The Pikangikum First Nation is planning to set aside more than 430 thouand hectare of forest land as a protected area.
The provincial government signed terms of reference with the remote community for forestry planning in the Whitefeather Forest.
Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield was in Pikangikum this week to sign the agreement and says she's been encouraged by the progress so far.
Under the terms of reference a forestry plan for the Whitefeather Forest will be ready by 2012.
36 percent of the forest has been designated for protection.
