for evaluating the sustainability of all U.S. forests, both private and public. In addition, a Committee of Scientists Report was issued in 1999 that directed the Forest Service to plan and manage on a landscape level, emphasizing "sustainability as the guiding star" for stewardship of public forest lands. In September 1999, the Forest Service proposed a new planning rule for land and resource management on national forests and grasslands. The proposed rule encouraged the use of the Montreal criteria and indicators, emphasizing monitoring activities designed to develop a desired future condition. Other activities supporting sustainable forest management across the U.S. included the American Forest and Paper Association's "Sustainable Forestry Initiative" on industrial forest land in the U.S; the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, WI working closely with industry to develop ways to recycle materials; reduce waste and use low-value timber; and the many partnerships with other U.S. government agencies to conserve North America's neotropical birds.

23. Education programs in schools as well as partnerships with other institutions and agencies to connect with urban and rural populations on forest and natural resource management concepts were critical in developing a support base. The Forest Service was hoping to regain some momentum in the conservation education arena that was lost in the 1980's through limited policy direction and funding. Natural resource managers needed to talk less to each other and more to the local and regional communities that they served. The multiple use concept was alive and well, and recreation, water, minerals, grazing, urban forestry and community development assistance were just some of the many benefits that came from the nation's forests.

REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF ALTERNATES (Item 3)

24. The Bureau of Alternates (BOA) met three times since the last session where members exchanged information on changes occurring in their respective organizations, reviewed progress of study groups and identified additional ways to support their activities. They also arranged for several enhancements to be made to the Commission's websites and made special efforts to post updates, meeting reports and other documents in a timely manner. It would continue to encourage study groups to use the sites as a means to communicate with the BOA and other groups on issues of mutual interest and concern.

25. As follow-up to its meeting in March 1998, a task force was established to review the mandates, objectives and activities of each study group with a view to suggesting potential future work on current and emerging issues. The review should also provide the basis for recommending, as appropriate, the establishment, modification or termination of study groups. In this regard, a preliminary examination of responses to a questionnaire revealed that use of web sites by study groups varied widely, that communication with personnel in the Forestry Department of FAO was uneven and that interaction among the groups themselves was fairly regular. In consultation with those involved, suggestions would be made to address identified short-comings over the next year. The BOA expresses its commitment to continue to support the work of the study groups and reaffirmed its intention to make resources available to them, to the extent possible, for special projects they may wish to undertake. The next meeting of the BOA would be in Oaxaca, Mexico, in November 2000.

26. Given the need to enhance working relations with the experts in the FAO's Forestry Department, the Commission recommended that FAO facilitate and host a meeting of the BOA in Rome, possibly in the margins of the next session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO) in March 2001.

27. It was also recommended that FAO play an active role in the activities of the study groups through such means as participation in joint conferences and seminars; support in providing interpretation at key meetings; assistance in publishing proceedings and translating documents; and collaboration in the drafting of technical papers.

FAO FORESTRY ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST TO THE REGION, INCLUDING FOLLOW-UP TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE NINETEENTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION (Item 4)

28. The Secretariat presented FAO activities of interest to the region, including follow-up to the recommendations of the Commission at its last session.

29. One of the thrusts of the Forestry Programme in the future would be on providing further support to national forestry programmes and developing partnership with organizations such as the European Community, the World Bank, UNDP, UNEP, IITO and CIFOR. Emphasis would also be given to forestry in low forest cover countries; C&I and certification; and the relationship between forests and climate change.

30. The Commission acknowledged the support that FAO provided throughout the global forest policy dialogue to both the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests and the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests. With the potential establishment of the United Nations Forum on Forests, the Commission noted the need for FAO to continue its active involvement and recommended that the Forestry Department be given the resources it needs to participate fully in the implementation of any future program of work.

