This Alberta Official Statistic indicates the status of Alberta’s timber stocks by comparing the actual annual timber harvest with the long-term annual allowable cut (AAC). The gap between harvest and annual allowable cut (AAC) is a measure reflecting the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry’s ability to manage Alberta’s timber resources in a sustainable manner. It indicates the status of Alberta’s timber stocks by comparing the actual annual timber harvest with the annual amount of timber the Ministry allows to be cut in the forested portion of the province. The target is to keep Alberta’s annual timber harvest at or below the AAC and reduce the gap between actual harvest and AAC. This measure indicates the status of Alberta’s timber stocks by comparing the actual annual timber harvest with the long-term AAC, as set by the province within the Green Area. The Green Area is primarily the unsettled portion of the province defined as lands not available for agricultural development other than grazing. To ensure sustainability, harvest levels every year should not exceed approved AAC for that year.