A model forest

Model forest — there are 11 in Canada — enable individuals and groups to work together to maximize social and economic benefits from a forest region in ways that best sustain the forest. The Fundy Model Forest, for example, is a 34-member partnership, which occupies some 420,000 ha in southeastern New Brunswick. It embraces Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John, many communities, most of Fundy National Park 3,500 privately owned woodlots, and major forestry operations. The forest supports maple sugar products; woodcraft industries; Christmas trees — wreath production alone is worth more than $670,000 annually; firewood worth about $2 million a year to 40 percent of the region’s households. Fishing brings in about $2.2 million a year; snowmobiling, cycling, downhill and cross-country skiing, and hunting (deer, moose, and bear) are all booming. Some 270,000 people visit Fundy National Park annually. Serving this tourist influx are 15 campgrounds and 31 motels, hotels, and bed-and-breakfasts. To balance businesses’ needs with forest survival, the model forest works with government, university, and industry researchers and scientists. As a result, loggers know that certain quantities of debris are needed to shelter small animals and provide nutrients for regrowth. Rather than working in isolation, woodlot owners jointly plan harvesting to make sure animal habitats and the watershed are preserved.