Newsletter 2011 Issue 2 MFNL is a partnership of communities, industries, organizations and governments working together to help diversify the economies of our province’s forest-based communities. Our partners have a shared vision of strong communities equipped and empowered to sustain our forest sector in the future. We are happy to bring you this issue of our newsletter to give you an idea of what is going on with MFNL this year, and to give you some insight into a few areas of special interest. We hope you find something that enlightens you, inspires you, or speaks to you. Enjoy!
IN THIS ISSUE: -Criteria & Indicators Training in South America
ARGENTINA: MODELING CANADA’S LEGACY For the past 4 years, the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN) represented by General Manager, Sean Dolter, has worked closely with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the Argentina Model Forest Network (AMFN) and the Argentinean Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (AMESD) on the transfer of knowledge and techniques, related to monitoring a comprehensive set of biological, environmental and social data in the Model Forest regions of Argentina. The framework for the Argentinean program has been built using the Canadian Criteria and Indicators program. Often referred to as Local Level Indicators (LLI), it was the flag ship strategic initiative of the Canadian Model Forest Network in 1997. Most Canadian Model Forests worked on developing their own set of performance indicators in all six of the criteria for sustainable forest management and although the LLIs are no longer monitored by the Model Forest Network, the techniques have been the foundation for forest certification efforts on all Canadian Standard Association (CSA) certified land. It is now a standard approach for companies and provinces seeking quantitative methodologies for giving evidence to their claims of sustainable management. The CMFN and NRCan should feel a sense of accomplishment in the fact that other countries are now using the framework. Canada currently has 83 million hectares of certified forest and that the CSA SFM Standard is the largest national standard in the world.
-Networking Internationally - A market for Wild Edibles: Mushrooms -LCN Team -CBPP FSC Certification -Community Forests
MFNL has been provided with partial funding from NRCan-CFS, as a part its Forest Communities Program.
-Call for Entrepreneurs
The student will now become the teacher in South America! In February of 2011, Argentina will co-host a workshop where the LLI framework and techniques for South American countries will be developed. Delegates from the 13 Model Forests located in the southern portion of South America including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay will participate. The workshop will be co-facilitated by the Canadian Model Forest Network and the Argentinean Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (AMESD). Financial assistance for the initiative has been provided by NRCan-CFS through the Forest Communities Program Secretariat, the Ibero-American Model Forest Network and the co-facilitating Networks.
INVESTING IN THEIR FUTURE: CORNER BROOK PULP & PAPER By year end, Corner Brook Pulp and Paper (CBPPL) Woodlands should have another environmental standard to their credit. Besides their existing ISO (International Standards Organization) and CSA (Canadian Standards Association) accreditation, Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Woodlands is currently working to be certified to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Boreal Standard by the end of 2011. An international non-profit organization, FSC was founded in 1993 to protect the rainforests by establishing cutting regulations where there were not any. These efforts brought FSC international recognition. Its certification and labelling system guarantees consumers that fibre in a forest product with the ‘check-tree’ logo is from a responsibly managed forest, meeting a strict set of environmental and social standards. Fibre from a certified forest is also tracked from the forest to the customer through a chain of custody system.
