IS S UE
01 August 2011
FORESTRY HAPPENINGS IN NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
Forest News Photo by T. Higgins, MFNL
In this issue Partridgeberry Business Initiative P.2 West Coast Farmers Market P.3 Foray 2011 P.3
Forest Communities Program The Forest Communities Program (FCP) is a $25 million, five-year program that funds 11 forest community organizations across Canada, as well as national projects. The FCP community partnerships are located in defined geographic areas at a regional scale, and include a mix of urban, rural and Aboriginal communities. Typically, these community partnerships are diverse, with participants drawn from community groups, i nd ust ry , Ab o ri gi nal organizations, and various levels of government, l andow ne rs , re sea rc h groups and educational institutions. The FCP assists forest community organizations in developing and sharing new knowledge, practices and strategies to meet the challenges of forest sector transition and to develop new , forest -based economic opportunities.
Mountain Bike Master Plan P.4 NL Envirothon Turns 11 Years Old P.4 RROF Conference Summary P.6 CMFN Resources for Communities P.6
Building Sustainable Forest Communities Model Forest of Newfoundland & Labrador is a growing partnership of
We are very happy to bring you this issue of our newsletter to give you an idea of what
communities, industries, organizations and
is going on with MFNL this year and to give
governments working together to help
you some insight into a few areas of special
build
forest-based
interest. We hope you find something that
communities. Our partners have a shared
our
province‟s
enlightens you, inspires you or speaks to you.
vision of strong communities equipped and empowered to sustain our forest
We hope you enjoy this information sharing tool and if you have an article you would like
sector into the future. The forest sector
to submit for the next edition, please send it
defines many communities and the hard-
along to forestry@mfnl.ca. Enjoy!
working, determined people who call them home. Forest resources are at the heart of our economy through pulp and paper production, sawmilling, other forest product
development,
tourism
and
recreational ventures. All across Canada, the forest sector is dealing with rising energy costs, a strong dollar, global competition and reduced timber
supplies.
As
Canada‟s
forest-
The FCP is administered by Natural Resources Canada - Canadian Forest Service.
based industries and economies rise or
MFNL has been provided with partial funding from NRCan-CFS, as part of its Forest Com m uni ti e s Program.
provides to thousands of Canadians.
fall, so too do the communities that exist because of the forest and the work it Change is bringing opportunity to forest-based communities, where people with experience, skills and knowledge are the
forest
sector‟s
changing times.
greatest
asset
in
MFNL is looking for Non-Timber Forest Product providers. If you are in the business of providing a service or product that comes from the forest and would like to join our network of NTFP providers, please let us know. Contact information is available on our website www.mfnl.ca.
Photo from www.hiwtc.com
The World Celebrates Forests in 2011 The year 2011 has been declared the “International Year of Forests” with a theme of “Forests for People”. “The International Year of Forests 2011 is an Picture of a pellet die in a pellet mill. Knives cut off the extruded wood feedstock to prepare the wood pellets for cooling, drying, bagging and shipping.
New Wood Pellet User Guide
come together and work with governments, international organizations and civil society, to ensure that sustainably
our for
forests are managed current and future
generations.” - United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat. In addition to the international celebration, Canada has it‟s own annual celebration of
Peter Davison MFNL Outreach Coordinator
Worldwide,
open invitation to the world community to
bioenergy
forests during National Forest Week (NFW).
has been gaining a lot of momentum as individuals
NFW occurs during the last full week of September, which is Sept 18 - 24 in 2011.
and f rom
organizations f os sil
switch
f uel s
to
renewable fuels. NL has not been “leading the pack”
Partridgeberry Business
on this fuel revolution but we have not “missed the
Ian Stone LCN Coordinator
Labrador. “There exists a high demand for this
bus” either. By the fall of 2011 our province will have
Model Forest of Newfoundland Labrador‟s (MFNL) Local Community Network on the
would allow for greater marketing and less ebb and flow from season to season” says Kier
the capacity to produce 60,000 tons of wood pellets
Northern Peninsula has teamed up with Nordic Economic Development Corporation, St.
