Introduction

The Northumberland County Woodlot and Pulp Producers Association Inc. administer silviculture and alternative harvesting treatments in order to provide a continual renewable resource: trees.  In short, this means that when a woodlot owner comes to the Association for advice and guidance on properly managing his/her land, we provide them with the necessary tools to ensure they get the most out of their woodlot.  Their goals might be to plant or harvest trees, to provide habitat for wildlife, to have a place for recreational activities such as hunting and fishing, or to merely enjoy the natural beauty of their land.

Program Funding

The forest management work that is carried out on member woodlots is paid for with funds obtained from a variety of different sources which include the federal and provincial governments, the forest products companies, the wood producers and the individual woodlot owners. Following is a brief description of each:

Government
When funding for work on private woodlots first began, the Federal government played a lead role with work being funded at the 90% level.  In the past few years the federal government has been systematically transferring powers and responsibility for many programs to the provinces.  One of the first to be transferred was the Forestry Program. The Federal Government still puts money into the program through transfer payments, but they have little or no control over how the money is spent.  In 1995, the Province of New Brunswick decided that it would reduce the percentage that it would pay each year until the end of the program.  The first reduction was to 80% of the cost from 90%.  Some of the reduction was absorbed by the contractors doing the work so little reduction in the volume of work done was seen.  In 1996, the rate was reduced to 65%.  From past experience it was known that few woodlot owners would be prepared to pay 35% of the cost and the end of the program could be seen unless something was done.  It was agreed that for the 1996 season the government would pay 65% and the balance picked up by the contractors, the marketing boards and the woodlot owners themselves.  In 1997 the NB government raised the total amount of money available to $8 million and re-established the funding level to 80%. 

The Association
In order to have some flexibility in funding, the forest products marketing board decided to collect $1.40 per cord from the woodlot owners for forest management activities.  Complete control of this fund would reside with the woodlot owners.  It was decided to use this money for activities that were not covered by either the provincial or UPM programs.  Such activities as semi-commercial and commercial thinning, etc are covered by this money.

Industry
UPM-Kymmene (UPM)
UPM will pay up to $170,000 per year into the Forest Management program for work done in forest management.  The funding allows for programs such as pre-commercial thinning, semi-commercial thinning, and management plans.  The Association invoices UPM after the work has been completed. The Association makes a proposal to UPM each year outlining the work we expect to do during the season.  Part of the money may be used to help offset overhead expenses.  In addition to this funding UPM makes Black Spruce and Jack Pine seedlings available to the Association.