Forestry - Time for change
Published Tuesday September 23rd, 2008
Foresters say government's Oct. 3 deadline does not allow enough time to study impact of two major reports
Some New Brunswick foresters think the New Brunswick government isn't giving them enough time to respond to two reports on the future of the forestry industry.
The Department of Natural Resources hosted an information session at the Nackawic Lions Club on Friday night, and some people wondered how they were expected to give proper responses by Oct. 3.
"I can't think DNR is serious by putting this information out now and expecting a response by Oct. 3," said Garth Brewer.
Several people in attendance requested the department extend the deadline to allow for better responses. A representative from the government said they would pass the message on to the department, but they couldn't tell the attendees if anything would change.
The reports were released earlier this year, and the government has been holding public sessions in industry communities over the past week. The Nackawic session was attended by approximately 100 people from the region.
People heard from Dr. Thom Erdle, chair of the New Brunswick Task Force on Forest Diversity and Wood Supply, and Don Roberts, a member of the Task Force on Investment Opportunities in the New Brunswick Forest Sector. They were also given an opportunity to ask questions.
Brewer wanted to know who would benefit from the recommendations in the reports.
"How do we make it viable in the future?" Brewer asked. "It's no longer a generational industry."
The idea that forestry is a sunset industry was a dominant theme through the evening. Roberts said New Brunswick wasn't in that position.
"We're in the wood-growing business," he said. "Come on down and invest."
Roberts described a proverbial perfect storm forming around the New Brunswick forestry industry.
"A new game is emerging and it's exciting," Roberts said. "The old game didn't create that much money."
The reports are geared at finding alternatives to the current management structures in New Brunswick forestry, as well as looking at future opportunities for the industry.
Erdle talked about changing the percentage of forest set aside for conservation, diversifying New Brunswick's wood supply, and other variables. His report looked at several variations, and he said there was no right answer.
"Eight were selected for full analysis," Erdle said. "It's to ensure all interested parties see an alternative consistent with their view."
Tobique-Mactaquac NDP candidate Alice Finnamore asked Roberts who would benefit from the new wealth he thought could be created.
"You create the wealth you figure out what to do with it," Roberts replied.
The subject of wood pellets also created a little controversy. Roberts said he doesn't like the idea of pellets as a major part of the industry in the province.
"You have to look at the cold hard numbers," Roberts said. "I don't think pellets create enough value."
Nackawic is relying a planned wood pellet plant to bring an estimated 30 new jobs to the community. Last week council approved re-zoning to allow Matthew and Malcolm Fox to of York Energy Inc. to build new wood pellet plant.
Some questioned how many mills would be left standing under a new forestry plan. York MLA Carl Urquhart wanted to know how many mills Roberts and Erdle felt were needed to sustain forestry in New Brunswick. He said there were worries the industry was headed for so-called ‘super mills', large mills in a couple of larger communities.
"That would eliminate rural New Brunswick," Urquhart said.
Erdle said his report didn't support or refute any ideas like that.
"A more diverse supply gives us more opportunities," Erdle said.
Anyone interested in responding to either report can do so on the Government of New Brunswick's website until Oct. 3.
More News
Search Articles
More CE Network Sites & Partners:
