New Brunswick’s natural resources minister Thursday released the province’s forestry agreements, which give forest companies access to more Crown land and are the result of a 10-year plan announced in March.
The plan will allow forestry companies to harvest an additional 660,000 cubic metres of softwood a year – a hike of 20 per cent.
Forest Agreements, New Brunswick
The Natural Resources Minister, Denis Landry, said he has spoken with representatives from J.D. Irving Ltd. He said the province’s largest forestry company is also curious if there are going to be any changes in the plan.
J.D. Irving Ltd. has said it plans to start cutting at increased levels in February. Landry would not say if the company is willing to make changes.
The government says industrial plans are always kept confidential for privacy reasons.
The released documents include the Forest Management Agreement, dated July 31, memorandums of agreement with J.D. Irving Ltd., Twin Rivers Ltd., and Chaleur Sawmills Ltd., as well as details of wood allocations to 15 First Nations communities.
The department also plans to post a detailed map, which will show Crown timber licences, Landry said.