Day Eleven
Miramichi
December 5, 2003

Donna Mae Perley, First Nations Red Bank, stated that Aboriginal involvement in this process needs to be improved, that First Nations people have a unique perspective, having lived here for thousands of years without destroying the forest. Sustainable development, an oft-used term to describe the forest industry, is not doubling the harvesting or yield and not cultivating plantations! Plantations weaken soil structure, which would have a rippling effect throughout the forest ecosystems. Medicinal plants, for example, live in community in the forest, needing everything from the microbes to the trees to grow. Trees are a stabilizing and protective element which must be taken into consideration with climate change. Sustainable development is inclusive, taking into account all peoples, of all ages and concerns, from youth to seniors, women, immigrants to learn their perspectives and their needs. Spirituality must also be incorporated. Aboriginals see the forest for more than the trees, their original instructions were to live in harmony with the environment and take care of Mother Earth. Ms. Perley noted that "our environment is all we have".

Ms. Perley recommended that NB should position itself to be global leaders in efforts to heal the earth, become a model to protect the earth. The Jaakko-Poyry report recommends government investment - Ms. Perley suggests that that money be invested in communities to build capacity within communities, so they can develop other areas. Aboriginals consider that 1985 is the Year the Earth Spoke, referring to the high occurrence of tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters, as well as the publication of the Bruntland Report, Our Common Future.

Ben Baldwin, geologist, wood lot owner and farmer, Miramichi, has grave concerns about the future of our natural resources in NB, about the continued growth of large industry operations and the corresponding demise of small operations and loss of personal independence. NB is a finite area with finite resources and overexploitation in any area will limit the life span of these - though they may be renewable, overharvesting can exhaust these resources,  as we have witnessed in the fishing sector. There are more pulp mills per square km. in NB than in any other area of the world! Decline in employment in unavoidable if we continue the same practices. 
Solutions to the current situation could be found in the value-added forest products and wider uses of the forest for recreation and perpetuation of wildlife species. Even Shell Oil is diversifying into wind - forestry sector should do the same. Agricultural lands around the Miramichi, lying fallow, could be used to grow fibre.

Richard Walker, graduate of UNB forestry program, recently retired, formerly responsible for the management of License 2, all of the northeast.  He noted that 65 % of all Crown Lands in NB are concentrated in the northeast area of NB. Crown Lands and Forest Act of 1982 assigned management to 10 licensees with overseeing by DNR. The vision for NB forests is for DNR to manage the forests for the benefit of the citizens of NB.

Has government gone the extra mile to educate the public about forest practices?  Mr. Walker believes the average citizen trusts neither the government nor industry.  The J-P proposals for Crown Lands are directly contrary to the forest strategy of DNR to promote natural regeneration.  Plantations, even with some other species throw in are still monocultures within the total forest structure.  DNR's genetically improved trees are said to have 10% increase in volume, however soon after planting natural regeneration begins to compete and soon, herbicides must be applied - then further applied.  Application of herbicides reduces the potential to increase hardwood.  If the recommendation to double plantations were accepted, there will be no hardwood growing on 40% of Crown Land - putting biodiversity concerns at the bottom of the list - costs for planting are 700-800$ per acre, not including cost of herbicides, generally $600 per acre.  Training sylviculture crews would be a priority - obviously, natural regeneration is cheaper and maintains biodiversity.

J-P proposes increased production and is compared to Finland - at what cost to the natural ecosystems and natural biodiversity - the Finns obviously did not address non-timber values. 
Harvest schedules have created a quilt-like pattern over the province, forest roads cover most of the province - taking a hard look at the maps, where are we going to harvest (depletion and fragmentation are easily recognized) over the next 5-20 years while preserving the non-timber values, he asked.
J-P proposal further exacerbates the depletion of the forest with the proposed plantations and cutting in buffer zones and deer yards.
Special Management Zones, where harvesting is allowed on a limited basis: there seems to be confusion as J-P refers to 32% as protected areas constitute 3%!  Mr. Irving, quoted wrongly in the papers said:  “the province has locked up an enormous amount of land" - it is not locked up! 
J-P suggests reducing DNR monitoring - comparing Ontario and Quebec - huge areas - much completely inaccessible - DNR must continue monitoring, Mr. Walker insisted, stating that some licensees are not doing an adequate job: of 10 companies, 4 met requirement, 3 did not and 3 did not have licences extended!  To date, licensees have not earned the respect necessary to do the monitoring themselves. 
J-P asking for binding timber quotas - this is like requiring a guarantee for a certain amount of fish in 50 years.

In conclusion, we have not yet achieved the vision laid out by DNR - the J-P report is contrary to the vision and we are being intimidated by industry.  We are overcutting today, we are at the maximum today - we cannot continually erode that base - we won't have any forest left.

Norman Richardson, small logging contractor, from Little Bartibog.
Since the forest industry had no place for us, we were forced to cut anywhere just to survive; he could work year-round just cleaning up the mess which industry leaves.  For example, roads are built 66 feet wide and entire trees as well as 8 ft lengths, are lying in the ditches along the roads, but you can't get a permit to clean this wood up.  Contrary to what he has heard, he believes chain saws could provide all the wood needed for mills and provide work for the people.

Replanting costs are wasted, when we should be letting natural regeneration occur. 
Mixed forest is better protection against wind, storms and insects.
Forest industry has a fear that government is leaning toward community forestry; wood is being cut just behind communities. Mr. Richardson lives in Litte Bartibog, where cutting was being done 24 hours a day even keeping him awake.

There will never be enough trees to feed industry.  He suggested that DNRE is working hand in hand with industry, that they are more concerned with picking on the little guy; stumpage fees are not paid by companies.  Some big companies are still cutting on Crown land despite numerous infractions and fees unpaid.  Yet individuals are fined and not allowed on Crown Lands.

**Recommendations:  Have an inquiry into operations on Crown Lands.  Mechanical harvesters within 5 miles of communities need to stop.  If we don't stop the cutting near communities, we won't have any forest for another generation.
Mr. Richardson said he loves being in the woods, he's had the opportunity to do other jobs but he loves his work.

Mark Standring, Miramichi Community College, Natural Resources unit at the college deals with and trains approx 5000 forestry workers in this area.  He gave statistics in hectares on special management zones:  ecological reserves, conservation areas, representative protected areas, parks, wetlands, deer wintering areas and buffers.  Then spoke about areas of Crown and private land which was replanted or thinned.  Basically the same amount of wood is harvested on Crown and private lands.
He then described the forestry programs which provide up to date forest worker skills and knowledge, as well as enhance skills through delivery of short courses. He gave an in depth explanation of courses which they offer.

Kevin Silliker, mechanical contractor with UPM-Miramichi, was speaking on behalf of processors and operators.  He has a family run business.  He runs a 'stump to dump' operation, from cutting the roads, bringing out the road and delivering it. Crew meetings used to dealt with fire and safety, now it is biodiversity, certification, etc. During shutdown seasons, the spring, they work on upgrading courses, first aid, WHYMS, catching up with new regulations, all to keep them on the 'cutting edge'.  Doesn't agree that industry has full control - he's in the woods.  He wants to be part of a province which is moving ahead.

Bob Baker, Nepsiquit River Protection Association asserted that the J-P report appears to be full of broad brush statements and leaning toward softwood industry. Why not increase the value-added area, using less wood and more value, creating jobs per inch wood, he suggested. 
Areas protected claim to be 32% - not true - all but 3% is available for harvest over time - a considerable area is buffer zones, essential for the protection of water resources - as well as fish and game - only selected harvesting can take place, protecting water for the forest itself. This appears to be a report that is detrimental to the future wood supply. 
Less involvement by DNR is proposed in the J-P report -  this is something like turning the chicken coop over to the fox. We, the Nepisiquit River Portection Association, insist that DNR be the guardians of the industry. 
Comparing Ontario and Quebec , as was done in the J-P report, both which have boreal forests while we have a mixed Acadian forest - can they be compared, Mr. Baker asked? We need all of our forest to be well. The proposition of binding target would result in people being forced to pay for natural disasters and mismanagement!
Crown Forest are owned by the people of the province - we must do what we can to manage where there is some control.
With climate change, we must recognize that there will be a natural increase of wood supply and more hardwoods too.

Alonzo St.-Pierre, Director, Coopérative des travailleurs forestiers d'Acadie-Bathurst, would first like to comment on the process which they consider biased since the object of the consultation is essentially aimed at a study commissioned which is not impartial, on the contrary, having been paid for by government and industry suggests a position already taken and possibly a conflict of interest.  Knowing that the Jaakko-Pöyry study was commissioned as support to a request of the 6 multinationals which want more wood from Crown Lands (companies which seem to have an insatiable appetite), it would have been surprising that the study arrive at any other conclusion. 
The first thing which must be corrected, and stands as a great irritant to many people, is the fact that we as citizens, as forestry workers, have no access to and no say in the management of our Crown Lands, that our forests are managed exclusively (with a bit of participation by First Nations very recently) by 6 corporations, this right given over by the government of NB.  This guarantee for management does in no way guarantee the maintenance of the biodiversity of the forest nor its capacity for self-regeneration. Nor does it guarantee maintenance or stability of jobs. 
As Acadians living in NB, the idea of territory, having been deprived of it for some time, is important to us. We believe that decision-making powers should be decentralized, especially the management and land use level which we occupy. We find it unacceptable that our public forests which we count on to earn a living are only accessible via the companies whose primary interest is profit.
Our Cooperative submitted a brief to the Ministry of Local Government's Round Table, proposing the establishment of regional networks comprised of municipalities and Local Service Districts, throughout the province.  These regional networks would have the power and responsibility to establish and manage these land use plans including the public forest and private forests in their respective territories.  There exists a model recently established in Quebec , just the other side of Bay of Chaleur , where they have developed policies which even prevent clearcutting.  We would like at least like a pilot project to try this; but until now, all our briefs have fallen on deaf ears. 
Before making any decisions, we insist that an independent study be done with a mixed group responsible.  This study would do an inventory of different practices, including those suggested in the J-P report, and this around the world.  A thorough analysis would be done for each practice, taking into consideration sustainable forestry practices for a renewable forestry resource. 
Finally, we want to say that it was with much hesitation that we decided to make a presentation at these hearings, since we do business with one of the companies involved in this report.  Our cooperative was formed on the principle of taking charge of our destiny and with this perspective, Mr. St.-Pierrre said they hoped to be able to collaborate actively in saving our precious heritage, the forest.

Steve Ginnish, Eel Ground First Nations, Forester
of 20 years, executive of Fundy Model Forest, 
Chair of the Aboriginal National Foresty Association.  
Mr. Ginnish acknowledged all others before him and thanked the committee for the opportunity to 
present concerns about the fiasco which is 
happening around us.  

Questions about the J-P report:  there is a need to recognize that we are sitting on the Red Bank traditional territory and that it should be acknowledged.

What is discussed in J-P report is a poor excuse for a development plan.  Eel Ground has an advanced community forest plan which few people in NB know about, but that is known across Canada .  Industry carries on business as usual without authority; rules and regulations originate from where?  Who establishes them and what do they mean?

History lesson: Any report comes about from belief or knowledge or tradition. Forest represents very important spiritual and economic dimensions for First Nations; and all policies have a direct impact on life for First nations people.  National forestry policies recognize First Nations; what isn't recognized by the government of NB?  NB was granted this authority under section 92 of the Canadian constitution of 1867.  In 1982, section 92a and section 35 state that all management regimes guarantee rights to Aboriginal rights.  Did the J-P consider First Nations as a benchmark?  Many First Nations people have challenged government's practices, most recently Marshall , Bernard, Sappier and Polchise have all challenged and won.  First Nations:  the law, in our mind, has been broken, by allowing a 3rd party (industry, multinationals) to remove our natural resources.  The minister of Natural Resources has taken an oath to look after our concerns.

Concerns with report: DNR has contributed $150,000 to a $500,000 report.

The report suggests thinning and sylviculture using Ontario as an example, when in fact, what they don't mention is that the Forestry Act of Ontario has an allowance for Aboriginal Treaty and Rights (J-P should cite the entire act, not just a portion of it). Public money was used to accomplish things, 3rd party audit and yet when visually verified, the sites were non-existent or not done.

Certification:  with requirements of only 10% inspection, it can result in mismanagement in 90% of the area.  That's scary, Mr. Ginnish has seen it.

Province needs to establish true standards rather than relying on international standards that mean not much in NB.

Wood prices vary so much from one side of the province which encourages much wood to be exported without being transformed in NB; establish a fair market price for all.

Why should we set aside our resources for a company (which has changed hands so many times in the last 20 years, I'm not sure what its name is anymore) which is not guaranteed to be here in 10 years?  That's not development for this area; we would like some return on what we consider to be our investment!

Eel Ground has a community forest model which is an enormous success.  Eel Ground was asked to develop an 11th model forest, needed 100,000 Ha to go-ahead.  Two hold outs were the province and the wood lot owners.  We lost the opportunity to bring in millions of dollars because DNR didn't think there was room for two model forests.  

Despite that, we now have a 5 million dollars project which employs 10 people during the winter and up to 65 people in the summer, we have a small sawmill, with a community of 700 people.  This community forest has been recognized many times with awards.

Carman Bryenton, Miramichi, retired comptroller in Pulp and Paper industry.
Mr. Bryenton recommended diversification, value-added industry. He emphasized that the J-P plan proposed the greatest humanless damage to the forest and to the economy ever devised in NB.  The risks and impacts to social and economic areas, changes in the biological diversity of our forest to spruce and fir - not allowing diversity of products plus eventual eradication of our small sawmill industry will be devastating.

Obliging government to pay if there are no timber guarantees is unacceptable.
Implementing a sylviculture plan diminishes forest, makes it less resilient, a recipe for social and environmental catastrophe - certification should never replace scientific and moral policies formulated by democratic process based on the common good!

Mr. Bryenton cited the values of the National Forest Strategy. Provide a mechanism for community forestry devised by local people and for local people, involve Aboriginal people to broaden our horizons.  Provide a place for small scale operators and forest workers.  Unemployment in northeast is about 4 times the Moncton area and twice the national average.

We cannot practice liquidation harvesting.  Have a look at satellite photographs over the last 30 years:  since mechanical intervention of harvesters more tracks have been left in last 30 years than in 30,000 years before that.
Insist on recycling:  mine the most useful of resources in Canada .  Note that recycling was not even mentioned in the J-P report.
Add value to timber and non-timber products:  health and personal care, food, landscape and garden products.
Stumpage fees must be increased.
Corporations have become intimidating and have a more intense lobby. 
Access for all workers needs attention - current allocation prevents this.
Private wood lots must be retained as primary supplier, with safeguards in place.
Our Crown Forests must retain diversity of species to ensure the rich and resilient ecosystem with which we have been blessed.
Forests must not become like two of our resources: fish, overharvested and natural gas, outsmarted by multinationals. 
Reject the J-P in its entirety and have a plan made in NB. 
Bigger is not better for NB.

Lee Johnston, Syviiculture Contractors - would like to speak on the J-P report from a contractor's viewpoint. Ask government industry and citizens to sit down and discuss this report.  In closing, give contractors and other forest workers a place in the forest.

Mira Chiasson and Jessica Ouellette - we will be here in 50 years and lots of people here won't . The two presented their vision of what they would like to see in 50 years:  a healthy forest, a magical and beautiful place which makes us relax and enjoy life.  In big plantations, would they destroy the places where frogs and toads live?

