NEWS RELEASE
For immediate
release: March 4, 2002
Joint
forest management agreement a first in Alberta
High Prairie,
Alberta - In a collaborative effort never before achieved in Alberta,
Tolko Industries Ltd. and Buchanan Lumber have signed a long-term,
joint forest management agreement (FMA).
The agreement,
negotiated between Tolko, Buchanan and the Alberta government,
is based on integrated management of coniferous and deciduous
species in a shared, area-based tenure. The joint FMA will support
in part the oriented strandboard and sawmill operations of the
two partners.
Dave Knight,
Tolko’s Regional Manager, Woodlands, says the joint FMA is
the result of discussions between the two companies and the frustrations
they were experiencing managing single species rather than mixed
wood management on the same land base. "This agreement focuses
on our goal of ‘growing trees’ – both aspen and
coniferous – in our joint operating area. We want to try
to duplicate the natural condition of the boreal forest where
we both operate, while recognizing the unique challenge of coniferous
reforestation. For example, spruce, which Buchanan harvests, is
more difficult to re-establish after harvest. Our joint FMA will
focus more attention on re-establishing this species."
John Brodrick,
Buchanan Lumber, Special Projects Manager, adds, "Some of
the positive benefits are better environmental management, improved
forest management and reduced log costs for both companies because
of coordinated planning."
For
more information:
Dave Knight
Tolko Industries Ltd.
Regional Manager, Woodlands
Phone: 306-236-6565
John
Brodrick
Buchanan Lumber
Special Projects Manager
Phone: 780-523-4544
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