NLIS 4
December 20, 2004
(Natural Resources)

 


Province to study potential of developing Labrador forest resource

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, announced today an initiative toward the further development of the forest resources of Labrador. 

"We have issued a call for proposals for a study on the potential for secondary manufacturing and value-added wood products development in Labrador," said Minister Byrne. "It is our hope that a significant value-added/secondary wood products capacity can be developed in conjunction with the further development of the sawmill industry in Labrador." 

Minister Byrne stated there are challenges with accessing the tremendous forest resource in Labrador. For example, Labrador has an annual allowable cut of approximately 325,000 cubic metres. Of this, nearly 142,000 cubic metres in Forest Management District 19 will require a substantial capital investment before it is accessible. Traditionally, even the accessible annual allowable cut has not been fully harvested and there has been relatively little local secondary manufacturing or value-added products development. In fact, less than 2.5 million board feet (FBM) of dimension lumber annually has been produced in recent years. 

"Given the substantial forest resources in Labrador, there appears to be considerable room for expansion of these industries," said Minister Byrne. "For this reason, we want to evaluate the potential and look at the issues associated with further developing the sawmill industry to produce dimension lumber and value added/secondary wood products at various locations throughout Labrador." 

Minister Byrne indicated that, in developing the Terms of Reference for this study, the Department of Natural Resources held a series of consultations to ensure the diverse interests and opinions of interested stakeholders in Labrador were taken into account in developing the scope of the study. 

"These consultations included representatives from industry including existing harvesting and sawmill operation, as well as town councils, Innu Nation, Labrador Metis Nation, zonal boards and regional economic development groups and environmental groups," said Minister Byrne. "We remain firm in our commitment that, before any development of this nature can occur in Labrador, we must address the many issues and concerns of all those involved." 

Minister Byrne added the Terms of Reference point to the requirement to continue to consult with Labradorians. The study will provide information on resource availability and quality, mill/enterprise operations, financing, product markets, disposition of mill residues, local social and economic issues and development of local expertise. 

"We believe in the potential of the development of the forest resources in Labrador," said Minister Byrne. "This study will assist us and our stakeholders in Labrador in seeking out the opportunities to see this resource developed in such a way as to ensure we are maximizing benefits for the people of Labrador." 

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications (709) 729-5282 or (709) 685-4624 

2004 12 20                              3:25 p.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement