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State of the Debate on the Environment and the Economy: Private Woodlot Management in the Maritimes

National

Round

Table

Table

ronde

nation&

on the Environment and the Economy

sur ienvironnement et IBconomie

andate M1

At the heart of the NRTEEs work is a commitment to improve environmental decision the quality of economic policy development and by providing they need

makers with the information

to make reasoned future for Canada. its mandate * advising mental decision
l

choices on a sustainable The agency seeks to carry out

by: decision makers and opinion environinto considerations lead-

ers on the best way to integrate and economic making;

actively seeking input with a vested interest and providing overcome ment; a neutral

from stakeholders in any particular meeting ground developissue

where they can work to resolve issues and barriers to sustainable

analysing environmental ability in Canada; and

and economic

facts

to identify changes that will enhance sustain-

using the products national ronment consultation

of research, analysis, and to come to a conclu-

sion on the state of the debate on the enviand the economy. syntheon develop-

The NRTEEs State ofthe Debate reports size the results of stakeholder potential opportunities ment. They summarize quences consultations for sustainable

the extent of consensus review the conseand recommend

and reasons for disagreement, of action or inaction, steps specific stakeholders sustainability.

can take to promote

ii

Membershzp

. .. 111

Members of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy
Chair Dr. Stuart Smith Chairman ENSYN Technologies Michael Harcourt Senior Associate Sustainable Development Sustainable Development Cindy Kenny-Gilday Yellowknife, NWT Dr. Douglas Knott Professor Emeritus University of Saskatchewan Anne Letellier Lawyer de St- Just

Inc.

Research Institute

Vice-Chair Lise Lachapelle President & CEO Canadian Pulp & Paper Association Vice-Chair Elizabeth May Executive Director Sierra Club of Canada Paul G. Antle Chairman, President & CEO SCC Environmental Group Inc. Jean Belanger Ottawa, Ontario Allan D. Bruce Administrator Operating Engineers (Local 115) Joint Apprenticeship and Training Patrick Carson Strategic Planning Advisor Loblaw - Weston Companies Elizabeth Jane Cracker Co-Owner Plovers Johanne Gelinas Commissioner Bureau daudiences lenvironnement Sam Hamad Vice-President Roche Construction Dr. Arthur J. Hanson President & CEO International Institute Development

Ken Ogilvie Executive Director Pollution Probe Joseph ONeill Vice-President Woodlands Division Repap New Brunswick Plan Dee Parkinson-Marcoux President CS Resources Limited Carol Phillips Director Education and International Affairs Canadian Automobile Workers Angus Ross President SOREMA Management Inc. & CEO, SOREMA Canadian Branch John D. Wiebe President & CEO GLOBE Foundation of Canada and Executive Vice-President Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Executive Director David McGuinty & CEO

Inc.

publiques

sur

for Sustainable

iv

Table of Contents

Foreword 1 Preface .................................................................................................................................................... I.

3 Executive Summary. .......................................................................................................................... 5 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................

Background Woodlot Importance Woodlot Important .................................................................................................................................................5 ..................................................................................................... 7 Facts .............................................................................................................................................6 of Maritime Management.. Provincial Woodlots

...........................................................................................................................8 Initiatives ...........................................................................................................9

II.

11 Sustainability Issues ....................................................................................................................... Data Issues ................................................................................................................................................ 11 Overarching First Nation Problems

........................................................................................................................ .12

Issues .................................................................................................................................. 13

15 III. Areas of Consensus ......................................................................................................................... Long-Term Impacts ............................................................................................................................... 15 Practices ........................................................................................ 16

Reasons for Poor Management Information Required

.17 Needed.. ...........................................................................................................................

Action. ..................................................................................................................................... 18

.21 IV. Areas of Divergence .......................................................................................................................

25 Regional Differences ...................................................................................................................... 27 to Stakeholders .................................................................................

VI. Recommendations Appendix 1:

Forestry

33 VII. Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... .35 Data ..........................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................41

Appendix 2:
Program Participants

Foreword
The National Round Table on the Environment the sustainability and the Economy (NRTEE)

established the Private Woodlot Harvesting Program to examine key issues affecting of current harvesting practices and levels in Canadas Maritime this State of the Debate the NRTEEs work over the past 18 months, this report is the provinces. As Chair of the NRTEE, I am pleased to introduce Report. Concluding

product of extensive consultations with major stakeholders and experts in the field, as well as research documenting current practices and management initiatives already under way within industry and government. It is our hope that the discussion and recommendations woodlots on the economy, social milieu and environment presented here will help to management of private of Canadas Maritime

raise awareness about the potential impact of unsustainable

provinces, and to encourage decision making in all sectors that supports sustainable woodlot management.

Stuart L. Smith, M.D. Chair, NRTEE

This report, Private Woodlot Management

Maritimes,

in the

is the second in the National Round and the Economys

Table on the Environment

(NRTEE) State of the Debate series. Based on research and consultations among key stakeholder groups from the Maritimes, the report outlines the issues surrounding private woodlot management to achieve sus-

and puts forward recommendations

tainability of the resource in the future. The report has been prepared as a reference tool for all concerned with policy and decision making for sustainable woodlot management.

The NRTEE extends its appreciation assisted with this project, especially Associates

to all who EcoLogic & work.

for their effective facilitation

NRTEE Task Force on Private Woodlots

Chair Joe ONeill Vice-President Woodlands Division Repap New Brunswick NRTEE Member

Inc.

Jean-Paul Arsenault Executive Director Prince Edward Island Round Land Use and Stewardship

Table on Resource

Lise Lachapelle President h CEO Canadian Pulp & Paper Association NRTEE Member Louis Lapierre Chaire detudes K.-C. Irving en developpement durable Universite de Moncton New Brunswick Round Table Member Elizabeth May Executive Director Sierra Club of Canada NRTEE Member Steve Thompson Chair in Sustainable Development University of New Brunswick Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Management Jim k-boom General Manager Nova Scotia Woods Co-op Nova Scotia Voluntary Planning Robin Wilber President Elmsdale Lumber Co. Nova Scotia Round Table Member Elizabeth Atkinson NRTEE Policy Advisor

Private woodlots in Canadas Maritime provinces face serious management problems. Stakeholders consulted by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) generally of this

agree that unsustainable management

resource will have negative economic, social and environmental impacts. While some disagree,

many argue the impacts could be swift and dramatic, challenging the very fabric of life in the region. A few liken the situation to that preceding the collapse of the Atlantic cod fishery.