Knudsen of The Dark Tickle Company, a major local manufacture of jams, sauces, vinegars,
annually and there are som e great pl anned projects to increase our
Anthony Cold Storage Limited and the Department of Innovation Trade and Rural
teas, drinks and chocolates from unique wild berries in Newfoundland and Labrador.
domestic demand for wood pellets.
Partridgeberry Business Pilot Project for the
In an effort to increase
Stemming from the Rural Revitalization
MFNL supplying the advertising and business
domestic
from our Forests Conference in April, which
concept this demonstrates our commitment
demand for wood pellets
showcased numerous opportunities for further development of Non-Timber Forest Products
to knowledge sharing, capacity building and
(NTFP) on the Northern Peninsula, SABRI and Nordic Economic Development Corporation
MFNL‟s Forest Communities Program
the
residential
the MFNL has recently created a Residential Consumer User Guide for
Development
product and stability in such a market place
(INTRD)
to
create
a
2011 berry picking season.
Wood Pellets. Watch for the
contacted INTRD and MFNL about a possible
final version coming early this fall, just in time for the
opportunity to develop the berry industry. St.
2011/12 heating season.
unit and travel around the Northern Peninsula
Anthony Cold Storage plans to use a mobile purchasing berries from local pickers, in turn selling them to larger jam producers and restaurants on the Northern Peninsula and
MFNL sees this initiative as a significant contribution for showcasing opportunities that require entrepreneurs to step forward. With
networking – one of the key principles of Training sessions in food safety and security are already underway and regional public workshops and open houses are taking place August 30th in Plum Point & August 31st in St. Anthony. For more information contact LCN Coordinator Ian Stone @ (709)243-2829 or gnpforestnetwork@redochre.org
EYE ON IT Current Industry Trends
Foray 2011 Foray Newfoundland and Labrador “We collect mushrooms. We identify mushrooms.
With the growing demand for green
We contribute to science. These are by products, albeit
building materials engineered wood
valuable and interesting. Above all, we promote stewardship of our woods; surely the stewards of
products are the natural choice.
tomorrow are our finest product. And we have fun
Western Environment Centre
The West Coast Farmers‟ Market brings
doing it.” Andrus Voitk
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is one product that has seen widespread use in Europe and is
every Saturday at the Majestic Lawn in Corner Brook. Organized by the Western Environment
This year is a very exciting year for the partnership between MFNL and Foray Newfoundland and Labrador. We are
Centre, one of the main goals of the market is to create awareness about the connections
pleased to say that the Faculty Foray will be hosted in White Bay South (Sept 5 – 9, 2011),
traditional four-floor limit for wooden
between food and the environment.
with the annual Foray being held in Terra
www.cwc.ca/products/CLT
Nova National Park (Sept 9 – 11, 2011).
Is this a use for NL small diameter
together growers, crafters, bakers and artists
The West Coast Farmers‟ Market is now in its third season, and runs from July to October each year, with one special market in early June for Environment Week. Market customers can expect to find local preserves, baked goods, veggie transplants, fair trade organic coffee, as well as information on non-timber forest products.
As part of our knowledge generation, MFNL will gain valuable information into the possible
MUSHROOM Monthly Picks
inventory that may exist and Foray NL will get to expand its island database!! Anyone
get involved, visit www.wecnl.ca or check them out on facebook and twitter.
Sorry this year‟s FORAY is FULL; however, if you would like your name added to the waiting list, visit www.nlmushrooms.ca.
Non-Timber Forest Products...What are They? such
as
mushrooms in NL is the Newfoundland Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius var. roseocanus) . Found throughout many NL forests, chanterelles provide a colorful and delicious
Photo by P. Davison, MFNL
decorative
greenery
addition to late summer meals. One word of advice...be very careful who
harvested from forests, under-utilized-lands,
Products (NTFPs) as “the botanical (plant
and agroforestry systems. Many NTFPs are wild
based) and mycological (fungus based)
harvested, but there is significant potential -
Once you find a productive area, and
resources and associated services of forests
and in some cases, need - to practice
get a taste, you will understand the
and under-utilized lands other than timber,
deliberate management of these resources
reasoning in my previous sentence.
pulpwood or other conventional wood products. Examples of NTFPs include foods
as is emerging on a limited scale in different parts of the country.” Natural Resources
such
Canada
wild
Non-Timber
products
One of the most delicious
Forest
as
describes
structures. Read More at
trees?...what do you think?
wishing to attend the Annual Foray can do so by visiting www.nlmushrooms.ca.
