Region Archives: Canada East

Canadian Forest Owners (CFO) is proud to announce it has awarded its third annual Christopher Lee Memorial Scholarship to Lakehead University Bachelor of Science student Sarah Plourde for her outstanding achievement in forestry studies. She is now completing the final year of her BSc in Forestry in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Sarah stands out amongst her peers for her genuine interest in the sustainability of Canada’s forest land, which grew as she gained invaluable work experience in sustainably managed working forests, her aptitude in sports, including Timber Sports, as well as her strong academic performance.

Michael Wulder

Michael Wulder is a visionary senior research scientist at the Canadian Forest Service of Natural Resources Canada. He earned his BES in Geography from the University of Calgary, followed by an MES (1996) and a PhD in Geography at the University of Waterloo in 1998. Under the guidance of the esteemed Dr. Ellsworth LeDrew, Michael developed and validated statistical algorithms for remote sensing techniques in Forestry. …With over 400 peer-reviewed publications garnering over 50,000 citations and accolades such as the Canadian Remote Sensing Society’s Gold Medal and induction into the Order of Canada, Michael’s impact resonates globally. …Today, Michael is reshaping how we perceive, manage, and protect our natural landscapes. His groundbreaking use of LiDAR and satellite imagery has revolutionized our understanding of forest dynamics, enabling precise assessments of ecological health and sustainable resource management practices.

THUNDER BAY — A locally developed and manufactured logging trailer promises to make it more efficient to get timber from the forest to the mill. LBC Contracting, owned by brothers Derrick and Paul Legros, holds the patent for a five-axle hinged trailer that can carry an average of five to seven more metric tons of logs than other models. A prototype was tested at the former Abitibi paper mill on the Mission River, and was also evaluated long-term in real-world conditions by a forest products company. Derrick Legros, president of LBC, said government inspectors spent four days putting the trailer “through all of the testing for turning and for stress on the load cables, and the design of the chassis and all that stuff. It passed everything with flying colours.” …Existing four-axle trailers have a capacity of 36 to 38 metric tons, but LBC’s model can carry a payload of 42 metric tons.

Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper has changed names many times over the last 100 years, but the innovation, reliance, and stability of the mill remain the same… Recognized as one of the largest pulp and paper mills in the world, Thunder Bay’s mill still generating acres of product year after year, expanding into new markets, despite new technology advances threatening to collapse the industry… Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products Kevin Holland acknowledged the success story as an economic powerhouse in the region… “The forest industry has deep roots in our history and Thunder Bay pulp and paper has been at the heart of it all contributing to the prosperity of the countless families, supporting local businesses and fuelling the progress for the entire region.”

THUNDER BAY — A locally-developed and manufactured logging trailer promises to make it more efficient to get timber from the forest to the mill. LBC Contracting, owned by brothers Derrick and Paul Legros, holds the patent for a five-axle hinged trailer that can carry an average of five to seven more metric tons of logs than other models.
A prototype was tested at the former Abitibi paper mill on the Mission River, and was also evaluated long-term in real-world conditions by a forest products company. Derrick Legros, president of LBC, said government inspectors spent four days putting the trailer “through all of the testing for turning and for stress on the load cables, and the design of the chassis and all that stuff. It passed everything with flying colours.” …The average selling price for the trailer will be about $150,000.

Just 30 per cent of timber harvests within Huron County use good forestry practices, a county report says… Under the county’s forest conservation bylaw, the county allows for either “diameter limit” or “good forestry practice” harvests of woodlots and woodlands. But according to a report outlining current forestry practices in Huron County, diameter limit harvests can “lead to over-harvesting, loss of biodiversity and loss of long-term profitability from woodlands.” … While speaking about the reasons for fewer than half of the notices of intent being submitted adhering to good forestry practices, forestry conservation officer David Pullen said practices aren’t often sustainable due to operations looking to remove dead ash trees.