Private woodlots of productive

account

for a large proportion -

Stakeholders

remained demand

divided

on issues such as the probin the role the of eco-

forest land in the Maritimes is essential

the role of legislation lems, increased causing of government the problems,

in addressing product

up to 88 per cent in Prince Edward Island. Fibre from private woodlots forest industry, vide employment activities in the regions economy. to the regions prowhich in turn is a vital element Private woodlots stumpage from forestry and other income Non-traditional recreation/tourism Private woodlots Many encomfish and bird

for forest products pricing,

and public consultation, areas.

need for more data and the protection logically significant

export earnings, berry picking,

for owners and tax revenues. uses include and maple syrup production. also have ecological taining habitat. At a multistakeholder lems of private woodlot overcutting sustainable problems sustainable consequences pointed reluctance provinces, of a declining stewardship management meeting biodiversity pass river and streamside

The NRTEEs consultations Maritime provinces issues in managing Scotia, for instance, able information

also show the three some special resource. Nova

each confront the woodlot probably

significance. and valuable

has the least reliof wood harin Prince to convert to pota-

areas critical for main-

on the amount pressure

vested or its markets. Woodlots Edward Island are under agricultural use because demand budworm to industry. expanding impending

of the expanding issues include and an

in Waverley, agreed the probcentre on and lack of Many felt the of and the the the

New Brunswicks

Nova Scotia, most participants

from sawmills epidemic.

management resource practices. principles

At a second meeting Brunswick,

held in Moncton, identified

New on

flow from lack of understanding of a forestry collapse. Others stakeholders, including

stakeholders

concrete

actions to put private woodlot the road to sustainability. targeted the fibre industry, cial round tables and development supply and demand training practice. woodlot

management governments,

These actions owners and provinefforts, and

to a desire to make fast money; of various to work together; short-sighted

at federal and provincial

the lack of silviculpast practices;

cover tax reform, research needs, cooperative issues, licensing

ture programs; planning.

high unemployment;

and poor government

needs, certification

issues and codes of

Many stakeholders problems proposed tainability increased tractors, data and economic various

believed planning

that solutions information. including stakeholder

to the They sus-

require much more accurate steps toward achieving among

forest

on private woodlots cooperation silviculture

groups; more education ers; increased for sustainable

and training

for conown-

workers and woodlot

public awareness; management.

and incentives

I. Introduction --:--

Background

The harvesting of Maritime woodlots as a possible issue for examination was first raised at a 1995 plenary meeting of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE).

The NRTEE members were interested in exploring the issue because of its potential impact on the Maritime economy, the future of many people and communities in the region, and the possible signif-

icant impact on the environment.

It should be noted that the selection of private woodlots as a topic for NRTEE activity does not imply that other significant or similar problems are non-existent in other classes of land ownership in the Maritime forestry community.

The NRTEE began its work on private woodlots by commissioning determine confirm organized the findings a background report to To the extent of the issues involved.

In Maritime

Canada,

a relatively

large propor-

tion of the total productive 82,000 small private woodlot Maritimes holding of more than 4 million Canada. Privately

forest land is priowners in the forest area or more than land area in make up 52 per

vately owned. In 1991, there were more than a total productive hectares,

of this report, the NRTEE to present their opinions meeting 2). at

a panel of local experts from industry held in

and the community Miramichi, Following

the NRTEEs May 1996 plenary New Brunswick the Miramichi

30 per cent of all private woodlot held woodlots cent of the productive Brunswick, hectares

(see Appendix

meeting,

the NRTEE In

forest land in New (averaging 50 under

Task Force on Private Woodlots an effort to determine management convened

was formed. provinces in 15,1996.

of which about 31 per cent is in the

the status of woodlot

hands of the small woodlot held by large companies the same guidelines Appendix the productive

in the three Maritime a multistakeholder 40 participants sectors attended

in size) owners while I9 per cent is and managed as Crown land (see per cent of

and raise the profile of the issue, the Task Force meeting Waverley, Nova Scotia, on November Approximately many different Brunswick, to identify in Moncton,

1, Table 2). Eighty-eight

representing from New meeting 20, 1997, in 2.

forest land in Prince Edward owners owning is held In

Island is held by small woodlot

Nova Scotia and Prince Edward multistakeholder actions that could be recommended was held on February New Brunswick. Participants

an average of 18 hectares. The remainder by the Prince Edward Island government. ductive forest land is privately amount, woodlot Table 3). In this report, privately a private woodlot is defined 52 per cent is retained 45 hectares

Island. A subsequent to stakeholders

Nova Scotia, more than 69 per cent of the proowned. Of this by small private size of 1,

these two meetings These consultations sent report.

are listed in Appendix

owners with an average woodlot (see Appendix

form the basis-of the pre-

approximately

as a

owned piece of land used for growing for growing industry trees, but not for use in may for

Woodlot
Canada contains land, amounting 220 million producing managed ernments

Facts
417 million hectares of forest to 10 per cent of all the forest are considered hectares production. capable of

forest trees or suitable commercial the owner. Woodlot Canadian woodlot govindividuals, organizations municipalities involvement

owned by a large corporate

forestry. Such private woodlots

or may not be used as a source of revenue

land in the world. Of this forest land, more than hectares timber and other forest products, are currently Provincial

owners are diverse but are generally residents, property. living on or near their As well as being owned by may be owned by Most First Nations the equivasizes range of

and some 119 million for timber manage

private woodlots and churches.

71 per cent of the nations govern-

such as small corporations, in forestry is on reserve lands,

forests, and the federal and territorial

ments oversee 23 per cent. Some 6 per cent of Canadas forest land is on private property belonging to more than 422,500 landowners 1, Table 1). These figures, and without referland or future First Nations (see Appendix ence to current claims.

some of which may be considered lent of a small woodlot. Woodlot from several hectares hectares, hectares.

to tens of thousands

those that follow, are presented

with a typical size being about 40

Importance Woodlots
Woodlots nomic, forming ecology.

of Maritime
serve important functions eco-

manufacturing Columbia industry

industries.

Only British upon the forest base.

is more dependent

as part of its manufacturing

in the Maritimes

social and cultural Management

as well as has

The sector employs 16,000 indirectly, Scotia combined, annually mately

27,000 people directly and and Nova

a critical part of the regions forest of private woodlots implications, affect-

in New Brunswick

and spends $638 million 1993, approxiWorkers may be silviculture sawmills. stumpage and prop-

both positive and negative ing the long-term products ational industry,

on wages and salaries in the region. On 1,000 people derived all or part of their directly in the large mills or in the or loggers. There are also many small and family-operated benefits include

fibre supply for the forest employment and fuelwood rates, recrewater supsupply.

Prince Edward Island during living from the forest industry. employed workers forest as foresters, contractors,

uses of the forest, aesthetics,

ply, wildlife habitat

Forest Industry Significance

The large pulp and paper and sawmill industry in the region depends from privately holdings, sustainable For example, provinces larger forest products including land, the viability heavily on wood supplied companies harvesting have their own rights to Crown depends upon owned land. While several of the

family-owned Other economic income

to owners, as well as income

erty taxes to governments.

of this industry

production

from small woodlots. 60

Non-traditional and Non-consumptive Uses

Private woodlots traditional berry picking, are also important for nonuses such as to and non-consumptive harvesting

in Nova Scotia, approximately supplied to the

per cent of the roundwood

pulp and saw mills comes from priprivate

wild edible mushare

vately owned land. In New Brunswick,

rooms, and hiking. These uses, which depend a large degree on healthy private woodlots, particularly munities. The tourism important economy. tourism businesses, industry and growing industry in the Maritimes is an the significant for First Nations com-

woodlots account for more than 25 per cent of the wood processed at mills in that province. In Prince Edward Island, all but a fraction commercial to supplying amount exported States. Private woodlots forest industry industry example, are critically in Maritime important to the For repof wood supply is harvested domestic vate lands (see Appendix of wood harvested to other provinces of the from pri-

1, Table 4). In addition from private land is and the United

sector of the regional more than 6,500 econo-

mills, a substantial

In Nova Scotia, for example, encompasses employs

42,000 people, and generto the provincial tourism, eco-tourism,

ates over $900 million and nature-based subsector

my each year.* Adventure tourism of this industry

Canada

and that

are a fast growing that relies heavily on

is vital to the regions economy.

in Nova Scotia, the forest industry elements economy. In New Brunswick, industry,

a healthy forest and accessible forest land. Fuelwood, maple syrup and ginseng tree growing, for hunting economic produc-

resents one of the most important the industrial forestry is the largest primary domestic product generated

tion, Christmas and outfitting ther benefits,

wreath making, derived

account-

and fishing are fur-

ing for more than 41 per cent of the gross by the provinces

and otherwise,

from private woodlots.

