Substantial progress has been made in developing criteria and indicators under the Montreal Process, but difficulties have been encountered when reporting at a country level. Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the United States follow the criteria and indicators without change, while Australia and Canada use modified versions. Three countries (Australia, Canada and Korea) report on a reduced number of indicators. Extensive consultation with local-level governments and communities took place in Australia and the USA, resulting in increased harmonisation with local-level reporting. Reports have been produced for two main purposes: to fulfil the reporting obligations to the Montreal Process and to communicate the status of forests to a country's citizens, thereby engaging them in the process of sustainable forest management. This paper examines how well these two stated purposes have been achieved. Our research suggests that despite many seemingly successful initiatives, there is considerable room for improvement. Current reporting practices, if not corrected, will create difficulties in communicating progress in sustainable forest management amongst countries.