Project ID: ACR840
Standard: ACR Standard v7.0 (December 2020)
Methodology: IFM (Version 2.0, July 2022)
Project start date: June 30, 2021 (acquisition date)
Current validation and verification body: SCS Global Services

Featuring a diverse mix of naturally regenerated spruce, fir, and northern hardwood tree species, its name reflects the highly sought-after subspecies of Arctic char native to the lakes there. Ninety-four percent of these property lands have historically been managed as productive forests by its prior owners—most recently, a high-net-worth family investor and historically, large paper companies. Manulife Investment Management’s forest management regime reduces its target harvest levels significantly when compared to the baseline scenario, instead targeting a maximum harvest of approximately 50% of annual growth. Manulife used its extensive local forester knowledge and experience of operating timberlands in the region to set a conservative baseline that considers stand operability, mill capacity, contractor availability, and comparable property timber management in line with the most recent ACR IFM protocol standards. The property is subject to a conservation easement that maintains the right of traditional public access to the property and limits development and subdivision, while retaining broad landowner rights for long-term timber, wildlife, and other natural resource management. Ten maple sugar tapping leases, covering 2,750 acres, are in force for the collection of sap. A recreational access program is managed by North Maine Woods Inc., a private nonprofit organization that manages public use of approximately 3.5 million acres of private forestlands in Northwest Maine. The organization also maintains a network of ~350 campsite locations in the region, including nine locations on the project property. Blueback offers a range of additional co-benefits, including maintaining a valuable wildlife corridor, improved water quality and reduced erosion resulting from decreased harvest activity.

Co-benefits

• Water quality improvement resulting from the reduction in sedimentation due to lower harvest volumes compared to baseline
• Benefits the endangered Arctic char (Blueback) fish species
• Feasibility of co-benefit certification under assessment

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