Winter 2009
Vol. 8 Issue 1
“From Our Atlantic Woods” NTFP Directory Update
Blueberry-Forest : How to Produce More Resources
Tapping in the Fall - Is it Worth it?
Passing On More Than an Inheritance
New Fir Varieties Becoming More Popular
NB Seeking to Protect More Species
...And Much More!
Page 2
Winter 2009
Where it’s at...
3
7
14
15
16
“From Our Atlantic Woods” Update
New Faces
NB Seeking to Protect More Species
The Value of a Woodlot Management Plan
Sugar Shack Word Find
4
5
5
Report from the NB Maple Syrup Association
Tapping in the Fall- Is It Worth the Effort?
NB Maple Management Program 2008
7
8
Passing On More Than an Inheritance
New Brunswickers Urged to Protect
Themselves Against Lyme Disease
Blueberry/Forest: How to Produce More
Resources on One Hectare of Forest
9
Maple Syrup
Woodlots
Christmas Tree Industry
9
10
11
11
12
13
New Publications
The Latest on the S.M.A.R.T. Tree Project
Presentation to Premier Graham & Minister
Ouellette
New Fir Varieties Becoming More Popular
New National Association Website
Trees for Troops 2008
Reviewing your Christmas Tree Fertilization
Regime
INFOR has teamed up with Neil Seely to adapt the long-standing
Woodlot Owners' Journal to the Christmas tree and the maple
syrup industries. These are practical guides to keep track of
financial affairs and management activities related to your
woodlot, sugarbush or plantation. They include forms to record
your monthly revenue & expenses, yearly sales, harvesting levels,
travel costs and more. We have also translated all three. Also, you
have a choice between the original booklet form or the loose-leaf
format to insert into your own binder.
Price: $5.00 each (plus shipping)
This is a practical guide to keep track of
financial affairs related to your vehicle. It
includes forms to record your monthly
mileage and expenses related to gas and
maintenance.
Price: $5.00 each (plus shipping)
N.B. Prices include taxes and are subject to change without notice.
How to contact INFOR Inc.:
Phone: 506-450-8787
Toll Fr ee (in the Maritimes):
1-877-450-8787
Fax: 506-454-0652
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.infor.ca
Editor Janette Desharnais
Production Manager Cathy Perreault
English Editorial Committee
Ken Hardie, John Torunski, David McDonald,
Girvan Harrison
INFORmation is produced and published quarterly at 1350 Regent Street,
Fredericton, NB, E3C 2G6 by INFOR Inc. INFORmation is a free
publication intended for the primary forest producers of New Brunswick
and anyone interested in matters pertaining to the forest.
To be added to our mailing list, please send your name and full mailing
address to INFOR Inc., 1350 Regent Street, Fredericton, NB, E3C 2G6, by
email at [email protected] or by phone at (506) 450-8787.
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to
INFOR Inc., 1350 Regent Street,
Fredericton, NB, E3C 2G6
Check out the INFOR library catalog online at www.infor.ca. We
have hundreds of titles on as many subjects. There is sure to be
something that catches your eye.
For Sale
KOHLER generator
- 125 kW, 550-600 V
- 3 phases
- 156 KVA, 5290 hours
- Very good condition.
Call 735-5062, 737-3782 or
733-0410.
For Sale
Horse-drawn wagon (from the
1930s) - cart - harness - collar bridle - reins. Asking $4,500
(negotiable).
For French inquiries, please
contact me: Albert Nadeau:
258-3968
For English inquiries, contact my son: Daniel Nadeau: 258-6570
Cover photo taken by Janette Desharnais
Winter 2009
Page 3
"From Our Atlantic Woods" Update
By Janette Desharnais
For over a year now, representatives from New Brunswick, Nova
Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island and
Maine have been busy working on a non-timber forest product
directory. (NTFPs include such products as fiddleheads, wild
berries and mushrooms, maple syrup, figured wood products,
ecotourism and more.) As noted in past issues of INFORmation,
the "From Our Atlantic Woods" directory will list NTFP
businesses from this region as well
as include photos, recipes,
information on historic and current
uses of NTFPs and much more.
Our campaign to recruit businesses
to list in our directory has been
extremely successful; we currently
have over 250 listings of which
nearly half are from New
Brunswick. Business owners are
very eager to be part of this
initiative to promote NTFPs and their small businesses on a
regional and global level. The directory will be available as a
printed catalogue as well as a search-friendly online tool. As
well as promoting existing businesses, we hope the directory
will bring woodlot owners, harvesters, producers and
entrepreneurs together to share resources and ideas to expand
and enhance the regional
NTFP industry.
We are already planning
the official launch of the
product on April 4.
Afterwards, printed copies
will be distributed via
tourism booths, steering
committee organizations,
Sobeys, farmers' markets and other such venues, and of course,
through our many listees. INFOR and the Fundy Model Forest,
one of the many project partners, will be hosting a booth at the
Moncton Lifestyle Show from April 17-19 to distribute copies
and showcase some of the many amazing regional NTFP
products -- be sure to drop in and see us there! Information on
accessing the "From Our Atlantic Woods" website and printed
directory will be available in the next issue of INFORmation.
If you own a NTFP business or know of someone who does,
contact INFOR immediately to get signed up; there is no charge
to do so. The deadline to be included in the premier issue of the
printed directory has come and gone, but it's not too late to
include your listing on the website; we will also keep your
listing on file for our next printed edition. There are also
advertising opportunities for those looking for enhanced
exposure.
Page 4
Winter 2009
Maple Syrup
Report from the NB Maple Syrup Association
By Yvon Poitras
Before getting into my report, I would like to take this
opportunity to wish every one of you a new year filled with
health, happiness and success.
The Association is pursuing its work on a multitude of projects.
