1. STATEMENT
The members of the Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association will assist and cooperate, wherever possible, with all recognized conservation bodies which are prepared to give constructive help towards complying with this policy. Opportunities will be taken to enhance the public's awareness and enjoyment of our wetland and peatland areas.
2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The CSPMA encourages its members to:
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2.1 | Reduce the impact of their operations on the environment and strive for maximum land restoration to the continuing benefit of the community.
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| 2.2 | Undertake studies, prior to opening new bogs, to ascertain the flora and fauna of virgin peatlands. |
| 2.3 | Identify areas of greatest environmental interest and, where possible, leave these undisturbed, to act as a refugia when harvesting ceases. |
| 2.4 | Cooperate with recognized conservation bodies in the management of refugia or other areas not required for peat production. |
| 2.5 | Work with provincial governments to designate appropriate peat bogs as reserve or parkland for the purposes of study and recreation. |
3. PEAT PRODUCTION
The CSPMA encourages its members to:
| 3.1 | Implement a practice of bog management in a way that will keep production acreage to a minimum. Operators should avoid preparing peat bogs for harvesting too far in advance of needs, and initiate reclamation procedures as soon as practical after harvesting stops. |
| 3.2 | Leave a buffer zone of original vegetation when bogs are cleared for harvesting. |
| 3.3 | When opening new acreage for harvesting, use the top spits material from the bog to spread on other bogs that are ready for restoration. |
| 3.4 | Leave a layer of peat beneath the harvest level when work ceases, relevant to the peat-type and area, in order to facilitate plant re-growth. |
| 3.5 | Plan bog drainage systems being mindful that one of the preferred reclamation procedures requires damming of ditches to restore the water table. |
4. AFTER USE
The CSPMA urges its members to put in place appropriate after-use, such as:
| 4.1 | Apply best efforts to: |
| 4.1.1. | Return a harvested bog to a functioning peatland using recommended restoration techniques. (See Peatland Restoration Guide), or |
| 4.1.2. | Return to functioning wetland and/or wildlife habitat, or |
| 4.1.3. | Reclaim peatland to forest, or |
| 4.1.4. | Reclaim land for berry crops or other agricultural crop. |
Revised and approved in February 2005.
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Using Peat Moss