Completed
Way Forward Commitment:
Our province has rich forest resources. Yet, our forestry sector has faced challenges in recent years with the rising cost of transportation, a decline in the global demand for newsprint and other print materials, and recent protectionist decisions by the United States. In 2018-19, in collaboration with the recently formed Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association and other stakeholders, our government will develop a plan for diversifying the province’s forestry sector. By 2020, we are targeting a 20 per cent increase in timber allocations and harvest levels over the previous five-year period.
What We’ve Accomplished:
- The first meeting of the newly formed Forestry Sector steering Committee was held on May 31, 2018 in St. John’s
- A new Timber Allocation Policy was unveiled March 23, 2018 with implementation commencing January 1, 2019 that provides a clear process for the renewal of commercial cutting permits, resulting in the increased harvest and improved resource usage necessary to foster more opportunities for industry growth.
- Timber Sale Agreements were released through a public tendering process on March 23, 2018, which will enable qualifying businesses new access to the provincial Annual Allowable Cut on Crown land through an open, fair, and competitive bidding process.
- Five-year commercial cutting permits were offered by March 31, 2018 to provide long-term security and improved resource access to qualifying forest operators, which encourages industry investment and growth.
- The first Timber Sale Agreement was issued for Red Indian Lake to harvest 15,567m3 of softwood and hardwood for local firewood and saw log markets.
- Two five-year commercial cutting permits have been approved. The first in District 9 in Springdale and Baie Verte and the second in District 18 in Roddickton.
- The Provincial Government has issued two five-year commercial cutting permits to Timberlands International (Newfoundland and Labrador) Inc., totalling 100,000 m3 annually (500,000 m3 over five years) in Districts 17 and 18 on the Great Northern Peninsula.
- The permits will support operation of a $19.7 million-wood pellet plant to be constructed in Hawke’s Bay.
- The project is expected to create at least 25 full-time positions associated with plant operations, and 30-50 positions in harvesting and trucking.
- Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador can apply online for Domestic Cutting Permits beginning January 2, 2019. Beginning in 2019, permits will also be available via email to make this service more efficient and convenient for users.
- The Provincial Government, in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association and forest sector stakeholders, launched the Forestry Sector Work Plan – a roadmap of 32 actions intended to diversify the forest industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, strengthen the provincial economy and support job creation – on January 28, 2019.
News Releases:
Province Taking Measures to Increase Timber Allocations and Harvest Levels
Measures Scheduled for New Year Aimed at Increasing Timber Allocations and Harvest Levels
Provincial Government Committed to Revitalizing Forest Sector on Great Northern Peninsula
Public Advisory: Domestic Cutting Permits Available Via Email Beginning in 2019
Provincial Government and Forest Industry Partners Launch Plan to Diversify Forest Sector