The Higgs government has released its forestry management plan for the next five years and it is a boon for anyone who owns a private woodlot.
Natural Resources and Energy Development Minister Mike Holland announced they are not going to increase the Crown wood supply for five years, but will instead be looking to private woodlot owners to step up.
“We will be doubling down on our efforts to increase the wood supply from private woodlots through a variety of means involving the boards and commissions,” said Holland on Thursday.
“Government will be setting timber objectives for private woodlots which will be accompanied by a long-term silviculture strategy and the resources to support them.”
Holland said the decision will allow the forest to mature, creating more value for New Brunswickers and the forest industry.
The government said it also allows them to do a full consultation with First Nations to understand their interests and how we can consider their rights.
Higgs also talked about there being more transparency regarding the forestry and says the government will, in the near future, be implementing a dashboard site.
“Whether you are managing for wildlife habitat, for conservation, for environmental responsibility, high-quality timber products or as a legacy for your family, this site will be a location and a source of information that is trusted, unbiased and relevant,” stated Holland.
Following the news conference, Holland was asked by a reporter how he thought the big forestry companies would react to all of this.
“Not allocating future Crown land for five years, well what happens to a tree if you leave it alone in the woods? It grows. That is going to be something that helps grow our wood supply into the future,” he said.