Voluntary Planning, Public Response to: Coalition ofNova Scotia Forest Interests Discussion Paper (Halifax, November 1996), p. 55. 7

Environmental Benefits
Ecologically, maintenance woodlots are important to the riparian fish conand protection of existing species

Woodlot
jurisdiction responsible

Management
is a matter of provincial is in Canada, each province

As forest management

diversity. Woodlots (river or streamside) ing biodiversity and bird habitat. tain important Acadian after centuries By providing

often encompass

for setting its own policies, proand regulation. However, the role on trade and does play an important statistics, forest science relations.

zones critical for enhancvaluable

grams, legislation federal government investment, mental

and preserving examples of logging. a sink for carbon of carbon

Some private woodlots of the original

for the forestry sector by focusing national and technology, Aboriginal

forest mix, now much impoverished

affairs, environ-

regulations

and international have divided are considered

dioxide, woodeffect dioxide and

While governments over the administration private woodlots

responsibility freehold prop-

lots also help combat caused by the buildup other gases:

the greenhouse

of Canadas forests, as the owner owners are all

erty to be dealt with virtually deems fit. Although capable stewards woodlot

Millions of tons of carbon are held in reservoirs of fossil fuels, forests, and in the soil. When these are burned, carbon dioxide is released. Forests are a major carbon sink meaning they absorb more carbon than they can release. As they grow, trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, contributing to this carbon reserve. Carbon is retained in the trees and becomes a major component in the wood of stems and branches.3 The environmental, benefits eral satisfaction exist, are difficult tial to include existence overall importance ecological and recreational as well as the genthat such resources

many woodlot

of their forestry resources,

owners are free to harvest their forests silviculture activities or oth-

when and how they choose. There is no obligation to undertake erwise manage tainability. annual estimates allowable private woodlots governments production, authority to ensure susestablish but often to enforce the

Provincial of sustainable

cuts (AAC) based on their actual harvests

have no reliable way to measure and have no regulatory limits once they are set. Until recently known Agreements, agement questions federal-provincial played an important

of private woodlots, of knowing

to value. However, it is essenof the private woodlot. is important The for

agreements, role in shapman-

these factors when assessing the

as the Forest Resource Development of resource

of private woodlots

ing the extent and character

many people, including forest property.

those who do not own

on private forest land. While serious have been raised about the emphasis of the programs, it seems would but

and effectiveness

clear that very little, if any, silviculture have been undertaken for these bilateral agreements.

on private woodlots

Under these agreements, port silviculture the funding activities

tens of millions

of

dollars flowed into the region each year to supon private land. In nearly 70 per cent of initiatives came Federal The federal share Nova Scotia, for example, for silviculture

from the federal government.

was even greater in New Brunswick.

3 Canadian Pulp and Paper Association, Harvest and Harmony: Managing Canadas Forests for the Future (Montreal, 1996), p. 22. 8

support the void.

for these initiatives governments

ended in 1995, leavand industry to fill

those consultations public. The Coalition steps. Among Coalition

has been released to the is now considering establishing its next the a sustainand the to on this

ing provincial

other recommendations,

has proposed

Silviculture weeding are intended annual - perhaps promoting Adequate tainability.

treatments

include

tree planting, thinning, which

ability board in Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Round concern, subject. Stora Port Hawkesbury Scotia Landowners Association collective Management joint industry, agreement announced Limited and the Nova Table on the Environment has identified and has formed Economy forestry as an area of a committee

and pre-commercial

to help young forests regenerate and hardwood and

and grow more rapidly. Over the long term, the growth of most softwood tripled through species in the Maritimes ate silvicultural practices could be doubled and developing

research and make recommendations

the use of appropri-

an ethic of good stewardship. silvicultural inputs are critical to sus-

and Forest Fibre Producers in March 1997 that a which included a Joint and governfund-

Plan had been signed. This first landowner/supplier, in Nova Scotia provides

ment partnership objective support treatments resources

ing for forest management the implementation

on private land. The Plan is to of silviculture

of the Joint Management

to private lands and to eventualIy of the private forest in eastern Nova Scotia used to supply

achieve sustainability Storas mills. In New Brunswick,

a woodlot

round

table of

Important Initiatives
vate woodlot tistakeholder

Provincial
process addresses from a regional, primmwithin and

process has been initiated (Chair, Sustainable New Brunswick) holder meetings Natural licensees, woodlot Resources through

by Steve Thompson University of suba worka series of multistake-

Development,

The NRTEE consultative management perspective

with the Department owners, environmental initiative, industry

and Energy, licensees,

with the aim of ensursectors. It is

ing that the issues receive broad attention the public, private and government hoped that this initiative assist the various processes outlined currently below. vate woodlot independent addressing will complement provincial

groups and others. In another ing group comprising representatives formed Brunswick and Energy. and woodlot

and government of the New Resources

owners has been

under the sponsorship government.

the issue of priare

The group is reporting of Natural

management.

These processes

directly to the Minister

The Coalition discussing

of Nova Scotia Forest Interests a series of public meetings

Some forest industry Brunswick owners to encourage forest management.

companies silviculture

in New to woodlot and sustainable include

has just completed

are paying incentives

its new forest strategy.4 A report on

These incentives

4 The Coalition of Nova Scotia Forest Interests included

in March 1997 the Association of Consulting Foresters of Nova Scotia, Bowater Mersey Paper Co. Ltd., Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union, Kimberly Clark Nova Scotia, Maritime Lumber Bureau, Nova Scotia Christmas Tree Council, Nova Scotia Forest Products Association, Nova Scotia Forestry Association, Silviculture Contractors Association of Nova Scotia, Stora Port Hawkesbury Ltd., and the Wood Product Manufacturers Association.

higher prices for wood from sustainably for silviculture seedling and forest management, and allocating

man-

The Forest Partnership and government of practice initiative

Council,

a coalition woodlot

of

aged land, the setting up of trust funds solely agreements, a percent-

Prince Edward Island industry, interests, for contractors.

owner a code code P.E.I.

has developed The voluntary

age of the wood price to support In 1994, the New Brunswick Woodlot Owners developed The code is a voluntary mote the environmentally tainable operation the framework of woodlot

silviculture. of to prosuswithin

came into effect on April 1,1997. Another fund was established try. It requires Island woodlots. Ecological by government

Federation

began in 1996 when a forest renewal and industo the fund and sold from several of the to that $2 be remitted

a code of practice. and financially woodlots

guide designed

for each cord of wood harvested Forestry Program, silvicultural Acadian

of working

The McPhail Woods established techniques forest.

owners objectives. Table on has pub-

years ago, is an excellent demonstration use of appropriate reestablish the original

The Prince Edward Island Round lished (1996) its interim circulating designed among

Resource Land Use and Stewardship

report entitled on the Island, is on

Cultivating Island Solutions. This report, now stakeholders to be used as a basis for discussion Table will submit

future plans and changes in land use approaches. This Round in August 1997. its final report

New Brunswick Federation (Fredericton, 1994), p. 2.

of Woodlot

Owners, New Brunswick Woodlot Owners Code of Practice

II 0

Sustainability Issues

Data Issues

The most recent annual allowable cut and harvest figures for the three Maritime provinces are contained in Appendix 1, Table 5. However, stakeholders have repeatedly questioned the accuracy of the harvest figures, since it is believed that current harvest rates are under reported.

