March 12, 2024
AS THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE IN NEW BRUNSWICK SHIFTS WITH THE LOOMING ELECTION, UNCERTAINTY ABOUNDS. THE DEPARTURE OF MANY MLA'S, COUPLED WITH REDRAWN CONSTITUENT LINES AND THE EMERGENCE OF NEW RIDINGS, SETS THE THE STAGE FOR A PIVOTAL MOMENT IN OUR PROVINCE'S GOVERANCE.
For us, woodlot owners, the pressing question remains: how do we ensure our voices are heard amidst this political upheaval? How do we compel candidates to not only listen but to act upon the promises they make?
COLLECTIVE ACTION
In my experience, the most potent tool we possess is collective action. It's imperative that we rally together, reaching out to our representatives through letters, emails, calls, and inquiries. History shows that MLAs are more inclined to respond when faced with a chorus of voices echoing the same concerns. With over 40,000 woodlot owners in New Brunswick, our collective influence can be formidable.
There are many challenges in New Brunswick competing for government attention. We need more healthcare workers, more teachers and more housing, particularly more affordable housing. These critical issues need to be addressed. While a growing population is good for the economy and the government, more people put pressure on land use. The pressure for more housing, in particular, encroaches upon our woodlots, tempting owners with lucrative offers for development. There is no question that selling forested land for housing or other development is much more lucrative than selling primary forest products. While at the same time forest products can be a carbon friendly, renewable way to build new housing.
We mustn't overlook the invaluable ecological services provided by our woodlots—carbon sequestration, water filtration, erosion prevention, and more.
Woodlots sequester carbon, provide water filtration, and mitigate erosion and flooding. In addition, they provide temperature modulation and support mental health. Forested land provides recreational opportunities and has the potential to provide many valuable bio-products. To safeguard our woodlots and maintain all of the social benefits of forested land, it's imperative that the government acknowledges our contributions. Compensation for the ecological goods and services we provide is not only fair but essential for maintaining forest cover and preserving our social and environmental well-being.
High value bio-products help to make forest management regimes, that maintain a forest cover, economically viable. Additionally, the potential of the bioeconomy offers a promising avenue for sustainable economic growth. By supporting high-value forest products and fostering competition, the government can unlock the full potential of our woodlots as engines of rural prosperity.
As the election draws nearer, the NB Federation of Woodlot Owners is committed to amplifying our voices through a series of blogs. We implore all woodlot owners to join us in this endeavor. Together, we can elevate the profile of our sector that not only contributes significantly to the provincial economy ($875 million dollars to the provincial economy and more than 2000 jobs) but also plays a crucial role in achieving conservation and net-zero goals.
We acknowledge the uphill battle against entrenched interests. Nevertheless, as the NB Federation of Woodlot Owners, we remain steadfast in our dedication to advocating for the interests of the 'little guy' and promoting awareness of the importance of the private woodlot sector. We urge all woodlot owners to stand with us, united in our efforts to effect meaningful change.
We ask all woodlot owners to join us and help make our efforts more effective. For those wishing to bolster our cause, we invite you to visit our website at www.nbwoodlotowners.ca or contact us at 506-459-2990.
Respectfully submitted,
Susannah Banks
Executive Director, New Brunswick Federation of Woodlot Owners