Code of Conduct

The Standards of Practice described herein have been adopted as the minimum standards to be followed by BAFIA members when operating on private land.  When operating on Crown land, BAFIA members are expected to meet the standards required by the Crown Forest Sustainability Act. 

Enforcement of the Association’s Standards of Practice on private land will be on a complaints-basis.  Landowners who feel that a member has not met these standards when operating on their property may file a written complaint with the Association.  Complaints of malpractice by members will be investigated promptly, either by the Association or by an independent third party named by the Association for this purpose. 

A member who has been found to be operating contrary to these standards may be disciplined by the Association.  Discipline may be in the form of required training by the member to correct his practice, restitution to the landowner to correct the problem, and / or expulsion from the Association. 

  1. When operating on private land other than their own, members shall operate only under a signed contract with the registered property owner that, as a minimum, specifies:

    a.  what area(s) of the property may be harvested,
    b.  what trees on the harvestable area may be felled,
    c.  what stumpage rate(s) are to be paid and the method of payment, and
    d.  what features, if any, on the property are to be protected, and how.

    Where a landowner has waived his right to a contract, the member shall make note of the time, date and circumstances describing the waiver and the names of any witnesses, and keep a record of the event with his other records of the property.
     
  2. Before a contract to harvest trees on private land has been signed, members shall suggest as the preferred option the services of a Registered Professional Forester (RPF), an associate member of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association or a Tree Marker certified under the Ministry of Natural Resources tree marker training program, to determine what trees may be harvested in accordance with good forestry practices.  The cost of these services may be paid by the landowner or factored into the stumpage rates, as determined by the parties involved. 

    Where a landowner has declined the option of professional forestry and tree marking services, the member shall make note of the details of the discussion and the names of any witnesses, and keep a record of the event with his other records of the property. 

  3. When conducting harvest and related operations, members shall comply with their contract with the landowner, and with all resource and worker safety-related legislation, regulations and municipal by-laws. 

  4. Members shall operate in a way that does not cause more than 10% major damage to the residual stand, as defined by the Ministry of Natural Resources. 

  5. Members who are delivering forest products to mills shall endeavor to meet the purchaser’s log specs and delivery schedules, but where they are unable to do so for reasons beyond their control, shall advise the purchaser accordingly and with as much notice as possible. 

  6. Members who are purchasing forest products from suppliers shall endeavor to accept wood meeting the agreed-upon log specs and delivery schedules, but where they are unable to do so for reasons beyond their control, shall advise the supplier accordingly and with as much notice as possible.