Action on Forestry

Woodlands plan

1. Expand the silviculture program for 2011 and 2012

Invest in sustainable forest management and in future wood supply while providing work for about 300 existing silviculture contractors and crews as well as for those who will transition to silviculture work.

2. Stockpile wood for future use in the Strait

Keep harvesters and truckers working to create a needed stockpile of fuel for the Biomass Cogen facility and a ready supply of pulpwood to ensure the mill is more attractive to a potential customer. The province expects to recoup wood storage costs when the product is sold.

3. Maintain the forest roads on Crown land

$125,000 per month for the next few months to keep road contractors working to maintain the road infrastructure potential buyers will expect.

4. Retain the NewPage woodlands team

Ensure the mill is able to retain a core team of about 20 woodlands staff to facilitate work and training and oversee the appropriate use of Crown land.

5. Expand Credit Union Small Business loan program

Working with the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, the province will increase the minimum loan amount and the amortization period and offer an initial guarantee of 90 per cent, for qualifying businesses. This will better address financing concerns of contractors and other small businesses.

6. Train woods workers for work in silviculture

Develop specialized training programs for self-employed workers focused on silviculture, sustainable forestry practices, and productivity improvements.

Helps industry meet the 50 per cent clearcutting target by 2015, while keeping the woodlands workforce operational.

7. Identify global opportunities through market study

Engage a world market specialist to complete a comprehensive study for both newsprint and high-gloss paper, which the Port Hawkesbury plant has specialized equipment for.