The following is a summary of events and happenings.
Our efforts regarding the French recipe book for the Poiriers
region are going ahead without a hitch. The launch in France is
scheduled for the last week of May; it will be part of a business
mission. The launch at home, here in New Brunswick, will take
place this fall after the World Acadian Congress. I will let you
know of the date once it has been set.
The information session on organic products in Grand Falls was
a resounding success with over 50 participants. It was by far the
best participation of our history and all the participants provided
very positive feedback on their experience.
We have come to the end of the 2008 sugar bush management
program. I am currently negotiating the continuation of this
program into 2009 with the Department of Natural Resources. A
total of 43 producers qualified for funding from this program in
2008.
I am pursuing my representation work on the commercialization
committee set up by the New Brunswick Ministry of Agriculture
and Aquaculture. Once the work is completed at the end of
March, a report with our recommendations will be submitted to
the concertation committee.
Our work on the international market is ongoing. We have
received good news this week: one of our members will be
offered a contract for the purchase of New Brunswick products.
We have to pursue our efforts and persevere.
I have been working on preparing a one-week course on the
operation of a sugar bush. This course will cover all facets
of the operation and the production of syrup from
management, tubing, equipment, funding and even
succession. We are looking at offering the course in French
in Saint-Quentin and in English in Fredericton. If you are
interested, please contact me for more information.
A call out to members of the Association -- make sure to
renew your membership before March 30. For nonmembers, we invite you to join the Association seeing as the
continuation of our funding depends on the interest of the
members of the industry. To receive a copy of the
membership form, contact the office or visit our website:
www.maple.infor.ca.
I am very happy to inform you that there were 100 people at our
annual general meeting in Woodstock at the end of January.
Amongst the group, we had two ministers, a deputy minister, a
provincial MLA as well as a federal MP. The attendees
appreciated the presentations and the wonderful meal. The next
AGM will be held on January 23, 2010 in the PAJS in SaintQuentin. The meeting minutes from the 2009 AGM will be
mailed to you. Contact me if you would like a copy of our
annual report.
On January 30, I attended the annual maple syrup workshop in
Cabano where I heard many interesting presentations on the
industry. I also met with a technical group that is looking at
recycling options for old tubing. I will pursue this avenue with
one of our members and possibly make it a province-wide
project.
The new Advanced Payment Program (APP) agreement has just
been signed and is now only available to members of the
Association. This program allows members to borrow up to
$100,000 interest-free to start-up their operations. Do not
hesitate to contact me for more information. The forms are
available on our website.
To close off, I would like to share some information pertaining
to my first sitting as a member of the Internation Maple Syrup
Institute (IMSI) in St-Hyacinthe in Quebec. It was both
interesting and informative. The council meets on a quarterly
basis in various locations in Canada and the United States, and
hosts representatives from all maple syrup producing areas of
North America. Amongst others, the council is responsible for
conducting research on various topics related to maple syrup
production. For example, one of the files on the table is the
development of a uniform grading system for all of North
America. Currently, Canada and the United States have differing
systems -- this creates confusion for customers.
Wishing you all a good season!!
Winter 2009
Page 5
Tapping in the Fall Too - Is it Worth the Effort?
By Janette Desharnais
The results (see table) clearly showed that the fall sap was only
half as sweet as the spring sap (average of 1.1 vs. 2.2º Brix). In
terms of the trees tapped twice, the weight of sap collected in the
fall was slightly lower than the sap collected in the spring
(average of 52.2 vs. 45.8 kg). The weight of sap collected from
the trees tapped once (in the spring) was more than double the
weight of sap collected during the fall or the spring of the trees
tapped twice, whether the tap holes were refreshed or not.
The Centre Acer in Québec has completed a study on the
practice of tapping sugar maples in the fall followed by the
traditional springtime tapping using the same or new tap holes.
A few producers in Quebec have been using this method and,
seeing as it is rather novel, poorly understood and documented,
the Centre decided to look deeper into this practice.
To do so, the field team selected 30 trees of similar size (44 cm
or 17.3"), twenty of which were randomly selected to be tapped
in October 2007. During the following spring, the remaining 10
trees were tapped for the first time. Also, of the twenty trees that
had already been tapped the previous fall, ten were retapped
using the same tap holes and the other ten received fresh tap
holes. Throughout the tapping seasons, two factors were
measured: the sweetness (º Brix) and the weight (kg) of the
collected sap. Using weather data, the researchers concluded that
there were 39 potentially productive days in the fall of 2007 and
35 in the spring of 2008.
In conclusion, given the fact that the fall sap was less sweet and
abundant, the trees that were only tapped during the spring
produced much more syrup than the ones tapped twice. This
corroborates with the findings of other researchers. In addition,
there was no advantage to using fresh tapping holes in the spring
in trees that were tapped in the fall. All in all, the researchers
concluded that there is no advantage in conducting a fall tapping
if the sole goal is to increase maple syrup production.
The full study report is available online on the Centre Acer's
website:
www.centreacer.qc.ca/publications/physiologie/PDF/7440-FIN0208.pdf (available in French only)
Table. Mean yields for each group of ten trees for the three types of treatment and for each tapping season (adapted from Grenier, Y.
2008. Exploration de l'entaillage d'automne comme complément à l'entaillage traditionnel, project No. 7440. Centre Acer.)