Canada
engineers to go beyond the
The Faculty will be doing much needed research in the Main River watershed, in old growth areas that have never been explored.
For more information on WEC, or how you can
The Non-Timber Forest Products Network of
now available in Canada. CLT allows
mushrooms
and
berries,
medicinal herbs, and a wide range of other
reports
that
NTFP‟s
have
you share your “secret spot” with.
Photo by P. Davison, MFNL
the
potential to contribute $1 Billion to the Canadian economy.
Interested about the NTFP market in Canada? Visit the NTFP Network of Canada Site: www.ntfpnetwork.ca A picture of several harvested Newfoundland Chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius var. roseocanus).
Mountain Bike Master Plan
NL Envirothon in it’s 11 t h Year
Nathan Wareham LCN Business Development Specialist
Peter Davison
The West Coast of Newfoundland has a growing community of mountain bike riders who have limited access
Since 2001 MFNL has been organizing the NL Envirothon, and in 2011 is was held at Killdevil Camp and Conference
to trails. Western Newfoundland has the topography and potential to be a mountain biking “destination”. To become
Centre in Gros Morne National Park.
this, the area needs a plan to design and build trails from beginner to advanced. The creation of these trails will be
competition for high school students across the province.
the key to encouraging growth in the sport by residents. Such growth would help create a network of trails and riders, thereby attracting mountain bike enthusiasts from around the world.
MFNL Outreach Coordinator
The
Envirothon
is
an
environmental
education
Each team consists of 5 students and a coach. The teams are tested in five theme areas: Soils/Land use, Aquatic Ecology, Wildlife, Forestry and a special topic that changes annually. The special topic in 2011 was Salt and Freshwater Estuaries. Teams complete field tests and are then presented
During an informal visit by the International Mountain
with a natural resource management problem scenario in
Biking Association (IMBA) Trail Crew in 2010, the IMBA crew
which they have 1/2 a day to prepare an oral presentation
compared the Corner Brook area to Whistler/Squamish, BC
outlining their solution to the problem. Combining the field
15 years ago in regards to both terrain and potential. Whistler and Squamish are now among the top mountain biking destinations in the world.
testing and the oral presentation scores determines the winner of the provincial event. The winning team qualifies to compete at the International Canon Envirothon which is
There has been some great progress made since the informal visit by the IMBA in 2010. The Model Forest of
held in Canada every five years.
Newfoundland & Labrador is now partnering with the West Coast Cycling Association, Cycle Solutions, Department of
from Elwood High School, Deer Lake . IDEK traveled to Sackville, NB in late July to attend the international
Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and the City of Corner Brook in developing the Mountain Biking Master Plan. Professional trail designer Daniel Scott has been contracted
competition where they competed against teams from 45 states, eight provinces, and one territory. IDEK had an amazing experience and represented NL in fine fashion!
The winner of the NL Envirothon 2011 was team “IDEK”
to design a Master Trail Design which will contain the “blueprint” for 150 - 200 km of trails in the area. The trails will be constructed using sustainable trail building best practices as taught by the IMBA Trail Care Crew‟s “Trail Building
Photo by P. Davison, MFNL
School” program. As I write this article I am getting ready to attend the free workshop on the Trail Building School program on August 20 in Corner Brook. The trail building workshop will educate riders, volunteers, and anyone interested in biking or hiking trails with the methodology of building sustainable, low maintenance trails. As the trail development commences and we begin to execute the Mountain Bike Master Plan, we expect to see more organizations wanting to participate in its planning and implementation. Having a developed mountain bike trail network, which offers trails for beginners to advanced riders, will assist in attracting tourists and permanent residents to Western Newfoundland.
Team IDEK from Elwood High School in Deer Lake took top honors at the NL Envirothon 2011. Team members (left to right) are Erin Pearson, Stephanie Williams, Brandy Ford, Mark Murdoch and Bethany Roberts. Coaches Fred Pearson (Left), and Oral Roberts (Right).
EYE ON IT
New Staff at MFNL Newfoundland & Labrador Lumber Producers Association has rec en tl y fo r med a ste eri ng committee to look at forming a new forest products group. The new group would have representatives from various forest based businesses throughout the value chain; from the wood harvesters and onto the value-added manufacturers.
A New Wood Products Association for NL? The steering committee is comprised of representatives from the harvesting and
Press Release Newfoundland and Labrador Lumber Producers Association
A newly formed steering committee of the Newfoundland and Labrador Lumber Producers Association recently met in Deer Lake to discuss options to strengthen the wood products sector through the formation of an industry wide forest products group. The impetus for this is being driven by hard times in an industry reeling from depressed lumber and paper markets and stiff offshore competition.
It
is
also
motivated
by
recognition that the best potential to realize emerging opportunities will be through strong collaboration among all industry sectors. The new group hopes to form a coalition
sawmill sector, value added enterprises, forest energy enterprises, and forestry professionals. The group hopes that the proposed new organization will work with all members of the sector as well as government to rebuild a vibrant sustainable industry. “Our goal is to provide sustainable jobs and prosperity for many
rural
communities
throughout
our
province that have historically relied on our renewable forest resources. We cannot and must not let this industry die”, said Ms. Saunders.
HOT OFF THE PRESS
of wood harvesters, lumber producers, and
Domestic Woodcutting:
value added manufacturers to help grow the
Best Management Practices in NL
local industry. “We have to work together to forge a common path and a brighter future for all participants in this industry”, said Gloria Saunders, Manager of the Lumber Producers Association. In the past several years, the closure of the two Abitibi newsprint Mills and a number of sawmills has reduced the annual harvest to roughly half of sustainable levels. These reductions have significantly reduced employment and economic returns in the sector.
If you have not seen the newest publication by MFNL, you can download it @ www.mfnl.ca/publications
Peter Davison Outreach Coordinator
Hired on with MFNL in April 2011, Peter is a recent addition to Newfoundland after spending the last four years working in the New Brunswick forest industry. With a BSc in Forest Management from the University of Alberta, Peter has worked in the forest industry for the previous 6 years. His work experiences are quite diverse and include forest fire s up pr es s i on , s i l vic u lt ur e, commercial thinning and process improvement. Peter is enjoying his new role as Ou tr e ac h C oor d i n at or an d especially enjoys educating the public and younger generations on how we are connected to the forest and what the forest has to offer.
Jamie Malda Business Administration Technician
Jamie Malda joined the Model Forest team as the new Business Administration Technician in March 2011. He moved to Corner Brook from Burlington, Ontario where he recently graduated from the Accounting Program at Humber College in Toronto. Since being hired he has proved to be a valuable asset assisting the pr oj ec t man ag em ent an d administrative staff. Jamie plans to continue his studies in the business field, working towards a d eg r e e a n d e v e n t u a l l y a designation.
Lumberjack Challenge 2011
RROF Conference Report
Jodi Crocker MFNL Summer Student
The Lumberjack Challenge 2011 was held during the East West North Expo in Corner Brook. Master of Ceremonies Pat Higgins, of Century 21 Island Realty, announced the events and
provided
excellent
color
commentary
for
the
competition.
The Local Community Network (LCN) is an independent initiative sponsored in part by the Model Forest of Newfoundland & Labrador‟s Forest Communities Program in partnership with the NORDIC Economic Development Corporation, the RED Ochre Regional Board Inc. and the
At the end of the day, Kruger Cougars took home the
Humber Economic Development Board. During the spring of
top prize of $625, plus another $200 for the Hot Saw Event!
2010, the network decided it would host a three-day conference to take a look at our forest resources with a new
Second place, worth $400, was awarded to T‟n‟T Crazy Cutters and third place, worth $275, to Jack of All Trades. The Lumberjack Challenge 2011, hosted and organized
perspective and discuss innovative solutions to promote economic growth and sustainability for rural Newfoundland
by MFNL, thanks all the volunteers, participants and sponsors
and Labrador (NL).
who made the event a great success. Sponsors of the event
The conference was held on April 13-15, 2011 at the Gros Morne Resort in St. Paul‟s, NL and drew in 113
were: NL Dept. of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Canada, Kruger Inc, T‟n‟T Truck and Trailer Repair, Stihl, KRock, CFCB, College of the North Atlantic, Pat Higgins, Century 21 Island Realty and East West North Expo. Photo by T. Higgins, MFNL
participants from a diverse mixture of backgrounds. The conference agenda focused on rural issues and the potential for economic generation, community development and employment from traditional and new uses of our forest resource. The main objective of the conference was to bring together a diverse mix of delegates and design a conference which would focus on current forestry issues and alternative economic opportunities for our forest-dependent communities. To accomplish this, the conference committee designed an agenda that first looked at the current economic
environment
within
NL,
alternative
forestry
opportunities and what the provincial government is doing with the industry. The conference then focused on other Blair Diamond (left), of the “T’n’T Crazy Cutters”, faces off against Mike Brenton (right), of the “Jacks of All Trades”, in the Stihl Stock Saw competition.
regions, the issues they have faced and what is required to implement these new opportunities. The committee feels the objectives of the conference were accomplished and are still relevant. We were able to present many new concepts regarding non-timber forest
Wood First Initiatives The Wood First initiative started in BC with the Wood First Act in 2009. 33 communities across BC have adopted wood first bylaws. Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick now have Wood First or similar initiatives in place.
products and community forestry as well as touch on value added wood products and bioenergy. However, there are still many opportunities, especially in the area of tourism which could be addressed but went beyond the scope of our objective. For more information on the conference and the official report
contact
forestry@mfnl.ca.
MFNL
office
at
www.mfnl.ca
or
at
Bringing Grassroots Experience to the Nation The second tool is to help communities plan
Leanne Elliott Canadian Model Forest Network
National Forest Week: Sept 18-24
for the expected effects of climate change.
Event Schedule
(CMFN), the national body with 15 Model
Some areas are currently experiencing impacts, while others have not yet been
Forest
across Canada, creates
Sept 18: Family Day in the Park.
influenced. Regardless of their status, this tool
linkages between its members to common
will assist in planning for the future. This is also
themes.
draft form, with pilots to test the guidebook
The
Canadian members
Model
Forest
Network
It brings together their expertise to
develop value-added tools that are broad in scope, which can be used by a wide range of forest and community stakeholders. Some products are: „Taking Stock of your Community in Turbulent Times: A Resource Guide for Conducting Rural Community Assessments‟, „Pathways to Climate Change Resilience: a Guidebook for Canadian ForestBased Communities‟, and „Biomass Heating and Electricity Production: a Guidebook for Rural Communities in Canada‟. The first guidebook provides rural communities with resources to undertake community assessments. Many regions are experiencing changes in their socio-economic environments or expect to see shifts. This guide provides support to the planning and adaptation measures needed to adjust to these changes. The guide will be piloted this year, revised, and released to a broad audience early next summer.
The final guidebook provides information to those who are considering a bioenergy facility their
region.
The
Park Sept 19: Official Opening
taking place this year.
in
2-5pm Margaret Bowater
primer
has
basic
information for those new to the sector about the technology and social, environmental, and economic considerations. An online tool has further information about policies, programs, case studies, Model Forest bioenergy activities, and publications. This year, a pre-feasibility tool will be developed. This will give community members insight into
Ceremonies, 10am Margaret Bowater Park Sept 20: Forests for People - Talk, 12:30pm Location TBA Sept 21: Forests for People - Talk, 12:30pm Location TBA Sept 22: Ask the Expert/Debate, Time and Location TBA Sept 23: Forests for People - Talk, 12:30pm Location TBA
their current status and areas of improvement, which can be used before they begin in-depth planning. For more information on the activities of the CMFN visit www.modelforest.net or visit the
Watch out for the 2011 Geocaching
Model Forest of Newfoundland & Labrador, a partner of the CMFN, at www.mfnl.ca or e-mail
compete for great prizes and have a
and Photo Contests. Get ready to
blast while doing it. Details will be
the MFNL at forestry@mfnl.ca.
posted on the MFNL website @ www.mfnl.ca.