The decision to pursue certification to the FSC standard was made in 2008, by CBPPL’s corporate head Kruger Inc. Although they are not expecting to realize a premium for FSC certified paper, CBPPL is hoping FSC certification will ensure they remain a preferred supplier from an environmental perspective. Ultimately, it shows that CBPPL is invested in healthy forests, responsible management and making sure all products that come from CBPPL meet top environmental standards. The FSC standard consists of 10 principles and 56 criteria, with over 200 indicators and verifiers. One key focus of FSC is the protection of High Conservation Value Forests (HCVF). In the past, CBPPL has made accommodations for other values associated with the forest land base that it manages. Some of the most accessible and productive growing sites have been left untouched to protect view sheds; they have created policy to protect entire watershed areas; relinquished cutting rights in habitat areas for sensitive species (such as the Newfoundland pine marten); and have modified operations under guidelines that protect caribou. They also regularly modify operating plans to accommodate hunting outfitters. CBPPL will continue to accommodate public concerns, as public consultation with stakeholders is a key component of FSC certification. Meeting the requirements of the FSC standard is verified by third-party auditors and all reports associated with the requirements are evaluated by outside, credible reviewers. CBPPL has been following high operational standards in environmental management since their first certification in 2001, and are proud to be recognized for demonstrating maximum environmental responsibility that will benefit the forests of today and the forests of the future. To learn more on FSC certification visit: www.fsccanada.org
2011 Year of The Forest The United Nations proclaimed 2011 to be The International Year of the Forest, Celebrating Forests for People. http://www.un.org/en/events/iyof2011/index.shtml
LOCAL COMMUNITY NETWORK TEAM NATHAN WAREHAM Born and raised in the Humber Valley, Nathan is the LCN Coordinator for the White Bay South (WBS) region. Since starting with HEDB/MFNL in July, he has already made great progress working with the LCN communities. Nathan has helped to identify opportunities and has contributed a tremendous amount of support. His efforts to build capacity and establish a foundation in which to grow, have already shown success with the birth of GREEN VALLEY WREATHS. A group of women from WBS took advantage of the business opportunity and sold 100 Christmas wreaths this past winter. The initiative was a pilot project for a potentially much greater business venture. Nathan and the ladies of WBS hope to have the wreath production business developed further by the holiday season 2011. A super-star coach of the Titans volleyball team, Nathan maintains a motivational style and a positive attitude when addressing challenges in his role as LCN coordinator. He knows hard work and dedication are often followed by desirable results. MFNL is pleased to announce the hiring of Ian Stone as our new LCN Coordinator for the Great Northern Peninsula region. Ian comes to us with 10 years of experience in the forest industry coupled with a degree in Business Administration IAN STONE from Memorial University. He has had extensive experience in project management and will be a great asset to the team. Ian is located with the RED Ochre office in Parson’s Pond. He is inspired by the progress the WBS initiative has made and will work with the communities on the GPN to initiate similar projects.
TAMMY HIGGINS Tammy, p r o j ec t coordinator, has a combined knowledge of business development and a background in forestry. She oversees the project management in both LCNs . Each LCN is in the process of determining how to best develop capacity in forest based opportunities within its region. This process must set a good foundation for sustainability within the community. Issues such as natural resource capital, human and social capital and community infrastructure capital will form the basis of each region’s initiative. These initiatives must have investment through private or community mechanisms and will follow a strong business model. The main goal of the LCN coordinators is to assist in reaching the following objectives laid out by the Forest Communities Program: *to develop new forest-based economic opportunities through collaboration with industry and other community stakeholders *facilitate capacity building and engagement of communities to meet sector transition issues *promote and share integrated, multi-sectoral approaches to forestland management *to share best practices and information tools with forest communities across Canada and internationally. Under the FCP program, the LCN networks will help equip forest dependant communities with tools, approaches and strategies to meet the challenges of the changing forest sector.
TASTY MARKET
Interested in information about the NTFP market in Canada? Visit NTFP Network of Canada Site: www.ntfpnetwork.ca
In the fall of 2010, MFNL staff along with partners from the Regional Economic Development Boards, attended the NL mushroom foray in St. Anthony. Their mission was to learn as much as possible about edible mushrooms that grow naturally in the province, network with the mycologists, and identify possible business opportunities within regions of NL. Mushrooms are a popular commodity among non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Wild edibles are continuously drawing interest from restaurateurs around the world and are highly desirable to consumers, as an exotic and delicious treat. In NL, there is an estimated 2000-8000 species of wild mushrooms, with many choice edibles among them. Although the foray itself was not business oriented, it was an excellent venue for networking and learning from experts in the field. Of the many contacts made, David Boyle, Michael Burzynski, Anne Marceau, Faye Murrin and Andrus Voitk are some key ‘mycophiles’ and core resource people who could be (and already have been) very helpful in providing insight. The cultivation, harvest and sale of wild mushrooms has great potential and is one of many marketable product opportunities that can come from our forests.
