Tapping into Tradition: Sustainable Forestry in Quebec’s Maple Forests

Sustaining a Way of Life
In Canada, maple syrup is more than just a product; it’s part of the national identity. In the forests of Quebec, over 43 million maple trees are carefully tapped each year, producing the sweet syrup enjoyed by millions around the world.

Producing over 72% of the world’s supply, these forests are essential to Canada’s heritage and economy, but the landscape demands care. Syrup production must strike a delicate balance, ensuring trees remain healthy and local biodiversity is protected for generations to come.

For artisanal sugar maker Stéphane Larivière, this is a lifelong commitment. His father, Claude, began tapping trees on their land nearly half a century ago, laying the foundations for a practice rooted in tradition and stewardship.

“Maybe the modern world is all about taking,” he reflects, “but here in the maple forest we simply cannot take without giving back… I know that I have a duty to protect this beautiful land while sharing its fruits with the world.”

A Short Season, A Long-Term Vision
The maple syrup season is brief, lasting just four to six weeks in early spring. As snow blankets the forest, preparations begin. Nearly 8,000 trees are tapped by hand, miles of tubing networks are checked and repaired, and the sugar shack, the heart of the operation, is readied for the weeks ahead.

Claude, now in his eighties, still helps in the sugar shack, while Stéphane’s wife, Céline, supports him throughout the season, a steady presence in this family-run operation.

As soon as nature signals the start of the season, the Larivières are ready. Work begins when cold nights give way to warmer days and the trees awaken. In this forest, nature is not just the provider; it’s a partner.

“Out here, we work on nature’s timeline,”Stéphane says.

The season also allows for essential forest management, a field Stéphane has worked in for 39 years. Trees are inspected, trails cleared, and invasive species controlled to create a balance that allows native trees to thrive.

“We collect trees that are at the end of their life and turn them into raw material for fuel,” Stéphane explains. “The purpose of cutting down mature trees is to give a chance for their young offshoots to grow.”

For Stéphane, preserving the forest’s long-term health is inseparable from the work of producing syrup. It’s a philosophy rooted in care, and one that mirrors global efforts to protect natural environments. It’s a commitment shared by the Yanmar Green Challenge 2050: a mission to reduce environmental impact and support regenerative practices.

As Stéphane puts it, “As soon as we intervene in nature, we disturb the ecosystem. It’s the way we intervene that makes it positive or negative.”

Balancing Tradition and Innovation
The season is short but intense. While rooted in tradition, the Larivières are looking ahead. Stéphane is embracing technology to future-proof their operation whilst continuing to care for the forest with the same respect.

Traditionally, sap was collected in metal buckets, but today, tubing networks carry sap from thousands of trees to a central vat, reducing waste and human impact.

“We have almost double the yield of 20 years ago,” Stéphane explains, thanks to investments in new technology.

For him, innovation and sustainability are inextricably linked. Every step is about working smarter while protecting the land. That mindset guides his equipment choices, making Yanmar Compact Equipment a natural fit for his values.

Working Lightly in the Landscape
Stéphane selected the Yanmar SV100-7 excavator, a machine suited to delicate yet challenging forest environments.

Part of preserving these forests means working with a light touch. Traditional forestry equipment can damage roots, churn soil, and scar the land. The SV100-7 offers a different approach: compact and maneuverable, it’s able to weave through the forest with relative ease.

To further protect the ground, Stéphane lays branches beneath the tracks, softening the machine’s footprint. Within weeks, the ground begins to recover. Regrowth is fast, and the ecosystem continues undisturbed.

With quiet, fuel-efficient machines, Yanmar helps Stéphane meet production and forestry challenges without compromising the land.

Dependability, Deep Within the Forest
Quebec’s forests bring extreme, unpredictable conditions. Winter temperatures can drop to -30°C (-22°F), then rise to over 32°C (90°F) in summer. Temperature changes of 22°C (40°F) in weeks are common. Trails freeze, thaw, and turn to mud in a matter of days. In this environment, reliability is essential. That’s why Stéphane counts on Yanmar.

To prepare for these challenging conditions, Stéphane’s SV100-7 was fitted with forestry-specific modifications: reinforced components, extra protective guards, and adapted hydraulics.

From hauling logs to clearing trails, the SV100-7 delivers in tough conditions. For Stéphane, confidence in his machine is non-negotiable:

“I don’t have to worry about the reliability of the machine; I can focus on working with it.”

A Legacy with Purpose
For families like the Larivières, maple syrup is a way of life. This blend of tradition, environmental care, and innovation reflects not only their values but also a broader Canadian ethos.

With vast forests and a commitment to conservation, Canadians feel a deep responsibility to protect the natural world. As Stéphane puts it, “As a country, we are proud to be recognized as guardians of the environment. We must understand that we can all benefit from nature by living in harmony with it.”

Claude Larivière watches with pride as his son carries the family legacy forward. “I am more than proud to see Stéphane take over the business, and I hope it continues for many years,” he says. Stéphane’s son is currently working at a large sugar bush in the U.S., gaining experience before returning home to continue the tradition. “I would like, in the future, to hand over to my children. Pass it down, as my father did with me,” Stéphane says.

Rooted in heritage but focused on the future, the Larivières are helping shape a more sustainable world, where environmental care and family values go hand in hand. It’s a vision Yanmar champions globally: from city streets and open seas, to the heart of the Canadian maple forest.

Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/stjO7_05IrY?si=keWyX88OY2d2cks3