11

While some data on woodlot are available, is incomplete. for reporting demand Tables 6 and 7 of Appendix

harvesting

levels in

such as the figures presented

1, the information

There is no precise mechanism harvest rates on private woodlots. information at a time when There are liquidatowners large, is increasing.

Yet this is essential are reports

for forest products -

that some contractors offering woodlot

ing woodlots

lump sum payments region, this option Additionally, are expanding woodlots

to have their woodlots are scarce in the saw mills, can be attractive. the use of private

cleared. Since jobs and money

many mills, especially significantly

Overarching
Stakeholders overarching generally

Problems
agree regarding problems three relating

as a major source of fibre.

and interrelated

to private woodlot
l

management: of a declining resource,

the over cutting

the lack of sustainable (stewardship) practices,

forest management

the lack of incentives return

and knowledge,

i.e.,

The New Brunswick Resources conducts

Department an annual

of Natural timber utilization

there appears to be no clear economic on an investment toward sustainowner. agreement is a serious and ability for the woodlot The consultations throughout problem

survey of all wood users in New Brunswick. This survey indicates wood was purchased Based on information and general knowledge of New Brunswick Maine, industry this estimate that for the past three AAC of softmills. years 130 per cent of the woodlot

reveal widespread management

by New Brunswick

the three provinces and the impacts

that unsustain-

from Maine companies of the size of operations who sell into that an addito Maine. If are at a level 150 contractors

able private woodlot swift in occurring.

could be dramatic

While not all agree on the some believe over hara crisis as grave as the to rural commuprovinces. or

experts estimate

severity of the impacts, vesting could precipitate impacts

tional 20 per cent is being exported being harvested Appendix Although in New Brunswick

is correct, private woodlots

collapse of the cod fishery and that the ensuing could be devastating nities in the three Maritime

per cent (+ 10 per cent) of the AAC (see 1, Table 6). there are no auditable data to support managethe

Many feel there is little public understanding awareness of the problem and no concerted to the issue, in one province in another. is effort for a regional could seriously approach

most concerns that harvested

about private woodlot amounts

ment, many people in the forest sector believe are now exceeding AAC in both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and that the future is bleak unless action is taken swiftly and cohesively. The lack of precise data is one of the key issues related to sustainability of the resource.

despite the fact that actions

affect the situation

Linked to the overall issue of sustainability the fact that there are poor markets as over mature standing. balsam in some

parts of Nova Scotia for low quality wood such fir, which is often left Some people feel that the current

12

market structure grading -

and practices common

promote

highthe

Lack of a stewardship mitment problem. resource for input agement to sustainable

ethic and limited

com-

a practice

throughout

forestry on the part of cited as part of the point to an unwillingfor the state of the

history of forestry in the Maritimes. Highgrading removes only the biggest and best probindustries, which have often way to solve some trees and has caused many of the current lems. Value-added been discussed of these problems, way. as a potential

some owners are frequently Other observers ness to take responsibility

or to make sacrifices in order to coninto the development policy and the diversity of forest manof woodlot

serve it. Still others see the lack of opportunity

are lacking. Consequently,

wood is not always used in the best possible

owners as contributing

to the overall problems.

First Nation
Regarding

Issues
people state that, stands on most and are and man-

the state of the forest on First Nation timber

reserves, many First Nations with some exceptions, now nearly exhausted. agement of timber pered by disputes

reserves have not been well managed Coordination harvesting between

has been hamregulations

the federal govern-

ment and First Nations. Many issues surround duction. holders to see harvesting able long-term annual the impact of wood proset up under the Indian ment of on-reserve ignored by Indians

Moreover,

Act to govern manageassets are frequently alike. In have tried to gain reserves. So

For example, the desire of some stakerates match a sustainallowable cut in part own-

timber

and non-Indians

recent years, First Nations access and cutting rounding

conflicts with the desire of some woodlot ers to harvest over mature has some economic

rights to Crown land sur-

wood while it still

or close by First Nation

value. Various questions and

far, however, they have had little success. First Nations on-reserve recognize the need to revitalize They feel there is a expertise, training over their own management

have been asked about how to ensure that the trees being cut bring the most economic ecological benefit for the future.

timber

holdings. and control

need for more woodlot for full authority timber and equipment. sharing,

The debate over how much and which wood to harvest is further harvesting complicated themselves. by questions The Acadian to the boreal options of labourin the from over practices

assets, and for wood-harvesting

They believe that the integrainto existing information marketing, and processing

forest (which is present forest in the region), species, has different

in addition

tion of First Nations harvesting, systems is essential.

with its wide variety of management

the boreal forest, which consists mainly spruce and fir species. The traditional intensive Acadian tainable. methods of harvesting practised

forest are seen by many to be more Sus-

13

III. Areas of Consensus

Long-Term

Impacts

Stakeholders agree that the lack of sustainable practices on private woodlots will result in negative economic, social and environmental consequences.

Most people tend to focus on the economic results, arguing that the primary impact is resource depletion, which in turn will lead to socio-economic problems. Other impacts include an unbalanced forest structure, irregular wood and fibre supply, the increased probability of government control, escalating costs, fewer economic development opportunities and a bad image for the industry.
15

It is felt that the economic region-wide

decline could be in

B. Human Nature
There is a feeling that people, in general, have a difficult time turning down an opportunity to or make money lack of interest implications. to the question resource the market pricing demands quickly and have an inability in understanding of education and market

and could result in an increase and possible

social debt as well as debates over ownership and management ership patterns. Some people say that the general public does not understand impacts stakeholders relationship environmental the big picture and that will be widespread. between However, most decline and changes in own-

the long-term

The greed issue is seen to be tied and incentives, demands. harvesting. Current market The by the because a

do not appear to acknowledge economic degradation.

lead to highgrading, incentives

specialization

and premature

absence of financial

for owners to

make the right decision of poor understanding not have the information change in their behaviour.

is accompanied

desire to make fast money. Essentially,

Reasons for Poor Management Practices

It is difficult to pinpoint the private woodlot the Maritimes. peripheral one main reason for problem in to focus on in sustainability

of the facts, people do that could motivate

C. Reluctance to Work Together

There are varying the different by common degrees of distrust between stakeholders, concerns who are not bound values, but some industry and

There is a tendency

issues, and also a feeling that all the and must be addressed way to achieve real changes. Other reasons presented as perceived here are in meeting in

reasons are entwined an integrated knowledge.

and understandings.

Some of this is due to differing arises from current community holders. open dialogue government, structures,

However, the prime reason often cited is lack of order of importance by those pre-

which do not allow for among all stake-

or cooperation

sent at the NRTEE multistakeholder Waverley, Nova Scotia.

Overall, it does not appear that the provinces are working woodlot opment another. of forest managetogether to address the private would affect that in issue despite the fact that policy develin one province

A. Lack ofKnowledge
The lack of knowledge understanding ment principles a forest industry understanding certification response extends to a lack of of sustainable

and the overall consequences collapse. There is also limited of the impact of forest product

D. Lack of Silviculture Programs

Silvicultural insufficient. the benefits programs activity in all three provinces While stakeholders of and the need for silviculture, have not been developed with the ending agreements. employed to replace of the is acknowledge

and what the market will require in

to certification.

those discontinued federal-provincial who were formerly programs cutting commercially,

Some workers in silviculture wood the over

have shifted to harvesting which is compounding problem.

16

E. Eflects ofPast Practices

Land use practices situations For example, widespread examples in the past created forestry problems. that are now considered

G. Poor Planning by Government

Many people believe there is a lack of leadership on the private woodlot or effective public issue, When politicians and often planhave taken action there has not been thorough consultation, ning processes have been poor and uncoordinated. Some woodlot not had adequate government forestry matters, decision owners feel that they have for input into and planning for has not harwith making opportunity

the large areas of over mature land clearing for agriculture Acadian at the

white spruce in Nova Scotia are the result of turn of the century. was cut without There are few remaining forest, which presof the makes rather for the future. The and are evidence in particular, expediency,

of the original thought

stands of today are the result of economic sures and poor planning tendency is concern decisions

and that government

accepted the importance

of their participation. timber

to think only in the short term. There that government, based on political

Loans and grants for mechanizing smaller, more sustainable viewed as an example

vesting are seen by some to be competing operations, of poor planning.

and are

than principles

of sustainability.

F. Unemployment
High unemployment ages over cutting tive employment. involved in the Maritimes It is relatively encourbecause of the lack of alternaeasy to become and indi-

Information
Two primary regarding

Needed
have emerged to underrequired

areas of consensus

in logging activity, and poor practices is limited for quick income sustainable overall impacts alternatives of unsustain-

the information

are often applied. Training viduals looking understand nor the potential able practices. neither

stand the problems collection investment information

and develop viable soluand the necessity information Education to be top on the and

tions. These areas are the need for better data and dissemination, planning in private woodlots. are also thought requirements for good economic public awareness

harvest practices

Individual

action is not consid-

ered as a cause of the problem.

but may be considlater in this

ered more as action items than information needs. This element paper. is discussed

17

A. Forest Data
An accurate mation the following
l

Required Action
of forest-related inforConsensus exists regarding some of the steps on are suggestions should include that must be taken to achieve sustainability private woodlots. harvested, The following the direct result of input
l

inventory items:

is critical. This inventory

amount location

of wood currently of wood harvested,

from stakeholders:

increased

cooperation,

l l

destination amount

of harvested

wood,
l

greater leadership, more education increased provision tives, and training,

of land being managed

and how it
l

is managed,
l

public awareness, for financial and moral incen-

what silviculture the present

is required

to maintain

rate of harvest, of what is actually and quantity on sustainable in

l

accurate

inventories

support

for planning

and coordination, development.

the forest (quality

l

by species),
l

better marketing

and market

better information use.

levels of

A. Cooperation and Leadership

should also include noninformaMost people feel that all stakeholder (woodlot owners, contractors, organizations, chasers, mills, government, non-government recreation groups groups, will in data to create baseline end users, purenvironmental-

The inventory traditional tion.

B. Economic Information
Often decisions understanding nomic are made without of the complete a proper piceconomic

ists, wildlife groups and the community) have to cooperate developed necessary Regional tainable long-term and make compromises Cooperation

order to ensure that a viable plan of action is and initiated. among is also the three provinces. are required so that indussusadequate to ensure

ture. No one seems entirely try or region. Accurate long-range products ability. is needed,

sure about the ecoon an induson the

effects of a wood shortage information market potential

agreements

of value-added

try and landowners silviculture/management

respect and schedule programs

as is a better understanding

harvest levels and implement sustainability.

of market drivers and their impact on sustain-

There must be leaders to implement for sustainably har-

who will take the initiative

C. Information on How to Conduct Education, Awareness and Consultation Programs

People consistently management consultation. information programs, public awareness refer to the need for forest and training programs, education

change. Market pressures vested products

will have an impact but this demands it.

will be slow to take effect. Change is needed before the market

B. Education and Training

Education was often mentioned Areas of concern and training workers throughout are threefold: silthe consultations.
l

campaigns

and better public these on

They also express some desire for that will help implement for example, better information

Education viculture

of contractors, Some

the values and motivation

of all stakeholders.

and other forest workers

on sustainable

forestry practices.

people feel that this should be linked to

18

training standards.
l

in forest certification of professional

as well as the performance

Regarding

moral incentives,

some think that if the impact when they of

development

people are educated their behaviour

to understand

and are recognized

Education tainability

of woodlot

owners about susissues. issues.

do a job well, there is a chance that social pressure will help create a more sustainable approach.

and certification

Public education

on sustainability

These educational lored for individual able content Industry information unbiased

programs

will need to be taiare designed.

target groups so that suitwill need to share to Many proprograms are

E. Support for Planning and Coordination

Support is needed for woodlot planning owners in order and technical should and and to ensure coordinated and financial promote increasing agement be aimed at increasing sustainable the number plans.

and structure

and government

openly with other stakeholders and contain factual information. education

organization.

This support

ensure that the education feel that current

efforts to organize forest management of woodlots

environmental

with man-

grams do not target the right topics.

C. Public Awareness
Public awareness from education. ronmental woodlots, agement is seen as a separate action enviIt should focus on ensuring of private pro-

that the public is aware of the economic, and social importance and the possible on communities. indicate

effects of mismanPublic awareness

grams should

both the good and bad and acknowledge

aspects of forest management what has been done well.

F. Better Marketing and Market Development

Long-term steady markets are needed for lower quality species, and value-added should be developed opportunities resource. silviculture pendent industries

D. Financial and Moral Incentives

There is considerable tance of financial tainable debate about the imporfor susMany feel that owners to manage include tax-free from of a forest processors/mills to do something in order to there of woodand moral incentives

to diversify employment that a buyer-run and indeon harsuch as

and make better use of the forest plan should be developed to ensure reforestation for woodlots

It has been suggested

forest management. woodlot

changes in the income made to encourage sustainably. stumpage management woodlot

tax policy should be

audits put in place. Buyers would agree

or be regulated

These suggestions and the establishment

vested areas. Some believe that other economic uses could be developed the production of ginseng.

fund with contributions

owners, contractors,

and government.