NLEN SITE The Newfoundland and Labrador Environment Network (NLEN) is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization dedicated to the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of our province's natural heritage. The NLEN serves as an umbrella group for non-profit organizations working across the province that share the
goals of environmental conservation and education. Their work promotes collaboration and communication amongst all stakeholders on environmental issues and contributes to environmental policy development. NLEN strives to build capacity in the environmental non-profit sector. To learn about their initiatives for 2011 and for a listing of events, employment, internships, volunteer opportunities and more, visit their website: http://www.nlen.ca The NLEN is an affiliate of the Canadian Environmental Network and is a partner of the MFNL.
DID YOU KNOW? The Red Reishi Mushroom is known to have many health benefits. Scientific research supports its role as a normalizing substance, specifically, a nutritional supplement that can yield medical benefits through its normalization and regulation of the body’s organs and functions. Mushrooms are believed to be a valuable health food, low in calories, high in vegetable proteins, chitin, iron, fiber, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Studies suggest they are probiotic and help strengthen the immune system. A variety of valuable mushrooms can be found in our Newfoundland forests while many others, including the Red Reishi can be cultivated for consumption.
NETWORKING GLOBALLY
CALL FOR NTFPS
MFNL will be busy globetrotting this spring. After his work is complete in Argentina (with the Train the Trainer Criteria and Indicators Workshop), General Manager Sean Dolter, acting as CMFN’s International Engagement Chair, will head to Burgos, Spain where he will participate at three more conferences during the same week. At the Symposium on Ecosystem and Landscape-Level Approaches to Sustainability, Sean will present with Dr. Monica Gabay, Program Director at the Argentina Model Forest Network (AMFN), on the Canadian Model Forest Network’s joint initiative with the AMFN. The project will be discussed as a case study and model for other similar international initiatives. This piece will be featured in the conference session on “Landscape Information: Data & inventory collection and how to monitor challenges and successes”.
The Local Community Network of the Great Northern Peninsula and of the White Bay South region are looking for entrepreneurs with an interest in the area of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Any local business, potential or existing entrepreneur, investor or local citizen with an interest in business development, please contact us to identify opportunities where we can offer support to help develop and market your ideas. Our LCNs and economic development partners are currently conducting research on new and innovative approaches to NTFP development, under the agriculture/agrifood’s sector.
The second event in Spain is the Circumboreal Initiative Workshop. Reg Parsons, Aboriginal Liaison Officer (NRCan, Corner Brook NL), will join Sean as project collaborators on a circumboreal research initiative examining aboriginal engagement and governance systems. Representatives from Russia, Sweden and Canada will come together to explore how model forest governance models can help address issues faced by northern communities with respect to resource development and the ways in which benefits and risks are distributed. The third conference is the International Model Forest Global Forum 2011. This conference will also be taking place in Spain at this time. This years theme: Networking. The conference will focus on networking at a local level, and discuss global strategic initiatives that will link many sites and countries, building capacity and enabling Network members to engage fully in the life of the Network. Sean has been asked to present on the CMFN’s International Engagement Strategy. www.globalforum2011.net
Examples of NTFPs include berries, wreaths, wines, wil d mushr oom s, fiddl e heads, teas, pharmaceuticals, crafts etc., that are of high value on the global market scene. Some NTFPs have already been identified on the Northern Peninsula as showing promise for local, economic benefit. The Forest Network is being pro-active in ensuring that new opportunities are explored. They want to work with the local communities to diversify the use of our forest resources while practicing responsible, sustainable management. The Local Community Network is sponsored in part by the MFNL, Forest Communities Program in partnership with the NORDIC Economic Development Corporation, the RED Ochre Regional Board Inc. and the Humber Economic Development Board.
A NEW WORLD FOR SAP WORLD “Tap into Nature’s Goodness” started in 2006 by tapping birch trees for collecting birch sap for creating beverages. In 2007 the “Lady of the Woods” Spring Wine was launched, and it can be found throughout the province at local NLC Stores. In 2010, Sap World joined forces with a medical research firm to create Central Newfoundland Birch Products Inc., and acquired 122 hectors of pristine birch forest in Central Newfoundland. Sap World will be relocating their harvesting site from Millertown to Gander in the Home Pond Birch Reserve and will commence harvesting sap in the spring of 2011.