REVIEW OF STUDY GROUP ACTIVITIES (Item 5)

(a) Forest Genetic Resources

31. The main achievements of the Group included a number of international workshops and seminars that it had convened in Mexico and the United States, publishing the proceedings in both English and Spanish. It had also completed a number of genetic studies for the purpose of developing genetic conservation strategies for several species of Mexican conifers, such as Picea chihuahuana, P. mexicana, Pinus ayacahuite and P. maximartinezii inter alia. This had been done under scientific cooperation agreements between the Institute of Forest Genetics of the California Forest Service, and the Forest Genetics Centre in Mexico. Future plans included working on several species of tropical trees and organizing seminars and workshops on the conservation of the genetic resources of trees threatened with or risking extinction.

(b) Fire Management

32. The main activities of the Fire Management Study Group (FMSG) were: exchanging information and technical specialists, coordinating and facilitating mutual aid and undertaking collaborative projects, including training. In the fall of 1999, the group attended the 33^rd meeting in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. During that same year, the fire season was near average, with a three-country total of 92,095 fires burning a total of 4,384,372 ha, slightly below the long-term average. Several joint initiatives were pursued, including agreements to protect radio frequencies for mutual aid in fire fighting and for training. Major field experiments in progress are the International Crown Fire Modelling Experiment in Canada, Project Frostfire in Alaska in the United States, and the Information System on Fires in Mexico. The FMSG charter and awards processes had been updated and work had started to develop criteria and indicators for wildfire. The third International Wildland Fire Conference was proposed for 2002 in Santiago, Chile, and CDN$50,000 had been set aside for this purpose. Also, up to CDN$97,000 had been earmarked for web site development and for grants in aid to research. The FMSG was very active in Mexico with more than 33 projects related to training, technology transfer and research, involving the Commission and external partners.

33. Activities underway included the development of the Exotic Pest Information System for North America and the preparation of two publications. The information system was an internet database that identified exotic pests with the potential to cause damage to North American Forests. The web site was expected to contain up to 50 entries by this fall, with more to follow. The book, Mistletoes of North American Conifers, should be completed by the fall of 2001. Forest Diseases of Mexico, a companion volume to Forest Insects of Mexico, would be printed in the coming months. Two new sub-committees on biosystematics and quarantine pest research have been established and were actively preparing plans and proposals. Several technical exchanges were proposed on such topics as gypsy moth monitoring system, training in forest health monitoring and port inspections for exotic pests. The next meeting would be in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, in September 2000.

(d) Silviculture

34. The Silviculture Study Group (SSG) addressed issues related to tropical species, notably silvicultural practices in tropical North America. The Group kept abreast of current developments in tropical silviculture, sponsored and designed international workshops, training exercises and study tours, produced publications and searched for opportunities to collaborate with other NAFC groups and outside agencies. Latest accomplishments included a book on useful tropical species, an international workshop in Mexico and a joint meeting with the Study Group on Genetic Resources. Projects resulted in cooperating in the publication of a tropical tree seed manual and a list of tree species of North America, and working on demonstration areas for the management of tropical forests in Mexico. The Group was also examining emerging issues such as multiple use species. With regard to future work, it was suggested that links with FAO could be improved by having more exchanges of information and expertise. Following discussion, the Commission recommended that the group consider adding aspects related to protection and restoration of degraded forest lands to their activities through, for example, nurseries and reforestation.

(e) Atmospheric change and forests

35. The Study Group on Atmospheric Changes and Forests promoted the knowledge of forest ecosystems through the science and monitoring of the effects of atmospheric pollutants on North American forests, through international co-operation and the dissemination of new technologies and techniques among the three member nations. At its 1998 meeting in Mexico City, the Study Group focused on specified tasks from a North American perspective. Accordingly, at the 1999 meeting, hosted by the United States Park Service at Big Bend in Texas, the group accepted a proposal to compare passive ozone monitoring methodologies and assessment procedures among the three countries. At a subsequent meeting in January 2000, specialists prepared a draft plan of action that they hoped to finalize in October 2000.

36. Collaboration with FAO, other NAFC Study Groups and partners, had taken place to plan a conference on the effects of global change on forests that would be held in July 2000 in Merida, Mexico. At that time, the Study Group would chair a one-day workshop on atmospheric effects on forest ecosystems. In addition, the Chair of the Forest Insects and Diseases Study Group had been invited to the meeting in October to discuss potential joint activities. As well, a member was participating in the FAO's initiative to develop a global ecological map for forest resource assessment.

