Fall 2011 New Seminar Series to Benefit Forest Product Producers and the Valued-Added Industry in Ontario
Volume VIII Issue 3
The Eastern Ontario Model Forest, in collaboration with FPInnovations and the Ministry of Northern Development Mines and Forestry, is pleased to announce a timely new seminar tailored to primary and secondary wood manufacturers in Ontario.
Fall is in the air...
Chain-of-Custody Certification (CoCC) for Forest Product Producers and the Value-Added Wood Industry promises to deliver a full-day of informative presentations from experts who will describe the “what, why and how” of CoCC including:
WHAT’S INSIDE New CoCC Project
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Message from Mark
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Hot Off the Press: ‘A land manager’s guide to conserving habitat for forest birds in southern Ontario’
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Forest Fair of Eastern Ontario
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Program Update: Forest Certification
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First Nations Traditional Forest Values 5 - Talks and Tours Project Update: Ontario East Wood Centre
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RFHN Update
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Highlights: Recent Event & Meetings
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CMFN Update
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What’s Coming Up?
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the three different Chain-of-Custody certification systems available new market trends that are ‘pulling’ demand for certified products economic and non-economic benefits of becoming certified the risks of opting for ‘status quo’ where and how to market certified products both domestically and for export, possible cost-sharing incentive programs (completion of this seminar would be a pre-requisite to qualify for eligibility)
Choose from one of six locations during January and February 2012 including: Kanata, North Bay, Kitchener, Mississauga, Vaughan, Peterborough To stay current on details as they are finalized please register your coordinates on our seminar website at: www.seminars.eomf.on.ca Don’t miss this unique learning and networking experience that will enhance your ‘triple bottom line’ into the future - and your corporate social responsibility and green objectives!
It just came to our attention that boxes of stamped Spring Forestry Forum envelopes were found on a shelf at Canada Post victims of the postal strike in May. If you missed it and would like to catch up on that news please view our online version by going to: www.eomf.on.ca > News & Media > Forestry Forum
Hot off the Press
Message From Mark General Manager, EOMF
Reaching Towards a New Horizon I have been thinking a lot lately about how challenged the forest industry is within the settled landscape of southern Ontario, and correspondingly, I have also been thinking about how the EOMF can contribute to developing opportunity for industry that fosters economic sustainability, and hopefully even some growth.
A land manager’s guide to conserving habitat for forest birds in southern Ontario will assist landowners with stewardship of their property, management of their forests for profit, and preserving a diverse and healthy woodlot for future generations. This guide provides landowners with harvesting method options, and focuses on habitat requirements for local forest birds. It explains the effects of different land management decisions on bird populations as well as how different management practices affect the health and well-being of birds that live in forests. Produced by Science and Information Resources Division of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in conjunction with Trent University and with additional funding from Environment Canada and Eastern Ontario Model Forest it is available for $15 + HST and shipping, through the LandOwner Resource Centre, 1-800-2673504 or info@lrconline.com. To view click HERE 2
This is important for us as an organization because it speaks to the broader intent of Natural Resource Canada’s Forest Communities Program (FCP) – of which we are a proud part. The FCP is about finding opportunity for forest-based communities by testing new ideas and concepts, by working with diverse interests, and by finding solutions to the many challenges associated with a rapidly evolving forest and rural sector. Over the past couple of years, and thanks to countless discussions with our many partners and stakeholders, I have come to feel that there is another very important reason why we need to direct a significant portion of our energy toward this lofty goal of finding economic opportunity for the forest sector. The absence of a strong and healthy forest sector puts all the past effort of building momentum around the concept of true forest sustainability at risk. I believe that everything has its place and the land base can support a balance of conservation and extraction efforts for the betterment of all, but this settled land has a long history of