Innovative research into the effectiveness of aerial firefighting is helping the Ministry of Natural Resources and its research partners prepare for an anticipated growing threat from wildfires in years to come… Tests conducted in the Dryden area saw over 100 water drops made both over open areas and forested stands to compare how much water reaches the ground and to determine the ‘drop footprint’, which is the area where the water is actually dispersed. Every aircraft has a distinct drop footprint… Data gathered in these experiments will directly influence how wildfires are managed, including decisions on which aircraft to deploy,  how long they will need to be assigned to particular fires, [and will] inform Ontario’s long-term strategic planning for the procurement of the next set of airtankers.

One of the aspects of environmentalism is preserving natural habitat, including forests, and the biodiversity it brings with it. It has also been found that forests are natural carbon sinks of immense value, even as the oceans are. It is in this context that the investigative report of Western news agency, Reuters, about ‘sustainable logging’ in the forest area of Ontario in Canada, brings to the fore that there is a nexus between the timber industry and non-profit watchdogs which issue certification of safe logging.  The Reuters report shows that old forests which are more than 100 years old are being cleared by the timber companies, and they are doing so under the certification provided by the watchdog. 

The federal government estimates that an emergency decree to protect Quebec’s dwindling population of woodland caribou could cost the province’s economy between $670 million and $895 million over 10 years. According to a report by Radio-Canada, Ottawa expects the decree to affect the operations of 53 companies and put 1,400 forestry jobs at risk. It would also affect 28 forest-dependent communities. Those numbers are in an impact analysis report from last month that was produced by Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada, according to Radio-Canada sources. That analysis is preliminary as the details of the potential decree are subject to consultations until Sept. 15. The brunt of those losses would come from companies’ reduced abilities to exploit forest resources — an estimated drop of about four per cent in potential operations, according to Ottawa, which mirrors findings at the provincial level.

Kemptville, Ontario – The Ontario Woodlot Association (OWA) is pleased to announce the release of a short promotional video, now available for viewing on its YouTube channel. The video is part of a greater membership drive for the Association, which has invited its members, partners, and other like-minded organizations to share the new video widely, to personal and professional forest sector networks across Ontario. The OWA has a number of additional initiatives planned in the coming months including providing free access to the fall issue of its popular members’ magazine, The Ontario Woodlander. The issue’s theme focuses on forest restoration and resilience and tells the story of the OWA’s successful 2024 Annual Woodlot Tour and Conference, hosted this past April in its Huronia Chapter. The OWA will release a second longer video in December focusing on programs and projects, and the value and relevance that they provide to private forest owners across Ontario.

The Superior Court of Justice of Ontario dismissed a $5-million claim brought against the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and ordered the plaintiff to pay the Crown $35,000 in costs. This case involved forestry operations performed by the MNRF’s subcontractor in July 2009 in the Lac Seul Forest in Echo Township, Ontario. …The subcontractor trespassed on the plaintiff’s property, which pushed debris and small trees onto his land. …A handwritten but unsigned document dated Aug. 6, 2009 proposed a settlement including restoration work by the subcontractor. …In November 2009, the plaintiff and others formed the Eco Bio-Regional Wilderness Council, which aimed to influence the management of forests in Echo Township. The plaintiff made claims on the council’s behalf. In 2016, the court determined that the plaintiff lacked the standing to bring these claims on the council’s behalf, including any public interest claims against the MNRF.

Ron Cousins

NOVA SCOTIA — A resident of Kentville, N.S., who was concerned that the town’s plans for a future connector road to support the construction of new housing would result in the destruction of old-growth forest on his property is hopeful that the road can be rerouted… Last year, the Town of Kentville told Kentville resident, Ron Cousins it required nearly half a hectare of the land on that edge of his property to expand an existing service road into a connector road for new development — and that it would expropriate the land if necessary. After months of campaigning by Cousins and his advocates — attending council meetings, contacting politicians, and launching petitions — the town is considering other routes, a change Cousins hopes will mean permanent protection for the forest.

Forestry is woven into the tapestry of the Ottawa Valley. For hundreds of years forests have provided a livelihood in an industry that is one of the largest drivers of Renfrew County’s economy. Not surprisingly, the Forestry Technician program is the longest standing full-time program offered at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus, having started in 1968… Since those early days, the Pembroke Campus has been among a small group of post-secondary schools in Ontario that have produced thousands of Forestry graduates. Recently, the class of 2024 completed its program of study and celebrated the occasion by receiving their silver rings from the Canadian Institute of Forestry. …During their silver ring ceremony, the students were reminded of the opportunity that has been presented to them to make a difference in their careers. …The ring comes with a commitment to live by a code of ethics for forestry professionals.

QUEBEC — A Côte-Nord mayor heard by federal officials on a committee said Monday that a decree to protect caribou would be a “drama” for her community, while the chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador sees the measure as necessary to ensure the survival of endangered herds. …Lise Boulianne, mayor of Sacré-Coeur said the “development” of her community, which lies where the Saguenay and St. Lawrence rivers meet, “passes and will always pass through the forestry industry.” At her side, Steeve St-Gelais, president of Boisaco, said that 600 jobs would be lost with Ottawa’s proposed decree. …Quebec’s caribou population has been in decline for several years and the forestry industry is the main cause of the crisis. …Ghislain Picard, chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, stressed that his organization supports the federal government’s intention to impose a decree on Quebec to force the province to protect caribou.

Updated analysis reveals further details on how post-tropical storm Fiona affected Island forests. The Post-Fiona Forestry Update shows 9.4% of PEI forest was affected by the storm overall, referring to areas where greater than 70% of trees were blown down. Impacts in certain areas varied, with 23.3% of forest impacted along the north shore. “Our most recent State of the Forest Report was the first report to include information on forest carbon storage. This new research gathered after Fiona’s impact sheds new light on the storm’s effect on carbon sequestration. …Up-to-date research like this is crucial to understanding our current carbon budget so we can design forestry and net zero programs to reach our goals,” said Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Steven Myers. …Currently, PEI’s forests absorb more carbon than they emit, helping to offset the province’s emissions. However, Fiona has reduced the amount of forest absorbing carbon overall.

Jessica Kaknevicius

Forests Ontario has supported the planting of 45,000 trees in Halton this season as part of a national program that added 2.7 million trees to greenspaces across the country. To date, this brings the total planted in Halton to over one million and 46.5 million across the country, with support from Forests Ontario and its national division, Forest Recovery Canada. “Now, as we are facing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, it is imperative that we build these relationships across the country, so that we can make a difference in communities from coast to coast to coast. The organization say this re-planting is important in “creating diverse, resilient, thriving forests is one of the most effective, nature-based solutions to combat and mitigate the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather that can lead to drought or wildfires,” said Forests Ontario CEO Jess Kaknevicius.

BARRIE, ON – In an effort to encourage biodiversity, enhance wildlife habitat, support green job creation, minimize the devastating effects of climate change, and improve the health and wellness of our communities, Forests Ontario supported the planting of approximately 2.7 million trees across Canada this planting season. The 2.7 million trees planted includes over 700,000 outside Ontario – which is a new record for the organization and is thanks to the support of Natural Resources Canada’s 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program, individual and corporate donors, and new planting partners across the country. Through its national division, Forest Recovery Canada, Forests Ontario supported the planting of over 700,000 trees outside Ontario this planting season and into the fall, including 380,000+ in Alberta, 200,000+ in Nova Scotia, 70,000+ in British Columbia, 60,000+ in New Brunswick, and 5,000+ in Manitoba.

Feedback from the forestry sector will be used to help government with key decisions  as it reviews programs, policies, and legislation related to PEI forests. PEI’s first Forest Industry Capacity Report surveyed 61 individuals in the forestry sector who provided insight into harvested forest products and services. “Most PEI forests are owned and managed by 16,000 private woodlot owners, so the forest sector on Prince Edward Island is essential to sustainable forest management. Annual revenue from harvested forest products and services is estimated to exceed $36 million, making it clear that this sector has a big economic impact as well,” said Environment, Energy and Climate Action Minister Steven Myers. PEI has 250 full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers employed by the forest sector; most in rural communities. Softwood studwood and sawlogs are the primary products annually harvested on PEI and the 10 largest sawmills are responsible for 69 full-time and seasonal employees. 

