Fundy Model Forest, NB Federation of Woodlot Owners, INFOR and SNB Wood Co-op have joined together to present a provincial woodlot field day, in the hopes the event will once again be an annual fixture on the woodlot calendar.
“This day is for everyone, whether they have newly obtained a woodlot or have been planting and harvesting for years,” said Fundy Model Forest General Manager Nairn Hay. “Woodlot owners today have many different interests— from finding additional ways of earning a living from their woodlands to enhancing wildlife habitat and conserving unique features.”
Reflecting increased interest in the woodlot sector in exploring new opportunities and diversifying operations, the theme for the day is “Woodlot Management for the Future”. It will take place at SNB’s Woodlot Owner of the Year ’s woodlot at Lower Ridge, near Havelock, Sept. 18 from 10:00 to 3:00 pm. The impressive woodlot includes approximately 1000 acres of plantations, ranging from 1985 to the present, and an excellent road network. Guided tours will be given at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm. Silviculture innovations will be discussed along the way, including pre-commercial and commercial thinning (demo planned). Also featured will be a deer feeding area with a discussion of deer management by Tom Byers of the Quality Deer Management Association. Christmas tree shearing demonstrations will take place at 11:30 and 12:30.
Fundy Model Forest has produced a field guide to assess the commercial potential of a range of non-timber forest products. Ron Smith of VarFor Consulting, who developed the guide, will give a short overview, followed by a hands-on demonstration of how it can be used on an individual woodlot. His presentation and demonstration will be given at 10:30 am and repeated at 1:00 pm.
On-going displays throughout the day will include an operating portable sawmill, the National Tree Seed Centre, the Petitcodiac Watershed Association, and Community Forests International. There is no charge to attend but to aid in planning please pre-register by calling 1-800-546-4838 or 506-432-7575 or emailing admin@fundymodelforest.net by Sept. 13.
For more information visit: www.fundymodelforest.net