Some people believe that high-

er taxes might lead landowners required

positive with their land, and that they should be to prove good stewardship Whatever that the tax implications should be reexamined. get a tax advantage. is consensus lot management the solution,

19

The main areas of disagreement centre on how to better manage the private woodlot resource. Areas of disagreement include:

21

the role of legislation problem,

in addressing

the

B. Role of Increased Demand for Forest Products

Most stakeholders will regulate ronment feel that free market forces a competitive mechanism enviand many shy away in fear of and maintain control

the role of increased products in causing pricing,

demand

for forest

the problem,

product

for forest products

from an imposed
l

the role of public

consultation,

trade infringement. increases forestry practices other stakeholders be turned

However, as demand will result. It is the opinion that increased demand factor and facilitate This split of sentialong stakeholder of

the role of government, the need for more data, protection of ecologically significant areas,

some believe that unsustainable could

into a positive

better forest management. ments is not generally lines.

the need for more research and development,

divided

the number industry.

of people involved

in the forest

C. Product Pricing
Some people believe that higher prices paid as a bonus for wood from sustainably would promote managed on

A. Role ofLegislation
Disagreement of, legislation about the need for, and the role for sustainable immediately responsible woodlot woodlot manage-

woodlots

better management. feel that a bonus restric-

Logging contractors,

however, are divided place undue

this issue. Some contractors system would essentially tions on harvesting. believe that a bonus incentives

ment is explicit. While some feel that legislation should be enacted to reduce the management, owners are because it would harvest levels is cut and to demand impossible. strongly resources. Individual

Other logging contractors system would provide

others believe that legislating against legislated

for selective harvesting.

solutions

would constrain require policing behaviour contractors

their use of private forest and enforcement, alternative and that eduto modify

D. Role of Public Consultation

Individual woodlot owners demand and recommending industry involvesolument in discussing land. In contrast, stakeholders consultation. problem, employed, believed

They point out that legislation

cation is an acceptable are strongly

tions to issues involving are divided

their private forested and government on the role of public is a way to solve the techniques which are It

and ensure lasting change. Logging allied with the woodlot controls placed on priand legis-

owners against legislated vate woodlots. uncertainty unintended lation.

While some think that more and

Much of this debate stems from of any proposed

better public consultation tive solution because

with respect to the intended consequences

others believe that this is not an effecof current such as public hearings, to attract a certain

type of stakeholder of the public. on

that is not truly representative

should be noted that there is a degree of consensus on the need for better information conducting effective public consultation.

22

E. Role of Government
Disagreement exists around the role governis seen by some and the solupolicies is while has feel ment should play. Government as both the cause of the problem tion. Some woodlot and industry influence on woodlot

I-f. Need for More Research and Development

Industry believes strongly practices, that more research to create innovato explore cost-effithe impact of and development tive silvicultural small woodlots forest practices defined is required

owners feel government

cient non-clear-cutting

harvest systems for Other, non-

one of the main causes of poor practices, to blame on governments a responsibility. that government of non-forest industry.

and to measure on the ecosystem.

others believe that the causes are too synergistic and that everyone members Some community

stakeholders

feel that there is sufficient already under way.

research and development

may need to take more control to serve the goals owners clearly as well as those of the

as a result of public demand interests Individual woodlot

I. Number of People Involved in the Forest Industry

Some stakeholders believe that too many people from the forest disagree with owner organizaon because of the are trying to derive income this statement.

view government

activity in this area as inter-

ference with their private property.

resource; just as many completely

F. Need for Data

Most stakeholders, trained woodlot including professionally industry and age need for foresters in government, organizations,

Several woodlot is impossible

tions believe that achieving private woodlots Maritime excessive unemployment believe that expansion can redeploy ing and developing

sustainability

see a desperate

in many of the of silviculture programs into grow-

more information of the Maritimes. unnecessary required practices tentious

on forest inventories, A few government

regions. Many other stakeholders people from harvesting

classes, and harvest levels in almost every region representais tives, however, feel that further for establishing data collection forestry con-

new forests for the future.

and that all the information sustainable

already exists. This is an extremely

issue among some of the stakeholders.

G. Protection of Ecologically Significant Areas

Environmental ecologically pensated. reluctant stakeholders significant feel strongly that areas must be protected and landowners duly comWithin areas owners are

on private woodlots

Most private woodlot

to discuss such protection.

these groups some believe that ecological are already well protected, try is insensitive that environmental place. to environmental protection

and others feel indusissues and is not taking

23

Regional Difierences

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotian stakeholders believe their province has the least reliable information regarding the true

situation of the wood supply, Some feel that a large amount of roundwood is being exported out of the province, but no one is sure how much is leaving or where it is going.

25

Nova Scotia lacks markets (primarily hardwood) age of pulpwood nized marketing available.

for certain

species

New Brunswick
A planned significant expansion in the sawmill industry, in the northeast, epidemic and forecast for unemployment budworm

and has a larger percentThere are no orgasuch as

boards for raw material,

those that exist in New Brunswick.

an impending

the year 2000 are all adding to the threats already facing New Brunswicks forests. There is has the most allowa general feeling that this province

Prince Edward Island

Several unique woodlots pressure tural nature problems associated with private on the Island are linked to the agriculof this province. There is increasing potato is privately industry. owned to convert forest land to agricultural by the fact that almost of all the Maritime

wood being harvested

above the annual

able cut. Possible legislation will have the greatest impact resources because

in the state of on this provinces to Maine. to restrict on private

Maine that would reduce or ban clear cutting of its proximity in New Brunswick and clear cutting potential

use because of the expanding This is compounded 90 per cent of the resource (the highest percentage provinces). Because production woodlot woodlots ers are less dependent ability of the resource. groups are considered has a major influence practices

Draft legislation roadside

harvesting

land is seen as another cations

problem.

People may over cut now to avoid future ramifiof this legislation. On a more positive is the to deal with the note, stakeholders best organized situation. feel that the province

units are small and most ownon incomes The woodlot on marketing, policy. of the tourism such as landand water quality could severely of Island resitotal depenmeans that The from their owner This contractors

owners are also farmers, woodlot and less concerned

in the Maritimes

about the sustain-

largely ineffective.

and government

Because of the importance industry and non-fibre scape, recreation, unsustainable aesthetics

values -

forest practices

affect the lifestyles and incomes dents. As an example, dence on ground sustainable building it is critical to maintain

the provinces

water for drinking

forest cover and practise techniques. Bridge will also which stakethreat to sus-

forest management of the Confederation

bring the Island closer to markets, holders feel could create a further tainability.

26

VI. Recommendations to Stakeholders

Working toward sustainability in the management of private woodlots is a multidisciplined task

involving many interested parties. Points of tension centre on regulation, administration, market

demand, value systems, and science and technology. Given these factors, a coordinated response is essential to establish a structure on which to base sustainable woodlot management that will benefit the overall Maritime environment and economy.

27

The following are the outcome meeting building

recommendations of a nine-month

to stakeholders consultation a plenary

Market
The looming Maritimes generally production

Forces
wood supply crisis in the action focused on both the for forest products. forest product limits. Industry while achieving It is also generally and cooperaunfeasible. It is requires

process by the NRTEE that included panel discussion, meeting identification

followed by an issues are, as consensus. con-

and a recommendations-

supply of and demand

session. The recommendations are targeted

agreed that current

far as possible, based on stakeholder Recommendations cerning nication, sustainability,

levels are the crux of the problem to exercise a disciplined demand objectives. is unlikely

at specific and commucertificaThese

and must be held to sustainable will be challenged response strategic financial tion by industry regulation Current to consumer

groups and built upon a series of premises cooperation training, supply and demand, licensing,

tax reform, har-

vesting methods, premises

agreed that voluntary

self-policing

tion, codes of practice are outlined

and silviculture. below.

and that government

is likely to be politically production

levels are not sustainable. politically, cut allowable projections.