Treatment
Tapping Season
Fall 2007
1st Tapping
Season
New tap holes in the spring Sap Collection (kg)
Spring 2008
Brix
Sap Collection (kg)
Brix
Fall
No
52.3
1.1
45.2
2.3
Fall
Yes
52.1
1.1
46.4
2.1
Spring
n/a
-
-
111.4
2.2
NB Maple Management Program 2008
By Chris Dickie
Many of you are likely aware of the pilot maple management
program that was funded this past year -- several of you have
participated directly. Developed in partnership with the
Department of Natural Resources, the Regional Development
Corporation, the New Brunswick Maple Syrup Association and
INFOR Inc., this program provided $300,000 in funding to
maple syrup producers to help support commercial and precommercial thinning operations on both
private and Crown-leased sugar bushes. The
purpose of this project was to help offset the
cost of critical operations in sugaries aimed
at improving overall stand production. In
total, 43 producers qualified for the program
and 550 hectares were treated across the
province. All regions took advantage of this
program but, perhaps not surprisingly, a
solid majority of the thinned hectares were
located in the St. Quentin / Kedgwick
region, as this area is home to the highest
density of commercial operations due in large part to NB's maple
sugary leasing program.
INFOR was in charge of the program administration and preand post-thinning assessments and worked closely with the DNR
to move this program forward. As with any new program, we
encountered some obstacles along the way. Building upon
lessons learned this year, INFOR and DNR are preparing a joint
report/summary of the program complete with recommendations
for improvement this coming year. We would
be very interested to hear any comments and
suggestions from program participants to
help us ensure that it runs smoothly for all
concerned. As of yet, there has been no
confirmation of a continuation of funding for
a 2009 version of this program, but those
discussions are ongoing and our hope is that
it certainly will be available this coming
year. Stay tuned to INFOR and the NB
Maple Syrup Association for more news
concerning this program.
Page 6
Winter 2009
Alien Invasive Species in NB
By Chris Dickie
Most Canadians are completely unaware that a major invasion is
underway. From coast to coast, this invasion threatens
livelihoods, personal well-being and the fundamental health of
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that furnish us with the
foundations of our very existence. No areas are safe and even
the high Arctic has been compromised. This is nothing new. It
has been underway for centuries but the pace is steadily
increasing.
Invasive alien species, those species not native to Canada that
cause significant disturbance to the natural ecosystems they
invade, are an increasing problem. Conservative estimates in the
United States place the cost of invasive species (both the
economic losses they cause and the cost of mitigation /
eradication) at 120 billion dollars per year. The scariest aspect of
these invaders is the "unknown". In some areas, nearly 40% of
the species at risk can be attributed in part to the impact of
invasive species. As our climate changes, the scale of impact,
rate of spread and number of new invaders becomes almost
impossible to predict. Assumptions can be made however, and a
changing climate is not good news for the most part. Warmer,
shorter winters will allow invasive species to move into areas
previously inhospitable, while projections of drier summers will
help to favour some of the most
noxious weeds and encourage
pest infestations.
Invasive species pose a very
significant threat to the natural
heritage of our country. All
ecosystems are affected. In
New Brunswick, our forests,
rivers and lakes, wetlands and
even coastal marine ecosystems
are under attack by any number
of invasive species. Some of
these invaders are fairly well
Purple loosestrife
known:
purple loosestrife
- one of many invasive species
having
received
significant
in New Brunswick
public attention (if not action)
over the years. For the most
part however, the general public remains seemingly unaware as
to the extent and significance of the problem. Balsam woolly
adelgid, beech bark disease, Dutch elm disease, butternut canker,
white pine blister rust and a list of other aquatic and terrestrial
plants, insects, fungi and tunicates too long to mention are
having a significant impact upon the health and diversity of
native forests. At present, the brown spruce longhorn beetle is
expanding its range westward from Nova Scotia (towards us!)
while the Asian long-horned beetle, a very efficient killer of
sugar maple, has been causing outbreaks in Ontario and most
recently, in Massachusetts. Emerald ash borer, first discovered in
Windsor, Ontario, has been steadily expanding its range east,
having been recently confirmed in Ottawa. This insect is ruthless
in its attack on ash trees and has the potential to essentially wipe
them from our forests. Such mass extirpations (regional
extinctions) are not uncommon. Since the arrival of Europeans,
successive waves of non-native species have radically changed
many native ecosystems. The forests and rangelands we consider
'normal' today would be shockingly unnatural to residents of 400
years ago. American chestnut is a great example. In pre-colonial
times, some accounts claim a squirrel could have run the length
of the eastern seaboard from chestnut tree to chestnut tree
without ever touching the ground. That was until the
introduction of chestnut blight. The species is now functionally
extinct in the wild. What was once one of the largest and most
common of hardwoods has, for all intents and purposes,
disappeared, taking with it an important source of food and
shelter for a variety of species. The scary part is that the story of
the chestnut seems destined to be repeated many times over.
To begin the process of dealing with the threat of invasive alien
species, most provinces and territories have established invasive
alien species councils. These groups of diverse stakeholders are
working to help mitigate the effects of established invasive
species while trying to stem the tide of new invaders through
public and government education. The issue of invasive species
is one in which success ultimately rides upon the actions of
individuals. Where invasive species are concerned, one person
can truly have a significant impact. Fishermen releasing live
minnows or accidentally transporting zebra mussels, European
milfoil or any number of aquatic species between lakes is a
major vector for movement. Similarly, cutting firewood on your
woodlot for use at home may be moving any number of insect
pests such as gypsy moth, emerald ash borer, Asian long-horned
beetle and brown spruce longhorn beetle. Gardeners have
inadvertently introduced hundreds of invasive plants across the
country and such introductions continue today. The first step in
dealing with the problem of invasive species must be public
education. People need to be aware of the negative effect their
actions are having before they can change. To this end, the New
Brunswick Invasive Species Working Group has been
established. The group will act as a focal point for the issue of
invasive species in New Brunswick, coordinating educational
programs and projects working towards the mitigation of
damage caused by invasive species as well as slowing their
introduction and spread. As a first step, the working group has
applied for funds through the Invasive Alien Species Partnership
Program, a pool of federal funds supporting invasive species
work, to hire a New Brunswick coordinator. Based out of the
University of New Brunswick, this coordinator will be
responsible for moving invasive species projects in the province
forward. The working group is made up of government and nongovernment bodies and is looking to expand its membership to
other organizations with a vested interest in invasive alien
species. If you have any questions about the council, its mission
or invasive species in general, contact Chris Dickie, chair of the
New Brunswick Invasive Species Working Group and extension
program manager with INFOR.