exploitation for our needs and not all of it has been right. The forest industry represents a significant avenue for guiding our land use activities on a large scale toward practices that are balanced and sustainable. A strong forest sector fosters good forest management, and, in its absence, I worry about reverting back to a time when our private land forest management practices were not as good as they are today. Through our outreach and our projects, propelled by a strong board and staff group, we are working toward reaching a horizon that fosters a healthy forest sector with good markets not just for the high-value forest products, but also for the lower-value fibre quality wood that tends to dominate the majority of our harvests in eastern Ontario. And thinking beyond fibre, we continue to explore opportunities for better recognizing and rewarding forest industry, landowners and land managers for their role in providing ecological goods and services more broadly. I encourage you to contact me if you need any further information or would like to discuss any of our projects. Thank You! Mark Richardson, General Manager 613-258-8424 mrichardson@eomf.on.ca
Event Poster
Program Update: Forest Certification EOMF Assists Northumberland County Forest in Achieving FSC Certification Through the Forest Certification Program of the Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF) Northumberland County Forest has recently achieved Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification through the SmartWood Program of the Rainforest Alliance, an independent auditing organization. The Northumberland County Forest is a 2,200-hectare county-owned forest comprised of three large tracts that include wetlands, natural forest, and a network of managed plantations. The County’s goal for the forest is to maintain a “working forest” that is managed properly to provide economic, social and recreational benefits to the residents of Northumberland County.
international standards are accountable and ensure credible forest management activities for the residents of the County. We felt it was important to demonstrate to our residents that Northumberland County Forest was being managed to a world class standard, and could provide FSC-certified fibre to local mills, and that this certification could lead to marketing opportunities for these facilities.” Traditional Forest Values of Eastern Ontario’s First Nations As part of our commitment under our Forest Certification Program the EOMF is working with its First Nations partners, Plenty Canada, South Nation Conservation, and the Woodlot Advisory Service to raise awareness, throughout the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Forest Region, of traditional forestry values.
Mark Richardson, General Manager of the EOMF outlined the importance of the certification: “Northumberland County Forest has a high use rate and is a forest that has many values – such values range from important habitat for a diverse range of species, timber production, and recreational enjoyment for local residents.” Northumberland County Forestry Manager Mia Frankl views the County Forest certification as an important tool to implement sustainable forest management. “Independent 4
The first two sessions, held in Watson’s Corners and Finch, were a resounding success and we had a lot of positive feedback! A special thank you to all of our speakers and attendees for their valued participation. For more info on the EOMF Forest Certification Program, please contact Scott Davis at 258-8422 or sdavis@eomf.on.ca.
“...thanks for this outstanding workshop. The speakers (all of them) opened a window to a world I have previously only been able to read about - and Mr. Lickers is simply brilliant. While I appreciate the amount of work that goes into putting on events like this, the truth is we really do need more.” (Kent Daniels) “I enjoyed the workshop and learned a great deal.” (Mayor Janet Gutowski)
The well-known eloquence of Henry Lickers and his traditional opening was followed-up by an eye-opening orientation to traditional territories of First Nations peoples in the area delivered by both himself and Larry McDermott. Interspersed were stories of historical landowner partnerships that enabled the respectful ‘sharing’ of certain natural resources on private woodlots across the region - such as culling deer and other culturallysignificant ‘nuisance’ animals and the seasonal harvesting of prized plants used to craft traditional medicines. Peggy Pyke-Thompson from the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne presented an informed, and often surprising, description of the traditional uses from food to medicinal to spiritual - of both well and lesser known native plant species. Cindy Lazore charmed us with an anecdotal tale of the ash and sweetgrass basket-making legacy of her own family, and is proud to be carrying on the tradition for her generation. Chuck Commanda and Janet described the process of birch bark basket and canoe making from selecting the perfect tree to harvesting and creating their masterpieces. More teachings and experiences followed including a Drum Song, wildrice and snow goose soup, and fact-filled field tours led by Chris Craig and Larry!
First Nations Traditional Forest Values - Final Talk and Tour on Sept 28! Traditional Forest Values of Eastern Ontario’s First Nations
Please join us for a day to raise awareness of cross-cultural values and enable knowledge sharing in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Forest Region
Date: Wednesday, September 28 / 9:00-4:00 pm Place: .Centre Paul Emile Levesque, 756 Rue Brebeuf St. Casselman, ON (click HERE for map) Interpretive Field Tour: South Nation Conservation woodland nearby Topics & Speakers: Registration, coffee, meet and greet Traditional Opening; Wampum Belts; Traditional Territories
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9:00
Henry Lickers, Elder ‐ Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA); Chris Craig ‐ South Nation Conserva‐ tion; Larry McDermott ‐ Shabot Obaadjiwan FN, Plenty Canada
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Aboriginal Forest Values ‐ timber and non‐timber forest products, medicinal and edi‐ ble plants; arts and crafts; live demo of birch bark canoe and black ash basket making Teachings and talks by several First Nations contributors
Traditional Knowledge, Stewardship, Partnership ‐ Bio‐diversity & FSC® Principle 3&6 Larry McDermott ‐ Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation, Plenty Canada
Lunch ‐ also featuring traditional foods / After Lunch: Traditional Closing Interpretive Field Tour ‐ learn how local trees, plants, animals link to indigenous values
$20.00 Registration ‐ includes lunch. Featuring traditional food, demo’s, interpretive field tour!
To register online click HERE or contact Mary @ (613) 258‐8241 mhumphries@eomf.on.ca
Brought to you by the Eastern Ontario Model Forest, Plenty Canada, Algonquin First Nation, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Woodlot Advisory Service, South Nation Conservation
Photos compliments of Mayor Janet Gutowski Central Frontenac
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Update: Ontario East Wood Centre
New EAB Finds in Eastern Ontario and West Quebec Announced
A message from Sandra: In the past several years many of you have supported the development of the Ontario East Wood Centre & Eco-Industrial Park in one way or another and for this we are most grateful. Words and acts of encouragement keep us moving. As we work with our many partners throughout Ontario and Québec, in forestry, agriculture, academe, business and government we are more and more impressed with our capacity for collaboration, innovation and just plain hard work. And it is confirmed - if we are to participate in the third industrial revolution now is the time for action. 1. Please visit our website at www.woodcentre.ca for the latest news and to view an informative slide presentation (on the home page) that provides a comprehensive update. This journey must be successful if Eastern Ontario - the region of North America's most significant hard wood forests - is to reach its full potential. 2. On September 29th the board of directors will be holding its fall meeting at Queen's University thanks to the hospitality of Dr. Susan Wood, Director of the Office of Research. If you are interested in attending the September 29th OEWC Board meeting you would be very welcome - we will need to know in advance. 3. Happily and coincidentally through the Queen's Institute for Energy and Environmental Policy Dr. Wood has also arranged an evening with Jeremy Rifkin - internationally renowned sustainability advisor - who will be delivering a presentation entitled: Leading the Way Towards a Third Industrial Revolution. “Dinner with Rifkin at the Grand” will enable you, along with other leaders in the community, to share your perspectives on sustainability and Kingston’s Energy Future. Dr. Susan Wood will facilitate the exchange of ideas with the view of developing a Kingston strategy. It will be a chance to think about our energy future, to learn from and question a leading expert, as well as meet the experts from our own community. This is exciting and highly relevant for us. Spend some time on http://www.foet.org and you will see what we mean. WHEN: Thursday, September 29th, 2011: 5:30 – 7:00PM WHERE: The Grand Theatre, 218 Princess St., Kingston TICKETS: $75 per person / $25 for students N.B. If you are interested in attending please let me know asap to take advantage of a block of tickets reserved for us.
All for now and many thanks to Queen's University in advance! 6
email: sslawn@ripnet.com
RFHN Update
For more information on the Ontario East Wood Centre contact Sandra Lawn, Project Leader @ 613-9255568 or visit: www.woodcentre.ca
In the past two months, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in two more locations outside the previously regulated areas within the City of Ottawa, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, and parts of the City of Gatineau, Quebec. On July 6 the CFIA announced a find in the City of Gatineau at the intersection of Boulevard des Allumettières and Rue Crémazie. On August 9 they announced a find in a trap in the United Counties of Prescott and Russell at a rest stop on Highway 17 near Wendover. Movement restrictions, which prohibit the movement of all ash materials— such as logs, branches and wood chips—and all species of firewood from the affected sites, have been put in place. The most important way to limit the spread of this invasive beetle is to avoid moving potentially infested ash materials, as well as all species of firewood, to non-infested areas. Property owners in the affected areas have been notified of these restrictions. Further regulatory measures will be considered once all survey work has been completed for the year. The presence of EAB has now been confirmed in 24 Ontario counties, and in three areas in the province of Quebec. The EAB is a highly destructive beetle that has already killed millions of ash trees in Ontario and the northeastern United States. It poses a major economic threat to urban and forested areas of North America. Additional information is available on the CFIA website.
Highlights: Recent Events & Meetings Since our spring issue of Forestry Forum, the EOMF has participated in an array of events and meetings focused on forest and forest community related issues. A few highlights are mentioned here. EOMF Annual General Meeting On Thursday, June 16 the EOMF held its 19th Annual General Meeting. Special presentations revolved around the theme "Glimpses of History: Our Forestry Culture". Over 60 members and guests joined us as we followed up our brief morning business meeting and awards presentation with two different perspectives on the historical evolution of how we have interacted with our forests in Eastern Ontario. Many thanks to Dave Lemkay who delivered a colourful account of how the infamous lumber baron J.R. Booth made his socio-economic impact on the landscape and forest industry with the construction of 'his' railroad. Thanks also to Henry Lickers, an elder from the Mohawk community of Akwesasne, who offered us an informative glimpse of why and how their people came to Eastern Ontario, some of their philosophies regarding European settlement over time, as well as how they traditionally used and communed with the forest. This in addition to the usual great food and company that marks our annual Spring gathering. Beech Bark Disease Workshop for Forestry Specialists On Tuesday August 30, Dr. Richard Wilson, Forest Program Pathologist for OMNR, and Dr. John McLaughlin,
Forest Research Pathologist for OMNR co-led an educational and timely workshop designed for forest managers, tree markers, and other specialists interested in learning how to identify and reduce the impacts of Beech Bark Disease (BBD). Workshop objectives included: • to transfer current understanding about BBD including its range and impact in Ontario; • to enlist participation in a beech survey to locate, mark and protect putatively disease-resistant beech trees; • to consult on management strategies and Best Management Practices to lessen the impacts of BBD and promote beech survival; • to gather information needed for drafting tree marking guidelines for stands affected by BBD; and more... This day was a collaborative effort between EOMF, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) and Credit Valley Conservation. Many thanks to both presenters who will be hosting another BBD workshop on November 17th at the South Nation Conservation offices in Finch. Please visit: www.eomf.on.ca > Events . Ontario East Municipal Conference 2011 From September 14-16, Mark Richardson, Scott Davis and Sandra Lawn attended this annual conference designed to address topical issues for municipalities large and small across Eastern Ontario. They raised awareness amongst municipal officials about our Community Forest Certification Program as well as the Ontario East Wood Centre project and the
Irish Foresters Tour Region (by David Milton)
The Ontario Professional Foresters Association hosted a tour of 32 foresters from the Society of Irish Foresters. The tour through Lanark County began with the hospitality of Ruth and Ray Fortune of Fortune Farms, one of the county’s significant and long operating maple sugar operations. Arranged through Mark Richardson of the EOMF, the Irish were treated to samples of the 2011 sugaring, a description of the processes used, and a colourful history of Canadian maple syrup. On a beautiful balmy day, the Fortunes conducted a guided tour of their original bush, highlighting some of the white pine monarchs, the associated species and the evidence of the ice storm of the late 1990’s. The Irish foresters talked forestry with Ray and Ruth, and marvelled at the now thirty year old planted hard maple plantation, a labour of pride for the land owners. Some jars of maple syrup were packed onto the bus for the continuation of the journey. The second part of the Ottawa Valley tour was in Renfrew County tour for a visit to the Beachburg Tract of red pine plantation, hosted by Jeff Muzzi, Manager of Forestry Services for the County and Lacey Rose, County Forester. The Tract is an excellent portrait of the area’s management of reclaimed agricultural lands, exhibiting the successions of thinning and commercial harvest to mimic the progress to return to a more naturally occurring forest. Since the majority of the Irish forests have the same history of management by planting of tree-barren lands, the similarities and contrasts generated a huge volume of questions ...and observations. 7
CMFN Update From June 21st - 23rd, more than 60 members and guests of the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN) gathered in picturesque Waskesiu Lake, Saskatchewan for their 2011 Annual General Meeting. Co-hosted by the Prince Albert Model Forest, each day was packed with a stimulating and productive blend of workshops, presentations, business meetings, networking, and fantastic food! EOMF was represented by Mark Richardson and Melanie Williams.
What’s Coming Up? Wednesday, 28 September 2011 8:30 - 4:00 Talk and Tour - First Nations Traditional Forest Values Saturday, 01 October 2011 10:00 - 3:00 Forest Fair and Log & Lumber Auction of Eastern Ontario Tuesday, 04 October 2011 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo 2011 Friday, 21 October 2011 - Sunday, 23 October 2011 Ottawa Woodworking Show Saturday, 15 October 2011 8:00 - 4:00 Sugar Maple Tour - Saturday October 15th, 2011 Thursday, 17 November 2011 9:00 - 3:00 Beech Bark Disease Workshop for Forestry Specialists
Summaries of the year's achievements on the national initiatives and projects were presented. Participatory workshops focused on: Policy & Partnerships, Member Services, Communications, International Engagement, Science & Research, and Business Development. This provided opportunities to be creative and work collaboratively towards common goals and developing new ideas.
Saturday, 26 November 2011 9:00 - 3:00 Financial Aspects for Property Management
There were educational and enlightening presentations from Model Forest members and our visiting guests, including the: Ibero-American Model Forest Network; Mediterranean Model Forest Network; Alto Malleco Model Forest in Chile; Vilhelmina Model Forest in Sweden; the Forest Products Sector Council; and, Canadian Biosphere Reserves.
Woodlot Advisory Service: A free and voluntary bilingual service offered in Eastern Ontario. http://www.nation.on.ca/en/your-forests/woodlot-advisory-service/
This successful multi-day event once again reinforced to its members and guests that the CMFN has a strong foundation, which is supported by a common sense of purpose, dedication, and commitment towards the ideals, values, strengths and potential of a unified and strong organization. Visit: www.cmfn-rcfm.ca for more...
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To get more detailed info on Events please click on the titles, or visit our website at: www.eomf.on.ca and click the Events button.
Useful Links from our Partners Ontario Woodlot Association: “E-News from Around the Woodlot” is a great news source. To receive yours click or email: info@ont-woodlot-assoc.org
ForestConnect: Free webinar series from Cornell University - range of topics!
Forestry Forum is a publication of the Eastern Ontario Model Forest, a proud member of the Canadian Model Forest Network. ISSN 1201-3978 The Eastern Ontario Model Forest gratefully acknowledges the support of Natural Resources Canada through the Canadian Forest Service’s Forest Communities Program.
Please send comments and articles to: Melanie Williams, Editor Forestry Forum c/o Eastern Ontario Model Forest 10 Campus Drive, P.O. Bag 2111 Kemptville, Ontario, K0G 1J0 Phone: (613) 258-8365 E-mail: mwilliams@eomf.on.ca Web site: www.eomf.on.ca