Ledwidge Lumber - Funding Silviculture Programs to Ensure Sustainability
Almost a decade ago, Ledwidge Lumber developed a program designed to fund
silviculture treatments on its private supplier's woodlots. Approximately 70% of
Nova Scotia's woodlands are privately-owned and approximately 51% of the wood
Ledwidge Lumber receives comes from private suppliers. The need for a program to
actively increase the sustainability of these woodlots was evident. In 1998, it
became apparent harvesting was increasing and government-funded programs were
decreasing so something had to be done. Ledwidge Lumber knew private woodland
owners needed assistance to carry out various silviculture treatments and so the
Future Forest Fund Association - or the FFFA, which
it is commonly referred to as, was created.
"Ledwidge Lumber set out to make a difference in the way sawmills
practiced sustainable forest management in Nova Scotia."
This program was the first of its kind in Nova Scotia and is organized to
fund various silviculture treatments on private woodlots. Run by Ledwidge
Lumber's sole Forest Technician, Robert Lively, the program has proven to be a
tremendous success. Since 1998, the FFFA has spent over $3.8 million in
silviculture treatments conducted on private woodland in Nova Scotia.
Treatments such as pre-commercial thinning, commercial thinning,
selection management, plantation weeding, planting, and early competition
control are all funded by the FFFA.
There are three contributors to the FFFA that create the funding necessary to
carry-out the various silviculture treatments: the private woodlot owner, the
Department of Natural Resources, and Ledwidge Lumber. For each cord of wood
received at Ledwidge Lumber from a private woodlot, the woodlot owner
contributes $1 to the FFFA, while DNR contributes $2, and Ledwidge Lumber
contributes $3. Hence, $6 per cord of private wood received at Ledwidge Lumber
goes directly to the FFFA.
The amount a private woodlot owner contributes to the FFFA does not affect
what or how much of any silviculture treatments may be conducted on their land.
A site visit by the FFFA Manager, Robert Lively, with the landowner will
determine in the end what silviculture treatments may be suitable for the
woodlot.
If you are interested in the FFFA program don't hesitate to contact Robert
Lively at (902)883-9889 ext. 240 or through e-mail at
r.lively@ledwidge.ns.ca
"Ledwidge Lumber encourages all private woodland owners to get involved
in this excellent program that is both easy to administer and has visible
benefits!"
For an explanation of the silviculture treatments available please click
here