(f) Neotropical Migratory Species

37. No report was given for this group as it had not met since the last session. However, it was noted that members had been very active in other fora across North America in addressing migratory species issues, particularly birds and waterfowls. Therefore, in light of activities being carried out elsewhere, the Commission endorsed the BOA's recommendation to terminate the study group. Should a new proposal be submitted in the future, the Commission would examine the merits of renewing its support at that time.

(g) Forest Products

38. The mandate of the North American Forest Products Study Group (FPSG) was to promote and enhance the sustainable use of forest products within North America by, among other activities, facilitating the exchange of technology and expertise. Four working groups were addressing issues in the following areas: wood products standards; fiber supply; non-wood forest products, and certification. Members held conference calls approximately every two months and held an international meeting on forest products in 1998. Proceedings were available in English and would soon be published in Spanish and French. Work was also underway on a paper covering various wood products in North America, current trends in the use of wood products, standards and third-party inspection requirements. A second paper on changing wood production demand and the implications of demand for North American fibre supply was also being drafted. With regard to non-wood forest products, the working group was exploring a tri-national workshop on the subject and drafting executive summaries of their respective conferences to share with others. Activities related to certification consisted in monitoring activities and preparing respective country summaries.

(h) Forest Inventory, Monitoring and Assessment

39. This Study Group was inaugurated in 2000 and held its first meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA in January 2000. At that time, the membership was finalized and the charter approved. Representatives provided an overview of the state of forest inventory in their respective countries and developed an action plan for the coming year. Among other items, a summary of remote sensing activity would be prepared so that discussions could be held on the role it could play in forest inventory, monitoring and assessment within North America. As well, there would be a focus on the establishment of partnerships with other Study Groups, FAO and other relevant organizations. Canada was elected Chair for the coming year and would host the next meeting in January 2001 in Victoria, British Columbia.

TECHNICAL ITEMS (Item 6)

40. Three technical papers: on urban forestry, alien species, and carbon sequestration in the context of North America, were discussed by the Commission.

41. The Commission recommended that the BOA examine how some of the issues identified could be addressed in future.

42. During discussions on urban forestry, the Commission recognized the significant contributions urban forests make to the environmental quality, economic prosperity and social well-being of cities and peri-urban areas. It also noted that urban forests are part of larger landscapes and management programs should be implemented on a watershed scale. In this regard, it was recommended that FAO expand its urban forestry to include these considerations.

43. During discussions on the role of forests in carbon sequestration, it was recommended that FAO strengthen its activities and promote the exchange of information in this area.

Criteria and Indicators

44. Each member country reported on progress in applying criteria and indicators at the national and local levels, including initiatives related to the Montreal Process. FAO then gave an overview of international activities and described its involvement, including organizing an expert consultation in November 2000 in conjunction with UNEP, ITTO, CIFOR and IUFRO. The purpose of the session was to take stock of the current situation and discuss enhanced cooperation, coordination and compatibility among various processes.

45. The Commission recognized the progress all countries were making in this area, notably the Local Unit Criteria and Indicator Development (LUCID) project in the United States, the field test in Chihuahua, Mexico, and the development of a practical guide for using C&I by one of the model forests in Canada.

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MOUNTAINS (Item 7)

46. By way of information, it was noted that the Inter-Agency Working Group on Mountains had been reactivated and that FAO, as lead agency for the International Year of Mountains in 2002, had established regional fora for discussion of issues related to sustainable mountain development. It had also prepared a concept paper on the subject and was focusing on its watershed management program.

47. Given the role forests play in providing dependable sources of fresh water to sustain all forms of life, the Commission recommended that FAO pay greater attention to management at the watershed scale, focusing on the restoration of degraded watersheds and the maintenance and protection of existing watersheds. It also recommended that FAO address issues related to watershed management in an integrated fashion, across all sectors of the Organization.