Constraining

supply can be difficult

Sustainability
In the Maritime else in Canada, provinces privately more than anywhere owned forest resources of the regions econo-

but all agree that the annual should be set at sustainable based on overly optimistic

levels and not be

are critical to the viability Brunswick,

my and ecology. In many areas of New Nova Scotia and Prince Edward are under such enorthe that current rates of harvesting Island, private woodlots mous pressure are unsustainable. present Maritime long term. demand tor will seriously

Tax Reform
Currently, powerful woodlot Revenue provincial Ironically, a woodlot the federal tax system operates disincentive Canada; to sustainability. owners are considered as a Most

This means that meeting compromise the ability of

farmers by

from the regions forestry secto remain viable in the

however, their tax treatment agree that federal and ambiguity possible and gaps difficult. to obtain a clear cutting

differs. Stakeholders

communities

inconsistencies, it is sometimes

in coverage make forest management greater tax benefit by prematurely

than by managing

it sustainably. potential woodlot

Provincial Government Cooperation

The interconnection market requires influences provincial of the regions economy, and community governments well-being to work in are not to another.

It is agreed that there is considerable for provincial operating include property practices. assessment,

tax to influence

Areas for consideration tax rates and special incenwoodlots.

tives for properly

managed

coordination

to ensure that problems province

exported from one Maritime

Harvesting
Logging contractors equipment

by Contractors
and the use of mechanical increase in the of contractors in in

has caused a dramatic High unemployment

the pace of logging on small private woodlots the Maritimes. competing region leads to a greater number for the resource.

Certification
Certification an international opportunities ecologically for Maritime of sustainable forest products significant and rewarding in Maritime competitive, publ

over the next 25 years. Immediate is ment is created in silviculture, reduce harvest pressure.

employ-

which could

trend creating for encouraging practices

This investment period.

would double the value of the patch (maybe triple it) over a 25year This expense for thinning gible expense against income. Permit intergenerational woodlot property transfers of should be an eli-

sustainable businesses

forests. This trend must be followed in order to remain preserve market lic expectations. access and meet growing

and promote

sustainable the use of

forest harvest practices through capital gains tax.

Silviculture and Science

The termination Forest Resource ated a substantial Landowners out silviculture few incentives of the federal-provincial Development Agreements cregap in a forest management

Recognize applied technology

that forestry research and of can offer both environmental benefits to the sector. the

science with the development

and economic
l

strategy that relies heavily on silviculture. require consistent money to carry agreed on their land and there now are to do this. It is generally from the resource Ideally, this money

Reaffirm the need for and maintain federal governments scientific through Canadian such national Forestry research and data collection bodies as the Service. with First holdings by investing

capacity to provide

that those who benefit should be generated the product, other users. from the provincial

should pay for its renewal. supplemented

from the selling price of by contributions on behalf of government

Revitalize, Nations, supporting training

in consultation on-reserve woodlot timber

by in

management

initia-

tives that create expertise and equipment ing.

l

for wood harvest-

A major part of any solution research and applied enhanced ecological development environmental

will be forestry to and the both

science leading understanding providing

Work with First Nations full authority assets. and control

to vest them with over their timber

of technology and economic

benefits.

Recommendations to the Federal Government

l

Recommendations to Provincial Governments

l

Reform the federal tax system to treat private woodlot agement example, owners as small business enable forest manto For such as silviculture owner has a fourowners. The tax should investments a woodlot

Modify the property woodlot

tax regimes to reward on owners practices

owners for good forest manage-

ment and to impose penalties who allow poor forest-operating on their land.
l

be an eligible expense against income.

Jointly organize stakeholders regional export.

consultations

with all level of harvest and

hectare patch of small young trees, so thick that growth is very slow. If the woodlot today, the the growth of these trees owner invests $2,500 in thinning owner can double

to determine

the best mecha-

nisms to achieve a sustainable fibre consumption,

29

Examine

the role of marketing

boards or

other organizations ing a sustainable

l

in setting and enforclevel of harvest. owners and buyers for administering trust fund for silviand ecological a

Recommendations Fibre Industry

l

to the
current level of

Recognize harvesting expansion

that industrys

Develop with regional an accountable sustainable culture, method

is not sustainable.

Further

will only create greater competifeasible. process by immea susin bal-

forest management

tion for the existing supply and is therefore not economically

l

to ensure that funds are available forest management work. jointly programs restoration
l

Initiate voluntary tainable

a self-regulating

diately joining Establish training

l

in a sector forum to pursue

for mandatory

action aimed at achieving level of fibre consumption

and licensing to support

of logging contractors. efforts to develop cerforest products Standards

l l

Continue tification Council, Standards

ance with sustainable Develop mechanisms woodlot of production. Establish with woodlot

levels of harvesting. in consultation with levels

for sustainable the Canadian Organization.

such as those of the Forest Stewardship Association and the International

owners to define sustainable

owners a trust fund, agreed-upon third to of the selling price practices.

to be held by a mutually party, whereby sustainable

l

a portion

from every cord sold would be dedicated forest management through

Provide leadership milling and support tory training contractors.

the pulp, sawindustries of mandaprograms for

and other fibre-using the development and licensing

Develop and honour sustainable

codes of practice

for

forest management

that are taifor woodlot develof in

lored to local forest conditions owners, contractors Maritimes. oped through should support sustainable

and fibre users in the process, and the

These codes of practice, a multistakeholder the overall principles

forest management

work that has already been completed P.E.I. Forest Contractors, Brunswick Ministers Woodlot Criteria Practice, the Canadian rent certification the New Council

this area such as the Code of Practice for Owners Code of of Forest and curof Indicators, options.

The codes should

strive for consistency,

where possible,

30

among the provinces. menting ble mechanisms ance through

l

Options

for impleall possicompli-

the codes could include from voluntary to legislation.

Recommendations to Provincial Round Tables

l

Recognize woodlot measures

the regional situation

nature

of the private on

and take appropriate remains agenda. Round a key topic of

Work with First Nations required in woodlot management.

to help identify opportunities

to ensure that over harvesting

skills and potential

private woodlots each organizations for

l

Support sustainable Canadian

efforts to develop certification forest products Standards Council, Association the

Cooperate

with the other Maritime

such as those of and the

Tables to ensure that the present tum is maintained.

momen-

the Forest Stewardship International Standards

Organization.

Recommendations Woodlot Owners

l

to

Establish

with buyers a trust fund, to be agreed-upon third to a portion of the selling price practices. with

held by a mutually party, whereby sustainable

l

from every cord sold would be dedicated forest management

Develop mechanisms duction.

in consultation

buyers to define sustainable

levels of pro-

Through sustainable

the multistakeholder forest management

process, for that are tai-

develop and honour

codes of practice

lored to local forest conditions.

