Working Woodlot Program

          SNB’s Working Woodlot Program (WWP) continued its moderate growth during 2006-07 with 10 new woodlots joining, bringing the total hectares up to 52,752 and total woodlots up to 640.

          The WWP continues to be the vehicle in which SNB plans to use for certification when the market place eventually demands the requirement.

          As the number of woodlots in the WWP continues to grow, so too does the demand for woodlot technical inspections from staff. In an effort to keep the costs associated with these visits to a minimum, SNB has put a system in place where an annual questionnaire is sent out to all members of the WWP. One of the primary objectives of this questionnaire is to identify the properties that are expecting activity in the upcoming year. Staff then schedules these properties for a consultative visit during the field season.

          This consultation is intended to provide the owner with guidance to help ensure they meet their objectives for their property. Other advantages of the WWP include: priority access to silviculture programs; priority access to SNB’s Land Management Program; recognition as a sustainably managed woodlot, priority access to markets who provide bonuses for managed woodlots and a copy of SNB Best Management Practices manual.

          SNB also arranges for an annual meeting for members of the WWP.  This years was held on April 28, 2007 at the Fairway Inn, Sussex.  The minutes of the meeting are available here.