48. The growing importance of forests as sources for recreation, eco-tourism and as a means to provide communities with additional income was widely recognized. The opportunity to use forests as outdoor classrooms to educate the public on their many benefits was also underscored. Therefore, the Commission recommended that FAO establish a program of work to address issues in these areas.

REGIONAL ISSUES IDENTIFIED BY THE COMMISSION FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE COMMITTEE ON FORESTRY (Item 8)

49. The Commission recommended that the following matters be brought to the attention of the Committee on Forestry:

a) that the Forestry Department be given the resources it needs to fully participate in the implementation of any future program of work of the proposed United Nations Forum on Forests;
b) that FAO expand its urban forestry program;
c) that FAO pay greater attention to management at the watershed level, focusing on the restoration of degraded watersheds and the maintenance and protection of existing watersheds;
d) that FAO address issues related to watershed management in an integrated fashion across all sectors of the Organization;
e) that FAO establish a program of work to address issues related to recreation, eco-tourism and the use of forests as outdoor classrooms for public education.

PROPOSAL FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE COMMISSION (Item 9)

50. The Commission unanimously adopted the proposed amendments to Rule VIII (Subsidiary Bodies) and Rule X (Languages of the Commission) (see amendments in Annex D).

OTHER BUSINESS (Item 10)

51. Joint presentations on the Commission's Website were made by the Secretariat and a representative of the United States. The Commission expressed its satisfaction with the progress made so far and suggested that greater use be made by the Study Groups.

BUSINESS OF THE COMMISSION (Item 11)

(a) Election of officers

52. The following officers were confirmed by the Commission to hold office during the forthcoming biennium:

Chairperson:

Michael Dombeck (United States of America)

First Vice-Chairperson:

Jorge Delvalle (Mexico)

Second Vice-Chairperson:

Yvan Hardy (Canada)

53. The Commission designated Val Mezainis as Chairperson of the Bureau of Alternates.

(b) Date and place of Next Meeting

54. United States of America invited the Commission to hold its next session in the year 2002. The Commission thanked the United States of America for its kind invitation.

ANNEX A

AGENDA

1. Adoption of the Agenda

2. State of forestry in the Region

a) Canada
b) Mexico
c) United States of America

3. Report of the Bureau of Alternates

4. FAO forestry activities of interest to the Region, including follow-up to the recommendations of the 19th session of the Commission

5. Review of Study Groups activities:

a) Forest Genetic Resources
b) Fire Management
c) Forest Insects and Diseases
d) Silviculture
e) Atmospheric Change and Forests
f) Neotropical Migratory Species
g) Forest Products
h) Forest Inventory, Monitoring and Assessment

6. Technical items

a) Urban forestry
b) Alien Species Harmful to North American Forests
c) Carbon Sequestration in the context of North America

7. 7. International Year of Mountains - 2002 (for information)

8. 8. Regional issues identified by the Commission for the attention of the Committee on Forestry

9. Proposal for Amendments to Rule VIII (Subsidiary Bodies) and to Rule X (Languages of the Commission) of the Rules of Procedure of the Commission (for decision)

10. Other business

11. Business of the Commission

a) Election of officers
b) Date and place of next meeting
c) Adoption of report

ANNEX B

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION

CANADA

Yvan Hardy
Sous-Ministre adjoint
Ressources naturelles Canada
580 rue Booth
Ottawa ON K1A OE4
Tel. 1-613-947.7400
Fax: 1-613-947.7395
E-mail: [email protected]

Gordon Miller
Director-General
Natural Resources Canada
Canadian Forest Service
580 Booth Street, 7^th floor
Ottawa, ON. K1A OE4
Tel. 1-613-947.8984
Fax: 1-613-947.9090
E-mail: [email protected]

(Ms) Rosalie McConnell
Senior Policy Advisor
Natural Resources Canada
Canadian Forest Service
580 Booth Street, 8^th floor
Ottawa, ON K1A OE4
Tel.: 1-613-941.7379
Fax: 1-613-947.9033
E-mail: [email protected]