Winter 2009
Page 7
P r i v a t e Wo o d l o t s
Passing On More Than an Inheritance
By Janette Desharnais
At a workshop I attended in 2008, Brad Withrow-Robinson from
Oregon State University spoke on the importance of having a
succession plan for your woodlot. His team has developed a few
tools to help families work through the many questions
surrounding a woodlot's future after the original owners have
moved or passed on. Seeing as this is an issue in our jurisdiction
too, I ordered the workbook from OSU and found some great
information on this subject.
How would you feel if your children fought over what to do
with the land once you passed on? How about if when they
finally agreed, they decided to sell it to a forestry company?
How about if it was clear-cut and sold for housing development?
These are questions you should think
about. I chose the title for this article
because it seems anyone can pass on
land to his/her children in a will, but
that is just the first step. You should also
consider passing on your hopes and
goals for this piece of land and
resources you've worked on for years. It
can be said that it takes a special kind of
person to dedicate him or herself to
growing something with a longer
lifespan than he or she. Therefore, it's
important to make sure your plans don't
end with you.
Many landowners have not brought up
the topic of future ownership with their
children yet while others may have
brought up the subject only to find that
their children lack the skills and/or
interest to manage the family forest.
Still others assume that succession
planning is too expensive or feel it is
not warranted.
successful succession planning. Although this is a plan that takes
time to produce (and maintain through the years because of
changes in regulations dealing with taxes, trusts, etc.), these
guidelines give an outline of what will be dealt with during the
process.
1. Discuss and write down your goals (vision) for the property
and the family
2. Discuss these written goals with your family
3. Create a family business entity to own the land
4. Have regular family meetings to discuss the business and
share your passion
5. Set family employment policies before you hire any family
members
6. Discuss and write down important decisions
7. Create non-financial reasons
for the family to keep the
property
8. Get your kids and grandkids
out to work and have fun on the
property
9. Create a governance structure
that will survive your passing
10. Remember to have fun!
INFOR will be examining the
possibility of using the OSU
Workbook as a base to adapt its
own material to help New
Brunswick landowners with this
type of planning.
Source:
Clinton et al. 2006. Ties to the
Land: Your Family Forest
Heritage - Planning for an
Orderly Transition Intergenerational Family Forest
Project. Oregon State University.
76 pp.
The workbook lists 10 steps to
New Faces
Speaking of inheritance... in the last issue of INFORmation, we
reported that our office coordinator, Jennifer Geneau, was due on
January 1st. Finally little Jillian was anxious to have her first
Christmas, so she was born early, on December 6 without any
complications. Congratulations to Jennifer and Adam!
Cathy Perreault is replacing Jennifer during her maternity leave.
Before moving to Oromocto, she and her partner were both posted
at CFB Valcartier where she worked in the clerical and medical
fields. Please help me in welcoming Cathy to her new position.
Jennifer and little
Jillian visiting the
INFOR office.
Page 8
Winter 2009
New Brunswickers Urged to Protect Themselves Against Lyme Disease
Government of New Brunswick, Dept. of Health
New Brunswickers are being advised by the Department of
Health to take precautions to minimize the risk of exposure of
Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted from an infected
blacklegged tick. It can only transmit the bacteria after it has
been attached to the skin (feeding on blood) for 24 to 36 hours.
The disease can be prevented by avoiding blacklegged tick bites.
It is treatable with antibiotics.
"For most New Brunswickers, the
risk of exposure to Lyme disease is
fairly low," said Dr. Eilish Cleary,
deputy chief medical officer of
health. "From 1997 to 2007, there
were seven cases of Lyme disease
in New Brunswick." Typically, a
small number of blacklegged ticks
are introduced into various areas Wood ticks or American
of Canada by migratory birds,
dog ticks (pictured here) are
posing a risk to individuals in
larger than the Lyme
these areas of being exposed.
disease carrying
Small numbers of infected
blacklegged ticks
blacklegged ticks have been found
in New Brunswick. "Although the risk of exposure to Lyme
disease in New Brunswick is fairly low, it is important to take
precautions to further minimize this risk, especially through the
summer and into late fall," said Cleary.
The Department of Health is reminding people who spend time
outdoors in wooded areas or tall grass where ticks may be found
to take these precautions:
exposed skin, but should not be applied to skin underneath
clothing (note: DEET may damage some materials). Always
read and follow label directions.
- Check for ticks on clothing and skin after being in tick-infested
areas. A daily total-body inspection and prompt removal of
attached ticks (that is, within 18 to 24 hours) can reduce the risk
of infection. Blacklegged ticks are very small, particularly at the
nymphal stage, so look carefully. Do not forget to check children
and pets as well.
If you find a tick attached to your skin, carefully remove
attached ticks using tweezers. Grasp the tick's head and mouth
parts as close to the skin as possible, and pull slowly until the
tick is removed. Do not twist or rotate the tick and try not to
damage it (that is, squash or crush it) during removal. After
removing ticks, wash the site of attachment with soap and water,
or disinfect with alcohol or household antiseptic. Note the day of
the tick bite and mark it on your calendar.