This Month’s Q&A Question:
resulting MSR rated lumber can be used in highly
In the context of dimensional lumber - what does
demanding
the acronym MSR mean?
consistent strength characteristics of the lumber is
engineered
applications
where
very important.
Answer: Machine Stress Rated (MSR) lumber is lumber that has been graded by a machine, instead of the traditional method of grading based on a
The MSR industry has grown 50% since 1990 and continues to increase in demand as engineered wood products become more popular.
The machine grading
Information for this month’s Q&A section was
results in a more efficient use of the forest
obtained from the Canadian Wood Council
resource and adds value to the lumber. The
website @ www.cwc.ca.
quick visual inspection.
Photo by T. Higgins, MFNL
Upcoming Events Sept 9 - 11: Foray 2011 @ Terra Nova National Park - Foray Newfoundland and Labrador Foray Newfoundland and Labrador is a not-for-profit organization conducting amateur mushroom forays in our province. For more information visit www.nlmushrooms.ca.
Sept 16 - 17: 43rd Humber Valley Agricultural, Home and Handicraft Exhibition @ the Hodder Recreation Complex, Deer Lake Annual two-day Agriculture Exhibition showcasing NL agriculture and promoting locally produced goods such as vegetables, fruits, baked goods, preserves, and handicrafts.
Sept 18 - 21: 103rd Canadian Institute of Forestry - AGM & Conference, Huntsville, Ontario
MFNL Contact Info 19-21 West Street P.O . Box 68 Corner Brook, N L A2H 6C3 P (709) 637 -7300 F (709) 634-0255 www.mfnl.ca forestry @mfnl.ca
The Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) is the national voice of forest practitioners. This multi-themed conference features three concurrent sessions offering a wide variety of timely topics such as new forest resource inventory and silviculture techniques, Ethno botany species of interest to aboriginal peoples, the latest in biomass harvesting and sustainability, and many more. For more information visit www.cif-ifc.org.
Sept 18 - 24: National Forest Week - Activities occurring in Corner Brook and other locations across NL and throughout Canada Communities across Canada will be celebrating National Forest Week (NFW) during Sept 18 - 24, 2011. The celebration kicks off in Corner Brook on Sunday September 18th at 2pm, with a Family Fun Day at Margaret Bowater Park, followed by the Official Opening Ceremonies on Monday, September 19th. For more information on NFW activities in your area contact your local NL Department of Natural Resources office.
Oct 5 - 6: Model Forest of Newfoundland & Labrador Retreat, Humber River Valley The focus will be on reviewing our progress as a Model Forest in administering the Forest Communities Program and discussing the potential for the Model Forest post 2012. Invitations have been sent to all partners of the MFNL. Accommodations will be arranged through the MFNL office @ (709) 637-7300.
Oct 11 - 14: Canadian Institute of Forestry - NL Section - AGM
ModelForestNL Model Forest of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) is the national voice of forest practitioners. The CIF Newfoundland & Labrador section will be holding it’s AGM at the Terra Nova Resort.
Our Partners & Supporters: Partners ACAP Humber Arm Environmental Association Canadian Institute of Forestry City of Corner Brook College of the North Atlantic Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Ltd. Dept. of Environment & Conservation: Water Resources Management Division Lands Division Parks and Natural Areas Division Wildlife Division Dept. of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Dept. of Natural Resources Dr. David Smallwood, Independent Chair Fisheries and Oceans Canada Great Humber Joint Council
Forest News August 2011
Grenfell Campus - Memorial University of Newfoundland Gros Morne National Park - Parks Canada Hospitality Newfoundland & Labrador Humber Economic Development Board Humber Natural History Society Newfoundland and Labrador Forestry Training Association Nordic Economic Development Corporation Protected and Natural Areas Association of Newfoundland & Labrador RED Ochre Regional Board Inc. Western School District
Supporters Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Natural Resources Canada: Canadian Forest Service