Sap World is now seeking investors for both expansion and creating a commercial scale birch syrup plant and to market 4,000 gallons of wine to the Alberta market. They will be working towards launching Birch Wynd Vodka in 2011/2012. For more information, contact Craig Lewis at info@sapworld or visit www.sapworld.ca
COMMUNITY FOREST Diversifying Forest Management A new opportunity for forest management and economic sustainability is catching on in many of the worlds forest-dependant communities. Regional Forests, also known as Community Forests (CFs), are engaging community members by bringing them together around a common resource: the forest. CFs create jobs in communities, the primary ones being connected to forest management, logging, wood processing, and recreation. Secondary examples would be the manufacturing of value-added wood products, non-timber forest products and other jobs connected to enterprise development. CFs also build a sense of ownership and community pride. There are currently 152 CFs in Canada alone (52 in Quebec, 51 in Ontario, 48 in British Columbia, one in New Brunswick), and numerous other CFs around the globe with a multitude of varying management initiatives between communities. They all share the common goal to maintain the environment to suit long term objectives for the benefit of the community. In Newfoundland, the forest industry is undergoing a dramatic change as the focus on paper products has been reduced, and an interest in solid wood products (lumber and value added manufacturing), as well as is renewable energy in the form of wood pellets has been emerging. Government is working hard to assist all facets of industry by encouraging product diversification, industry modernization and exploration of niche markets for our wood products. It is also searching for new industries to utilize the fibre resources of the central and Goose Bay/Coastal Labrador areas of the province. Enterprise development in rural communities is looked upon fondly by other
sectors. Therefore, support with funding and training related initiatives is available. There is also a large forest community network that could be utilized to provide forest management expertise. Can communities work with the existing forest industry to provide products which would be economically beneficial to both parties? Further exploration in whether or not a community forest could work in Newfoundland is certainly warranted. With opportunity, come challenges, such as land availability, forest access, funding and community expertise in forest management. Research, according to Anderson & Yates Forest Consultants, suggests that in order to conduct successful timber business from a CF, forest areas must be in the range of at least 1,000 to 10,000 hectares in size and that long term leases on Crown land seem to be the most realistic option for Newfoundland and Labrador. A 5-year probationary period would be ideal for the community forest to “prove� itself before being rewarded a longer lease period. The possibility of implementing a pilot project in the White Bay South region is being presented by the MFNL as a regional model. Newfoundland’s first CF would not only help to conserve rural heritage and bring back economic development, but could also showcase opportunities to other forest-dependant communities. Moreover, it would serve as an outdoor classroom to teach users about the value that comes from our forest. Interested in more information about Community Forests in Canada? Visit our website for a full report by Anderson &Yates Forest Consultants Inc. Community Approaches to Forest Managment Across Canada: An Analysis of Current Community
Keep your eyes peeled
MINI FORUMS The Canadian Institute of Forestry/l'Institut forestier du Canada (CIF-IFC) is the national voice of forest practitioners. Formed in 1908, the institute represents foresters, forest technologists, technicians, ecologists, biologists, geographers, educators, scientists and anyone with a professional interest in forestry. The Institute's mission is to provide national leadership in forestry, promote competence among forestry professionals, and foster public awareness of Canadian and international forestry issues. The NL Section consists of 100+ members who continue to promote forestry and do so through a number of initiatives such as a series of information sessions on various forestry related topics. These “mini-forums” are held throughout the province and are open to anyone who wishes to learn more about the forests around them. Next in the series: Darin Brooks from CNA will give a presentation on “Advances in Remote Sensing with Forest Management Applications”. March 25th, Greenwood Inn Corner Brook, 12-2. $10 admission fee. For more information, email Eric Young: emyoung@gov.nl.ca
PLAY AGAIN New media technologies have improved our lives in countless ways. But what are we missing when we are behind screens? PLAY AGAIN explores the changing balance between the virtual and natural worlds. This moving and humorous documentary ‘unplugs’ six teenagers and takes them on their first wilderness adventure. PLAY AGAIN investigates the consequences of a childhood removed from nature.
FORAY 2011 Terra Nova National Park September 9-11
www.modelforest.net
For more information: www.nlmushrooms.ca