If you develop symptoms of Lyme disease, see your family
doctor. In most cases, the first symptom of Lyme disease is a
rash near the tick bite that may look like a bull's-eye target. The
rash usually appears seven to 10 days after the bite, but the
range is between three and 30 days. You may also develop flulike symptoms such as fever, headache, tiredness, stiff neck, allover soreness, and pain or swelling in the joints. These
symptoms may appear in stages, and may occur over a period of
months. Early treatment almost always results in full recovery.
- Wear protective clothing to limit the access of ticks to your
skin. This clothing should include enclosed shoes, long-sleeved
shirts that fit tightly around the wrist and are tucked into pants,
and long-legged pants tucked into socks or boots. Light-coloured
clothing helps the wearer to spot ticks.
If a tick bite is left untreated, more serious symptoms or
illnesses may develop, although this is uncommon. These
include nervous-system problems such as facial palsy, heart
problems, or chronic joint problems such as arthritis. These
problems, when caused by Lyme disease, can also be cured by
antibotics. Occasionally arthritis may continue if antibiotic
treatment is delayed too long. Lyme disease is rarely lifethreatening.
- Insect repellents containing DEET are safe and can effectively
repel ticks. Repellents may be applied to clothing as well as
For more information on Lyme disease, go to the Department of
Health website: www.gnb.ca/0051/index-e.asp.
Spring
is
coming!
Winter 2009
Page 9
Blueberry/Forest: How to Produce More Resources on One Hectare of Forest
By Guillaume Roy, Lac-Saint-Jean Model Forest
Contrary to traditional blueberry production, the blueberry/forest
concept promotes many sustainable development criteria seeing
as it allows for the production of more resources per hectare all
the while preserving biodiversity and landscapes. In Quebec, the
Lac-Saint-Jean Model Forest (LSJMF) has two projects under
way looking at the blueberry/forest concept as a means to favour
the development of a network of community-based blueberry
fields as well as to document the nesting biology of the
Connecticut warbler.
recognizes that "the blueberry/forest concept highly influences,
positively, territorial and management aspects (with respect to
sustainable development)".
In a blueberry/forest setting, 60 m strips of managed blueberries
alternate with 42 m strips of forest which are intensively
managed for timber production - a good example of
harmonisation of forest uses.
A " Made-in-Lac-Saint-Jean " Concept
This concept was initiated in the early years of 2000 in
Normandin, north of Lac-Saint-Jean, with the goal of producing
blueberries on public land while maintaining the forest's
production capacity. The Corporation d'aménagement forêt
Nomandin is also carrying out an ongoing research project to
measure the agronomic, forestry, environmental and wildlife
benefits stemming from this concept. The preliminary results are
very encouraging and show that there are undeniable advantages
to using this type of set-up. The planned network of communitybased blueberry fields would promote research while
maintaining public tenure of the land base.
A comparative analysis carried out by the Centre québécois du
développement durable states that "returns from communitybased blueberry fields under the blueberry/forest concept were
superior to privately-managed blueberry fields." It also
Aerial photo showing blueberry swaths between treed strips
Furthermore, according to the preliminary results, the
blueberry/forest concept could afford a decent habitat for the
Connecticut warbler, a little known bird in Quebec. "We found
the first Connecticut warbler nests in blueberry/forest landscapes
in the Lac-Saint-Jean region. In Quebec, only one other nest has
ever been found, in the Abitibi region, in 1976," states Jacques
Ibarzabal, project manager at the LSJMF and professor at the
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi. In a sustainable
development context, the blueberry/forest concept seems to be
an excellent starting point in the shift towards a harmonised and
balanced development of our forest environment.
For more information on this or other Lac-Saint-Jean Model
Forest projects: http://www.foretmodeledulacsaintjean.ca
The Latest on the S.M.A.R.T. Tree Project
By Chris Dickie
You may have heard by now the unfortunate news that our
Atlantic Innovation Fund submission
requesting funding for the S.M.A.R.T. Tree
project was not successful. This money was
necessary to support research on three of the
five research platforms as outlined in the
S.M.A.R.T. Tree project. Sources within the
funding program tell us that it was among the
strongest proposals submitted and there is no
clear explanation as to why it was not
accepted. Even though these funds are not
forthcoming at the present, we do have enough
funds on hand to proceed with the work
concerning needle retention and the
development of balsam fir seedlings with
improved needle retention. I want to make it
clear that this setback has by no means stalled
this project. I have been in regular contact with our partners on
the steering committee and no one is willing to concede defeat at
this time. We will meet regularly to discuss our new strategy in
obtaining the required funds.
The Atlantic Christmas Tree Research Co-op,
the body we founded to house and manage
the project, is now a legal entity. We have a
bank account and are in the process of
finalizing our constitution and bylaws and
will shortly be in a position to begin the
issuing of legal shares in the project.
If you have any questions or concerns about
the project, please feel free to contact myself
at INFOR, Len Giffen with the Christmas
Tree Council of Nova Scotia or Raj Lada,
lead researcher, at the Nova Scotia
Agricultural College.
Page 10
Winter 2009
C h r i s t m a s Tr e e I n d u s t r y
Presentation to Premier Graham and Minister Ouellette
Once again, INFOR organized the annual presentation of a
natural Christmas tree to the Premier of New Brunswick. This
year's tree was generously supplied by Scott Family Farms and
presented to Premier Shawn Graham and Ronald Ouellette,
Minister of Agriculture and Aquaculture by Don, Nathan and
Jane Scott on December 10. After accepting the tree, the Premier
announced that it would then be donated to the Doone Street
Community Centre in Fredericton.
Scott Family Farms' operations include Christmas tree farms and
maple syrup production. The Christmas tree operation started
with a few trees in 1980. There are now two farms with a total
of 30 ha (75 acres) of balsam fir Christmas trees. The family is
involved with the operation year-round, along with additional
seasonal employees. The average annual harvest each year is
6500 trees. Most of these trees are shipped to the United States
(Rhode Island and Massachusetts area), with the remainder sold
locally. The family has been a seasonal vendor at the Boyce
Farmers' Market for the last 10 years, selling trees as well as
wreaths and other greenery items. The trees are now mainly
fertilized with composted chicken manure, and the operation has
been moving away from the use of chemical fertilizers in the
past few years, with good results thus far.