Wayne McAvoy, Miramichi, forest worker, small contractor, runs a chainsaw operation.  Went to work in the woods with my father, using horses.  We did clear cuts, but a commercial tree was 12 feet long.  One year, we did a block of complete clear cutting, it sets us back 40 years.  It takes 60 years for trees to grow again, so leaving trees gives a headstart of 35 years.
He works on private wood lots.  The block I finished today doing pre-commercial thinning, that is, only taking out diseased trees and some good ones.  There is no need to plant, no costs incurred there.  Community forestry, he would agree with that.  He agrees with people who said they are harvesting right around the communities.  If he had access to more land, he could put more people to work. 
He recalled when there were 25 contractors, all having a number of employees. 

Michael LeBlanc, St. Anne de Kent, he loves NB, the cultural mix and a natural history of this province.  And the historians and artists who first described the biodiversity and richness of this area.  We have a problem: we do not know or cannot even estimate the number of species here.  Mike describes the routine, needs and habitat of the osprey (there is one of human size here with us!) which will be back here in April.  But the forest will not be here if the J-P recommendations are implemented.  The great-horned owl, a predator, lives on tiny animals; he lives in the nest of the osprey but is gone by the time the osprey returns.  Le Grand duc lives throughout the Acadian forest and which will suffer at the hands of human activities.  The black-capped chickadee lives his entire life in the same region, throughout NB, needs a mixed forest and eats a wide variety of seeds from trees.  These birds would be threatened by the implementation of the J-P report and my son - future generations - who is discovering the natural riches of NB. He is here to tell you that he is very worried about the future of NB. 

Robert Tozer, Owner and J.D. Woods, Acton Group, Engineered Wood products, Miramichi and Napodogan, uses mostly aspen for their high quality veneer products. It is essential to us that they have access to Crown Lands aspen to assure the viability of this business. They are not here to criticize the Jaakko-Poyry report. They are here to say we cannot lose sight of our valuable and beautiful mixed wood forest. Hardwoods thrive here, and particularly aspen, and there is no need to plant here. The need for a well-managed hardwood forest is vital to the viability, and has created employment for thousands, of NB. 
It is wrong to permit a high quality tree to be ground up for a product of lesser value. If we in NB fail to assure a place for this valuable and potential high return industry, we will be missing a golden opportunity. 

Steeve Miousse, Coordinateur du comité de gestion environnementale de la Pokemouche , he is particularly concerned about this report. 
Biodiversity:  Double the quantity of spruce and fir harvested is not the economic solution for NB.  Big industry will use bigger and bigger and employment will get smaller and smaller.  This situation ressembles the fishery when 20 yeara ago, it was said that the resource was renewable and without limits.  Results of this overharvesting are highly negative

Comments on the J-P recommendations:

1)  Government should invest in sylviculture: it is not the role of government to invest in industry;

2)  Too much overlap of monitoring activities:  we should see more rangers in the forest. To assure that government regulations are respected.

3)  Cutting into buffer zones, no, they should be increased if anything.

4)  Doubling of plantations: no.

Maryse Allain-Robichaud, representing the Tabusintac Watershed Association, which exists since 1998 to achieve a healthy ecosystem taking into consideration social and economic as well as environmental considerations.  The watershed takes in 720 sq km. and 460 sq. km. are on Crown Land .  We would like our stakeholders to preserve this watershed in perpetuity.

She cited p.22 of the J-P report, noting that DNRE wanted an 'independent company' to do a report, then noted that at least two of the members of the J-P company

People of NB have invested in the forestry sector too - by paying taxes for retraining through EI, as downsizing has occurred in the forestry sector, and other programs.

Also drew attention to using northern Ontario and Quebec , boreal forests, to NB's Acadian forest - like comparing apples and oranges.

Tax money

Buffer zones, 30 meters, are very strict:  on P. 33 of the report shows Finland has more stringent regulations.

Proposed increasing output for protected areas:  personally, I'm not convinced that industry can do better than than Mother Nature.

Our vision includes social, economic and environmental values - but not economy first.

Already there are evidences that there is excess sedimentation:  cutting in buffer zones diminishes production in our brooks, chokes up habitat and potential for fish reproduction.  Clearcutting:  also very concerned about the long term effects of it on all forms of life.

photos by Donald Thébeau