A picture-postcard forest on the coast of the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick is being turned into a nature reserve. Nature Conservancy of Canada said Wednesday it has acquired 2.3 square kilometres of land from the family of Ruby Brown of St. Martins, N.B., about 40 kilometres east of Saint John. The new Fundy Bay View Nature Reserve, located by the St. Martins Sea Caves and near an existing provincial conservation area, is an important location for migratory shorebirds to stop, feed and rest during their travels north and south, said the non-profit conservation group. More than half the forest is mature, coastal red spruce, with a mixture of balsam fir, red maple and white spruce, and it’s home to a diversity of wildlife, including bear, bobcat and moose, as well as bird species at risk.

Some neighbourhoods in Upper Tantallon/Hammonds Plains are getting new trees planted to replace many that were burned in the May 2023 wildfire. “We’ve committed to planting 21 million trees in Nova Scotia as part of a national effort to support biodiversity, carbon capture and quality of life in our communities. This work also supports ecological forestry and green jobs to boost our rural economy,” said Kent Smith, acting Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables. “Along with our federal partners, we’re funding tree-planting projects across the province. I’m very happy that some of the first are helping restore neighbourhoods that were devastated by last year’s wildfire.” These projects are among 23 around the province that have been approved to date. In total, more than 570,000 trees will be planted this fall with about $974,000 in funding. The trees are a mix of red and white spruce, white pine, tamarack, hemlock, red and sugar maple, yellow birch and red oak.

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Honourable Tory Rushton, Nova Scotia’s Minister of the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, announced a joint investment of more than $40 million to plant up to 21 million trees by 2031 on private and public lands in Nova Scotia. This funding will result in the planting of more than 21 trees for each resident of Nova Scotia. …The funding will strengthen Nova Scotia’s tree-planting supply chain, from seed collection to nurseries to tree planting and monitoring. This work will create hundreds of jobs across the forestry sector in Nova Scotia. Federal funding comes from the 2 Billion Trees program, part of the Government of Canada’s broader approach to nature-based climate solutions. 

Steven Guilbeault

Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault has given Quebec an ultimatum to come up with a plan by next month to protect three endangered herds of woodland caribou or face a federal order that would ban logging in parts of the province. The unprecedented move by Mr. Guilbeault has drawn not just the ire of Premier François Legault’s government, which warns that 2,000 jobs could be lost if Ottawa moves forward with its threat of a federal order to protect the habitat of caribou populations in Val d’Or, Charlevoix and Pipmuacan, an area that straddles the Saguenay and North Shore regions. The federal Conservative Party and Bloc Québécois have also denounced Mr. Guilbeault’s move as a heavy-handed intrusion into provincial jurisdiction and called for the minister to appear before an emergency meeting of the House of Commons environment committee. [A Globe and Mail subscription is required for full access to this story]

A new report from Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency sheds light on what firefighters faced over the nearly three-week operation to put out the fire that broke out on May 28, 2023, in Upper Tantallon, 30 kilometres from downtown Halifax (and burned more than 900 hectares, forcing more than 16,000 people to evacuate and destroying 151 homes), and points out how the urban, structural firefighters didn’t have the training, experience or equipment to deal with a wildfire. Structural firefighters are trained to combat fires in enclosed spaces, like homes, commercial buildings, industrial facilities and public infrastructure, versus their wildland counterparts, who work in forests and grasslands. Experts say that wildfires will encroach on urban areas more often, with climate change and urban sprawl, and municipal firefighters across the country may not be prepared. …Last year was the worst for wildfires on record, and those who study climate change and fires don’t expect much relief going forward.