31

VII. Conclusion

Consultations by the NRTEE reveal that government, industry, environmental and community

leaders agree that current harvesting activity on Maritime private woodlots is unsustainable. Moreover, the problems associated with private woodlot management in the Maritimes require immediate attention and effective action. The NRTEE has produced this report to help stakeholders take the action needed to put private woodlot management on the road to sustainability.

33

While this report encapsulates in the Maritimes, the dialogue. appropriate different participants

the current

state

of the debate on private woodlot

management

in the consulta-

tion process believe there is a need to continue Some feel that the NRTEE is the body for continuing provinces. to convene The important and awareness level. the from the

process and to bring people together Maritime

point is that a process is needed to ensure that the current dialogue, momentum of this issue are maintained In response, the urgency initiatives Greening at a regional this

the NRTEE is circulating of the situation.

report as broadly will be referring

as possible to communicate As well, the NRTEE to the 19% the issue of federal tax reform

for private woodlots of the Budget process.

34

Appendix 1: Forestry Data

Note: Some members of the NRTEE Task Force and some participants in the consultations feel that the tables on these pages do not tell the true story, since they do not reflect suspected over harvesting of sawlogs and underutilization of large quantities of lower quality wood.

Table 1: Productive Forest Areas, 1990

Table 2: Woodlot Owners and Marketing Boards in New Brunswick

Table 3: Private Woodlot Profile for Maritime Canada

Table 4: Woodlot National Harvest, 1990

Table 5: Annual Allowable Cut from Small Woodlots, 1994, in m3

The annual allowable cut (AAC) in the Maritimes is the maximum amount of wood that can be cut in any given area, with the assumption that this same amount of wood (other forest values not necessarily taken into account) can be cut in perpetuity.

Table 6: Small Woodlot Sales of Softwood via Marketing Boards in New Brunswick, 1991-96, and Annual Allowable Cut (AAC) from Small Woodlots, in m3

Table 7: Small Woodlot Harvesting in Nova Scotia, 1991-96, in m3

Appendix 2: Program Participants

41

Private Woodlot Management in the Maritimes: Program Events and Participants

May 23-24,1996 Newcastle, New Brunswick Panel Discussion
Max Cater

Brian Brown Forestry Division P.E.I. Dept. of Agriculture,

Fisheries

& Forestry

Executive Director New Brunswick Forest Products David Coon Policy Director New Brunswick

Max Cater Executive Director New Brunswick Forest Products Andrew Clark President New Brunswick

Association

Association

Federation

of Woodlot Ltd.

Owners

Conservation

Council

Peter deMarsh President Canadian Federation

Arnold Croken Manager, Georgetown

Timber

of Woodlot

Owners

Jack Dunlop Bowater Mersey Paper Co. Ltd. Keith Ellwood Group Ventures Association Harold Hatheway EastWind Productions

Blair DeGrace Forestry Services Superintendent Fraser Papers Inc. Peter deMarsh President Canadian Federation

of Woodlot

Owners

Patricia Dietz Manager, Corporate Communications Stora Port Hawkesbury Ltd. Gkrard Dupuis General Manager Delco Forest Products Keith Ellwood Group Ventures

November 15,1996 Multistakeholder Workshop Waverley, Nova Scotia

Facilitator Anne Camozzi President EcoLogic 8 Associates Jean-Paul Arsenault Executive Director P.E.I. Round Table on Resource and Stewardship Elizabeth Atkinson Policy Advisor, NRTEE David Barrett Barrett Lumber

Ltd.

Association

Diane Grijjin Deputy Minister P.E.I. Environmental Harold Hatheway EastWind Productions Land Use Eric Hundert Nova Scotia Provincial Environment Canada Peter Jackson
C.I.F.

Resources

Manager

Co. Ltd.

John Levy Manager S.N.B. Wood Co-op Ltd.

42

Peter MacQuarrie Director, Program Development Renewable Resources Branch N.S. Dept. of Natural Resources Bruce McCallum P.E.I. Woodlot Owners Association John McDougall Manager, Riverside Forestry Ian Millar Policy & Liaison Canadian Forestry Lee Nauss Nova Scotia Primary Marketing Board

Jim Verboom General Manager Nova Scotia Woods Co-op Nova Scotia Voluntary Planning Russ Waycott Vice-President, Woodlands Stora Port Hawkesbury Ltd. Robin Wilber President Elmsdale Lumber

Ltd.

Co.

Service Forest Products

Joseph ONeill Chair, NRTEE Woodlands Task Force Vice-President, Woodlands Division Repap New Brunswick Inc. Jonathan M. Porter Woodlands Manager Bowater Mersey Paper Co. Ltd. John W Roblee Forest Group Venture Association Scotia

February 20,1997 Multistakeholder Workshop Moncton, New Brunswick

Facilitator Anne Camozzi President EcoLogic & Associates Jean-Paul Arsenault Executive Director P.E.I. Round Table on Resource Land Use and Stewardship David Barrett Barrett Lumber

of Nova

Tom Sifton Executive Director Association of Registered Professional Foresters of New Brunswick Colin Stewart Federation of Nova Scotia Naturalists Steve Talbot Executive Director N.S. Forest Products

Co. Ltd.

Brian Brown Forestry Division PE.1. Dept. of Agriculture, Andrew Clark President N.B. Federation Jo Anne Craib Pugwash, N.S. Donald Deacon Island Trails Jonas Deacon Island Trails

Fisheries

& Forestry

of Woodlot

Owners

Association Ltd.

Everett Tanner E.E. Tanner Lumbering

Steve Thompson Chair in Sustainable Development University of New Brunswick Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Management James Tomkins President Highland Pulp Ltd. Ken Vasiliauskas Carleton Victoria Wood Producers Association

Blair DeGrace Forestry Services Superintendent Fraser Papers Inc. Peter deMarsh President Canadian Federation

of Woodlot

Owners

Ian Dennison Chairperson P.E.I. Forest Improvement 43

Association

Harold Hatheway EastWind Productions John Levy Manager S.N.B. Wood Co-op Ltd. Waddie Long Forestry Today Port Hawkesbury, John MacLellan C.I.F. Peter MacQuarrie Director, Program Development Renewable Resources Branch N.S. Dept. of Natural Resources Elizabeth May Executive Director Sierra Club of Canada Bruce McCallum P.E.I. Woodlot Owners Association Ian Millar Policy & Liaison Canadian Forestry

Tom Sifton Executive Director Association of Registered of New Brunswick

Professional

Foresters

Tom Spinney Director, Forest Management New Brunswick Environment

Branch Department

N.S.

Steve Thompson Chair in Sustainable Development University of New Brunswick Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Management James Tomkins President Highland Pulp Ltd. Mary van den Heuvel Woodlot Owner St. Andrews, N.S. Jim Verboom General Manager Nova Scotia Woods Co-op Nova Scotia Voluntary Planning Russ Waycott Vice-President, Woodlands Stora Port Hawkesbury Ltd. Robin Wilber President Elmsdale Lumber

Service

Dennis Nicholas Mawiw Council of First Nations Joseph ONeill Chair, NRTEE Woodlands Task Force Vice-President, Woodlands Division Repap New Brunswick Inc. Ben Paul Pabineau First Nation Jonathan M. Porter Woodlands Manager Bowater Mersey Paper Co. Ltd.

Co.

44