(Ms) Pauline Myre
Director, Policy and Planning
Natural Resources Canada
Canadian Forest Service
580 Booth St. N.W.
Ottawa, ON K1A OE4
Tel. 1-613-947.9084
Fax. 1-613-947.9038
E-mail: [email protected]

Harry Hirvonen
Science Advisor
Natural Resources Canada
580 Booth Street
Ottawa, ON K1A OE4
Tel. 1-613-731.6474
Fax.: 1-613-947.9035
E-mail: [email protected]

Jacques Trencia
Science Advisor
Natural Resources Canada
Canadian Forest Service
580 Booth Street, 7^th floor
Ottawa, ON K1A OE4
Tel. 1-613-947.9017
Fax: 1-613-947.9090
E-mail: [email protected]

Kenneth R. Farr
Science Information Officer
Natural Resources Canada
Canadian Forest Service
580 Booth Street, 7^th floor
Ottawa, ON K1A OE4
Tel. 1-613-947.9007
Fax: 1-613-947.9008
E-mail: [email protected]

Gerrit D. Van Raalte
Director-General
Natural Resources Canada, Forest Service
Atlantic Forestry Centre
Box 4000
Fredericton, N.B. E3B 5P7
Tel.: 1-506-452.3508
Fax. 1-506-452.3140
E-mail: [email protected]

Thomas E. Sterner
Science Director
Natural Resources Canada
CFS-Atlantic Forestry Centre
Fredericton, N.B. E3B 5P7
Tel.: 1-506.452.3506
Fax: 1-506-452.3525
E-mail: [email protected]

(Ms.) Judy Loo
Forest Geneticist
Canadian Forest Service
P.O. Box 4000
Fredericton, N.B. E3B 5P7
Tel. 1-506-452.3398
Fax: 1-506-452.3525
E-mail: [email protected]

Roger Cox
Research Scientist
Natural Resources Canada
Canadian Forest Service
Atlantic Forestry Centre
Fredericton, N.B. E3B 5P7
Tel.: 1-506-452.3532
Fax: 1-506-452.3525
E-mail: [email protected]

MEXICO

Vicente Arriaga
Director General del Programa Nacional de Reforestación
Secretaría de Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales y Pesca, Periférico Sur 5991-PH
Col. Arenal Tepepan
C.P. 16020 México, D.F.
Tel. 525-641.9101
Fax: 525-555.7405
Correo electrónico: [email protected]

Víctor Sosa Cedillo
Director General Forestal
Secretaría de Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales y Pesca
Avenida Progreso No. 5
Col. del Carmen, Coyoacán
CP 04100 México D.F.
Tel: +525-554.0625
Fax: +525-554.3599
E-mail: [email protected]

(Sra) Laura Lara
Subdirectora de Cooperación Internacional
Secretaría de Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales y Pesca
Avenida Progreso No. 5
Col. del Carmen, Coyoacán
CP 04100 México D.F.
Tel: +525-554.1998
Fax: +525-554.3599
Correo electrónico: [email protected]

Rubén Lazos Valencia
Director Ejecutivo de Proyectos Especiales
Secretaría de Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales y Pesca
Periférico Sur 4600
Col. Insurgentes Cuicuilco
C.P. 45000 México, D.F.
Tel.: + 525-665.4536
Fax: +525-665.5015 or 665.4506
Correo electrónico: [email protected]

Leonel Iglesias Gutierrez
Investigador Forestal
Secretaría de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural
Sierra Vertientes # 8121
Fraccionamiento Jardines del Saucito
Chihuahua, CHIH. México 31125
Tel. 52-14-25.03.93
Fax: 52-14-25.03.93
Correo electrónico:[email protected]

Basilio Bermejo Velazquez
Universidad Autonoma Chapingo
Km. 38.5 Carretera México-Texcoco
Chapingo, México 56230
Tel: 52-595-41917
Fax: 52-595-41957

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Michael Dombeck
Chief, USDA Forest Service
Department of Agriculture
201 14^th St., SW
P.O. Box 96090
Washington, D.C. 20090-6020
Tel: +1-202-205.1661
Fax: +1-202-205.1654
E-mail: [email protected]

