The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, today provided an update on efforts to support the forestry sector through issuing five-year commercial cutting permits and awarding timber sale agreements, which will result in increased timber allocations and harvest levels.
Five-year commercial cutting permits are offered to forest operators to provide long-term security and improved resource access. Timber Sale Agreements give businesses increased access to the provincial Annual Allowable Cut on Crown land.
Tony Gill Haulage of Kippens will receive a Timber Sale Agreement for Red Indian Lake to harvest 15,567m3 of softwood and hardwood for local firewood and saw log markets.
Noble Resources Inc. will receive a five-year commercial cutting permit in District 9 in Springdale and Baie Verte.
A five-year permit will also be awarded to DL Logging Ltd. in District 18 in Roddickton.
These allocations fall under the new Cutting Permit Allocation policy launched March 21, 2018, which is designed to increase resource usage and provide more opportunities to promote forest industry growth. Traditionally underutilized timber is being made available to existing contractors who demonstrate a history of harvesting their annual commercial cutting permits; allocations for new entrants are based on approved business plans. Fisheries and Land Resources staff will evaluate all logging activity to guide recommendations on future permit volumes to ensure that allocations are matched with a company’s ability to harvest and market their products.
The immediate implementation of these initiatives since their announcement in March demonstrates the Province’s dedication to advancing the forestry industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
This initiative delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“These changes are creating opportunities for new entrants and existing forest operators and are leading to sustainable economic growth. They support our Way Forward commitment to increase harvest levels by 20 per cent by 2020 and will ensure the smart, efficient use of forest resources.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources
“The Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association is pleased to see substantive progress resulting from progressive changes that support the forestry industry. Allocation of these resources will ensure sustainable use of our forests by people with the capacity to develop and build the industry.”
Bill Dawson, Executive Director
Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association
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Learn more
Timber Sale Agreements
Cutting Permit Allocation Policy
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Media contacts
Connie Boland
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2923, 640-6409
connieboland@gov.nl.ca
Bill Dawson
Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association
709-640-2485
Bill@nlfia.ca