Jane Scott, Nathan Scott and Don Scott present a Christmas
tree to New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham
and the Honourable Ronald Ouellette,
Minister of Agriculture and Aquaculture.
Winter 2009
Page 11
New Fir Varieties Becoming More Popular
By Mark Fellows, Michigan State University
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Christmas tree buyers who prefer
fragrant, hardy fir trees might find some new choices this year as
Michigan growers begin cutting varieties first planted in quantity
just a few years ago.
Korean, Nordmann and cork bark fir trees are starting to come
on the market to join already established varieties including the
Fraser, Douglas, balsam and concolor fir, said Jill O'Donnell, a
Michigan State University extension educator who specializes in
Christmas trees.
Fir trees are a popular species, she said, and Michigan growers
have been experimenting
with different varieties to
offer more choices to
consumers, improve growth
and other attributes.
"True firs have excellent
needle retention and they
have that traditional shape
and aroma we think of when
one imagines a Christmas
tree. Another option for
consumers is concolor firs,
which have a more citrus-like
fragrance," O'Donnell said.
Korean fir might be the most
easily found of the recent
Michigan consumers have
much to select from,
O'Donnell said. With more
than eight types
commercially grown thanks
to this state's favorable
climate,
"Consumers should be able
to find a variety of trees -that's what Michigan is
known for," she said.
Corkbark fir tree
The past few years have
featured very dry summers that reduced the survival of many of
the newly transplanted trees, the Cadillac, Mich.-based
O'Donnell said, but this year moderate temperatures, increased
rainfall and a cool fall promise high quality trees and good
needle retention this season.
Keeping cut trees fresh is a matter of sufficient water, she said -a quart daily for each inch of trunk diameter. In other words, a
four-inch trunk requires a gallon of water each day. And there's
no need to add "preservatives" of any sort.
Korean fir tree
arrivals at Michigan tree farms,
O'Donnell said. Its foliage looks
coarser than most - a deep green
shade - but underneath, the
needles have a striking white
hue.
Nordmann fir, which is widely
grown in Denmark and other
countries for the European
market, features very glossy,
dark green foliage and a layered
appearance.
Nordmann fir tree
distinguished by a bluishgreen color, shorter needles
and whitish bark.
Cork bark fir, native to the
American Southwest, is
"Research shows that just plain water does just as good a job,"
O'Donnell said. "And make sure you have a fresh cut on that
tree."
Michigan is third in the USA in Christmas tree production,
O'Donnell said, and its Christmas tree market amounts to
upward of $60 million annually, including live trees, garland and
wreaths. Its 780 growers plant 42,000 acres and sell about 3.5
million trees annually.
--------Michigan State University has been advancing knowledge and
transforming lives through innovative teaching, research and
outreach for more than 150 years. MSU is known internationally
as a major public university with global reach and extraordinary
impact. Its 17 degree-granting colleges attract scholars
worldwide who are interested in combining education with
practical problem solving.
New National Association Website
During the fall of 2008, the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers' Association unveiled its new website :
www.canadianchristmastrees.ca. This comprehensive site offers a lot of information for the buyer as well as new and seasoned
growers of real Christmas trees: species & varieties, choosing and caring for a tree, recycling a tree after Christmas, information on
the association, tree grading, wreaths & garlands, Trees for Troops' Families, and much more. The next step is to translate the
material; in the meantime, a link to the Quebec Association is provided on the homepage.
Page 12
Winter 2009
Trees for Troops' Families 2008
By Janette Desharnais
Just like last year,
Canada's Christmas tree
growers showed their
support for the troops by
offering a tree to
families with a loved
one serving overseas
during the holiday
season. This year, the
Canadian Christmas
Tree Growers'
A mother and daughter pick out a
Association made
Christmas tree for their home
arrangements early on
with the Department of National Defense to get precise figures
of the number of trees required on each base across Canada.
In New Brunswick, we approached growers to donate trees to
supply the need at CFB Gagetown and CFB Moncton. Many
growers around
the province
offered trees to
the cause, so
much so, that we
had to decline
some offers. We
received offers
from Bill Kilfoil
and Mac Fox
(CarletonAt the Moncton Military Family Resource Victoria region),
Centre, from left to right: David Niblett,
Claude Duke
Brenda Arsenault LeBlanc, Nelly Rousselle, and Gilbert
Kelly Trites, and Mike Dawson
Roussel
(Acadian Peninsula region), and Norman Richardson and Calixte
Comeau (Miramichi region). Trees were received from Patrick &
Tracey Potter, Wayne McKnight, Don Scott, Louis-Philippe
Albert and Jeff MacMullin (Central region) as well as Ray &
Laura Folkins and Arnold Perry (Belleisle region).
My friend Dave and I dropped the Christmas trees off in
Moncton on December 3rd and in Oromocto on December 4th.
Prime Minister Harper was on hand at the ceremony at CFB
Petawawa on December 5th where most of the soldiers currently
stationed in Afghanistan are based. Once again, the family
services centre staff and recipient families were very
appreciative of this special gift. Along with the multitude of
online articles written on the local and national events, we were
featured on CTV and Global TV newscasts.
Thank you to all of the growers who offered and donated trees.
A special thanks to Patrick Potter and Bill Kilfoil for helping
organize this year's campaign.
Staff and families from Canadian Forces Base Gagetown
Winter 2009
Page 13
Reviewing your Christmas Tree Fertilization Regime
Text adapted from the article "Cutting Fertilizer Cost for
Christmas Tree Production" in the American Christmas Tree
Journal, January 2009.
Due to the sharp increase in cost of fertilizers these past few
years, many Christmas tree producers are wondering if they
should decrease their application rates. Even if all cases are
different, it can be said that if your trees need extra nutrients,
they should be fertilized. What is more difficult to determine is
when trees need fertilization and will the fertilizer pay for itself
through the trees' accrued quality and value.
In general, when nitrogen is deficient, a small addition will
increase growth, quality and yield in a marked way. There is
much less change when the deficiency is not as well defined.
Finally, when the concentration of nitrogen is adequate, adding
more will not lead to any notable benefits and may even damage
the trees.
The foliar concentration of nitrogen in Christmas trees directly
affects its colour and thus, its value. Darker trees with a bluish
tint are more desirable than paler trees with yellowish
undertones. Up to a certain point, trees will darken as the
nitrogen concentration increases. For example, a Fraser fir will
normally present dark needles when its needles have a nitrogen
concentration between 1.4 and 1.65%. Balsam fir, on the other
hand, should have a nitrogen concentration between 1.7 and
2.0% (Chris Dickie, personal conversation). Over-fertilization
will not change the colour significantly and thus, is not worth
the cost or effort. It can, however, lead to bud death.
The colour difference between trees can be very subtle. Also, it
is difficult to ascertain if a tree should be darker just by looking
at it. In some instances, differences can only be noticed when
trees with very different nitrogen concentrations are placed next
to each other.
So how does one evaluate if the application of fertilizer meets
the nutrition needs of the trees and if it is advisable to reduce the
fertilization rate? The initial article's author, John Hart, suggests
following these steps:
- Consider typical fertilizer needs in your region
The needs of Christmas trees depend largely on the type of
soil in which they grow. In general, trees that grow in more
sandy soil tend to be more responsive to fertilization than
trees growing in silt loam or clay loam soils where organic
matter is usually sufficient in nitrogen.
- Let your trees tell you what they need
Evaluate the growth and the colour of the trees. Do you detect
any deficiencies? It is important to note that lateral branch
elongation and terminal growth generally increase every year.
Look at the size of the needles for signs of vigour. If growth is
less than expected or if the colour is light, you may need to
resort to increased fertilization.
- Measure nutrient status in the needles and soil
The cost of analyses is small compared to the cost of overfertilization or unneeded fertilization. Jeff Owen from the North
Carolina Cooperation Extension and one of the speakers at
Celebrating Our Forests / Maple Fest 2007 says that producers
who invest in soil and foliar analysis are better able to prioritize
their fertilization investments for the greatest return. Analyses
are also strongly suggested when new or alternative practices are
adopted, such as when clover is introduced to capture nitrogen.
- Consider a field experiment with reduced fertilizer rates
To be able to conduct a proper test, you will need to apply the
same treatment to trees in the same field and use representative
trees. Trees should not be in a corner, along the border or in wet
or shaded areas. If possible, choose trees that are upslope of
fertilized trees. Identify a block of 5 trees x 5-7 trees. You need
at least five rows of trees to make sure that the fertilizer does not
get to the middle row of trees. After several years without
fertilization, compare these trees to the fertilized trees.
Owen advises only reducing the fertilization rate if the nutrient
levels are adequate or can be attained using alternative methods.
If you must absolutely reduce your fertilization costs, Hart
recommends not fertilizing seedlings seeing as they use up very
little nutrients compared to older trees. Furthermore, seedlings
from nurseries often have very high nutrient concentrations
which with help sustain their growth for one to two years.
Even before looking at fertilization, trees must be healthy and in
habitats that are conducive to their growth. Problems involving
disease and insects, as well as growth problems linked to
inadequate drainage, thin soils or other limitations should be
resolved before looking at fertilization for answers. Also, even if
fertilization can normally correct many problems related to
colour and growth, genetic factors also play an important role.
If you are interested in having your soil or foliage tested, contact
Chris Dickie at INFOR. He has been working with the
University of New Brunswick for several years in providing this
service at a reduced cost to Christmas tree growers in this
province.
Page 14
Winter 2009
NB Seeks to Protect More Species
By Janette Desharnais
After many years of work, the NB Department of Natural Resources is closer than ever to overhauling the legislation protecting
endangered, extinct and threatened species. The DNR has recommended 60 species for listing in regulation under Bill 26, the
Species at Risk Act. The current number of plants and animals sits at only 16. The new Minister of Natural Resources, the
Honourable Wally Stiles, claims that the current list is outdated; he is also pushing for the change from the term "endangered" to
"species-at-risk" with sub-categories that include: extirpated (extinct), endangered, threatened and of special concern.
If the bill is passed, the government has pledged to protect the listed species as well as have a process which restores that particular
flora or fauna to its original state. The list of species is based on the recommendations of the national Committee on the Status of
Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).
The new list of species at risk includes:
Extirpated
Mammals
- Woodland Caribou
- Atlantic Walrus
- Grey Wolf
- Wolverine
Mollusks
- Dwarf wedge mussel
Endangered
Mammals
- Canada lynx
- Blue whale
- North Atlantic right whale
Birds
- Eskimo curlew
- Harlequin duck
- Bald eagle
- Peregrine falcon, anatum subspecies
- Red knot, rufa subspecies
- Piping plover
- Roseate tern
Reptiles
-Leatherback turtle
Fishes
- Atlantic salmon, inner Bay of Fundy population
- Porbeagle shark
- White shark
- Winter skate
Arthropods
- Maritime ringlet
- Cobblestone tiger beetle
Vascular plants
- Anticosti aster
- Bathurst aster, Bathurst population
- Gulf of St. Lawrence aster
- Butternut
- Furbish's lousewort
- Pinedrop
- Parker's pipewort
- Prototype quillwort
- Southern twayblade
Lichens
- Boreal felt lichen, atlantic population
Threatened
Birds
- Least bittern
- Olive-sided flycatcher
- Common nighthawk
- Chimney swift
Reptiles
- Wood turtle
Fishes
- Striped bass, Bay of Fundy population
- Striped bass, Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence
population
- Cusk
- Shortfin mako
- Rainbow smelt, Lake Utopia large bodied population
- Rainbow smelt, Lake Utopia small bodied population
Vascular plants
- Van Brunt's Jacob's-ladder
Special concern
Mammals
- Harbour porpoise, northwest Atlantic population
- Fin whale, Atlantic population
Birds
- Rusty blackbird
- Barrow's goldeneye, eastern population
- Yellow rail
- Bicknell's thrush
- Snapping turtle
- Short-eared owl
Fishes
- Atlantic cod
- American eel
- Blue shark
- Winter skate, Georges Bank - Western Scotian Shelf Bay of Fundy population
- Shortnose sturgeon
Mollusks
- Yellow lamp-mussel
Arthropods
- Monarch butterfly
- Pygmy snaketail
Winter 2009
Page 15
The Value of a Woodlot Management Plan
This is an article produced by the Private Woodlot Strategic
Initiative, a collaboration between the Canadian Model Forest
Network and the Canadian Federation of Woodlot Owners.
Funding provided by Natural Resources Canada. For more
information, please visit www.woodlotscanada.ca or
www.modelforest.net
Why do people own woodlots? Some people own woodlots for
recreation and entertainment purposes. They love to hike or ski
through their property, and enjoy the wildlife that their woodlot
shelters. Others have a desire to leave an inheritance to their
children or grandchildren, or may use their woodlot as a source
of firewood production or maple syrup operations. Regular or
periodic income from the sale of timber is common. Most
common of all is a combination of several of these uses.
Regardless of what motivates you to own your woodlot, if you
manage it carefully, you are more likely to reap the benefits you
seek. Proper
planning, involving
a woodlot
management plan,
will help you
organize your
resources, clarify
your goals for the
woodlot, and help
ensure that you
achieve what you
set out to do.
A woodlot
management plan serves as the blueprint for your woodlot
activities. It is a statement about you as an owner and manager it articulates what your personal interests may be, works
carefully with your abilities and other resources, supports your
financial objectives and helps you meet your goals. It is not so
much a subject or a science as it is a process that integrates all
the principles, practices, and techniques necessary to care
properly for your woodlot.
The planning process which you undertake in order to get your
woodlot management plan is not complicated or onerous. It is
straightforward and directed by you, the landowner. The first
step in the process involves identifying your objectives for
managing your woodlot. Perhaps you are interested in using
your woodlot as a source of income or as a tax shelter. Perhaps
your objectives are more environmentally oriented, and you wish
to protect and conserve wildlife habitat, or increase the species
diversity on your land. You may have a stream running through
your property and you want to stabilize the soil to protect fish
habitat. Or perhaps you want to maintain a healthy, vibrant
woodland, and enjoy the beauty it has to offer.
A good management plan means that every acre of your woodlot
is not necessarily managed specifically for one product or one
amenity; your entire land base is managed as a whole in such a
way that it yields the desired mix. The plan carefully scopes out
a process which
allows you to
manage for
timber in some
places (while
maintaining the
aesthetics of the
land) but on other
acres,
management
practices will be
focused on
wildlife habitat.
Once you have identified your planning objectives, an inventory
of your woodlot is carried out to determine what kind of
resources you have. The inventory will describe the variety of
tree species, timber volumes, soil type, wildlife habitat, streams,
trails and other things, depending on your objectives. This
information is then used to determine how best to achieve your
objectives, through a schedule of activities for the next 5-10
years, a woodlot management plan. This plan can be an informal
plan, simply stating your objectives and identifying how you
will achieve them. It can also be a more formal plan, which
includes the same information, but with more detail, and with
specific goals and activities, costs and anticipated revenues
outlined within. It is at the inventory stage of the process that
most owners will want to take advantage from outside advice
from a forestry professional. Your woodlot association, may
provide this service, or at very least, will be able to direct you to
private consultants or government agencies.
Once you have completed
your management plan, it
is important to remember
that it is a living
document. Your objectives
may change, your woodlot
may experience some
ecological change, or
natural disaster, or there
may be a change in the
economy that means you
need to modify your business plans. You will implement,
monitor and modify your plan on a regular basis.
A comprehensive woodlot management plan is not something
you can simply write up on the back of a scrap piece of
paper...although that may be a place to start! If you care about
the future of your woodlot, then grab that scrap, sit down and list
your objectives, and begin the journey of healthy and wise
woodlot management.
Page 16
Winter 2009
Schedule of Upcoming Events
Date
Event
Location
Description
August 21-23,
2009
Various
The Green Festival
GPS Course
274 Girvan Road,
Clairville, NB
Various
Festival that promotes natural, organic and recycled
products and activities. www.thegreenfestival.ca
Contact INFOR: 506-450-8787 or [email protected]
Various
Around Your Woodlot
Various
Various
Best Management Practices for Various
Contractors
Check with your local marketing board for time and
place.
Check with your local marketing board for time and
place.
*For further information on these events, please contact INFOR at (506) 450-8787 or toll free (in the Maritimes) at (877) 450-8787.
Have something to sell? Want to make an announcement? Planning an event? We’re here to help. If you would like to place a
classified ad in our next edition of INFORmation give us a call (506-450-8787 or toll free in the Maritimes 1-877-450-8787) or
email us ([email protected]) with the details and we’ll place it for you free of charge.
Meet Me at the Sugar Shack!
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