Valdis Mezainis
Director, International Programs
USDA Forest Service
201 14^th Street N.W.
Washington D.C. 20090-6090
Tel.: +1-202-205.1650
Fax: +1-202-205.1603
E-mail: [email protected]

Gary Barrett
International Visitor Program Manager
USDA Forest Service
1099 14^th St. N.W. - Suite 5500W
Washington, D.C. 20005
Tel. 1-202-273.4695
Fax: 1-202-273.4795
E-mail: [email protected]

Jan Engert
Brazil/Mexico Program Manager
USDA Forest Service - Int'l Programs
1099 14^th Street NW, Suite 5500W
Washington, DC 20005
Tel.: + 1-202-273.4752
Fax: + 1-202-273.4750
E-mail: [email protected]

Howard Rosen
Staff Specialist
Resource Valuation and Use Research
USDA Forest Service
PO Box 96090
Washington D.C. 20090
Tel.: + 1-202-205.1557
Fax: + 1-202-205.1087
E-mail: [email protected]

Thomas Hoekstra
Director
Inventory and Monitoring Institute
USDA Forest Service
2150-A Centre Ave., Suite 300
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526-1891
Tel: + 1-970-295.5710
Fax: + 1-970-295.5885
E-mail: [email protected]

Greg McPherson
Project Leader/Research Forester
US/Forest Service
c/o Department of Environmental Horticulture
University of California, Davis, CA 95616
Tel.: + 1 530 752 5897
Fax: + 1 530 752 6634
E-mail: [email protected]

Andy Lipkis
President
TREEPEOPLE
USDA Forest Service
12601 Mulholland Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Tel: + 1-818-623.4848
Fax: + 1-818-753.4625
E-mail: [email protected]

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

Gordon Miller
IUFRO
Natural Resources Canada
Canadian Forest Service
580 Booth Street, 7^th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K14 0E4
Tel: + 1-613-947.8984
Fax: + 1-613-947.9090
E-mail: [email protected]

Fred Johnson
Executive Director
International Model Forest - Network Secretariat
International Development Research Center
250 Albert St.
Ottawa, ON K1G 3H9
Tel. 1-613-236.6163, Ext.2114
Fax: 1-613-234.7457
E-mail: [email protected]

HOST GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT

Robert Fisher
Manager Informatics
Natural Resources Canada
Canadian Forest Service
P.O. Box 4000
Fredericton, N.B. E3B 5P7
Tel.: 1-506-452.3535
Fax.: 1-506-452.3525
E-mail: [email protected]

Patricia Gaboury
Administrative Assistant
Natural Resources Canada
Canadian Forest Service
P.O. Box 4000
Fredericton, N.B. E3B 5P7
Tel.: 1-506-452.3029
Fax.: 1-506-452.3140
E-mail: [email protected]

Wendie Ringuette
Natural Resources Canada
Canadian Forest Service
P.O. Box 4000
Fredericton, N.B. E3B 5P7
Tel.: 1-506-452.3500
Fax: 1-506-452.3525
E-mail: [email protected]

Jocelyne Bourque
Financial Clerk
Natural Resources Canada
Canadian Forest Service
P.O. Box 4000
Fredericton, N.B. E3B 5P7
Tel.: 1-506-452.3555
Fax: 1-506-452.3525
E-mail: [email protected]

FAO SECRETARIAT

M. Hosny El-Lakany
Assistant Director-General
Forestry Department
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
Tel. 39-065705.5879
Fax: 39-065705.2151
E-mail: [email protected]

Yves Dubé
Forestry Officer (Planning)
Forest Policy and Planning Division
Forestry Department
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
Tel.: 39-065705.3922
Fax: 39-065705.5514
E-mail: [email protected]

(Ms.) Michèle Millanès
Meetings Assistant a.i.
Forestry Department
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
Tel. 39-065705.3641
Fax. 39-065705.2151
E-mail: [email protected]

ANNEX C

LIST OF DOCUMENTS

Agenda Item	Code	Title
1	FO:NAFC/2000/1	Provisional Agenda
2(a)	FO:NAFC/2000/2	State of forestry in Canada
2(b)	FO:NAFC/2000/3	State of forestry in Mexico
2(c)	FO:NAFC/2000/4	State of forestry in the United States of America
3	FO:NAFC/2000/5	Report of the Bureau of Alternates (BOA)
4	FO:NAFC/2000/6	Review of FAO Regular and Field Programmes, including follow-up to the requests and recommendations of the Nineteenth session of the Commission
5(a)	FO:NAFC/2000/7(a)	Report of the Study Group on Forest Genetic Resources
5(b)	FO:NAFC/2000/7(b)	Fire Management Study Group - Summary Report for 1998-1999
5(c)	FO:NAFC/2000/7(c)	Report of the Study Group on Forest Insects and Diseases
5(d)	FO:NAFC/2000/7(d)	Silviculture Study Group
5(e)	FO:NAFC/2000/7(e)	Atmospheric Changes and Forests
5(g)	FO:NAFC/2000/7(g)	Report of Forest Products Study Group (FPSG)
5(h)	FO:NAFC/2000/7(h)	Study Group on Forest Inventory and Monitoring
6(a)	FO:NAFP/2000/8(a)	Urban Forestry Issues in North America and their Global Linkages
6(b)	FO:NAFC/2000/8(b)	Alien Species Harmful to North American Forests
6(c)	FO:NAFC/2000/8(c)	Carbon Sequestration in the context of North America

Information documents:

FO:NAFC/2000/INF.1	Information Note
FO:NAFC/2000/INF.2	Provisional Timetable
FO:NAFC/2000/INF.3	Provisional List of Documents
FO:NAFC/2000/INF.4	Preparations for the International Year of Mountains - 2002

ANNEX D

AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE NORTH AMERICAN FOREST COMMISSION

Rule VIII

Subsidiary bodies

12. The Commission may establish such subsidiary bodies as it deems necessary for the accomplishment of its tasks. One such subsidiary body shall be known as Working Groups.

13. Membership in these subsidiary bodies shall comprise at least two. Members that have common interests in the problem for which a particular subsidiary body is established. For the purpose of Working Groups, however, membership will generally be comprised of no less than two and no more than three representatives from each Member Nation and be approved by the Bureau of Alternates. At least one of the members from each Member Nation shall be from the government agency responsible for forests. Observers will be part of Working Groups at the discretion of individual Chairs, with no limit on their number. A diversity of affiliations among members and observers is encouraged from such groups as industry, aboriginals, government and non-governmental organizations.

14. The terms of reference of the subsidiary bodies shall be determined by the Commission. In addition, each Working Group will develop a charter to describe the needs to be addressed, objectives, structure, operational strategies and activities proposed to carry out its mandate. The Bureau of Alternates will review each charter with the relevant Working Group Chair prior to its adoption.

15. Each Working Group will develop an action plan covering a two-year period which will include the timing of activities, responsible personnel and anticipated effects. The Bureau of Alternates will approve such action plans.

16. Working Groups will report on a regular basis to the Bureau of Alternates and to the Commission at each of its sessions.

17. The Office of Chair of each Working Group shall be assumed in turn by each of the Member Nations, usually on a two-year rotating basis and generally immediately after the biennial meeting of the Commission.

18. The establishment of subsidiary bodies, if they involve financial commitments for FAO, shall be subject to the availability of the necessary funds in the relevant chapter of the approved budget of the Organization. Before taking any decision involving expenditures in connection with the establishment of subsidiary bodies, the Commission shall have before it a report from the Director-General on the administrative and financial implications thereof.

19. Each subsidiary body shall elect its own officers who shall be eligible for re-election.

20. The Rules of the Commission shall apply mutatis mutandis to its subsidiary bodies.

RULE X

Languages

21. English, French and Spanish shall be the official languages of the Commission.

22. All the languages shall be used at each session of the Commission.

23. A Member originating documents for consideration by the Commission shall prepare them in the official language appropriate to that Member, but, in addition, shall provide abstracts in the other two official languages.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION