Forestry

The forest industry continues to be a major contributor to the economy of Zone 8 and the province.  The province’s forest sector consists of the newsprint industry, the lumber industry, and a small number of value-added industries.  These industries provide more than 3,500 person years of direct employment resulting in 10,000 or more direct and indirect part-time and full-time jobs.  These industries also produce newsprint and solid wood products valued at $600-$700 million.

In Zone 8 there are 20 forestry related businesses not including pulp and paper businesses.  These have total sales of almost $18 million with a payroll of just under $5 million.  CBPP has total sales of over $200 million and employs up to 1,000 people.
The forestry industry is currently experiencing some down time.  The two (2) large integrated sawmills are operating at reduced capacity, CBPP shut down a machine last year and wood supply is getting more costly to recover.

Zone 8 is very fortunate to have the Model Forest of Newfoundland and Labrador within our boundaries.  Model Forest has been around for 15 years and has been tracking and research forestry related issues over that time.

This year, the Model forest will begin a process with some of our rural communities to address the labour market needs of the forestry industry.  They will be conducting research into new and traditional ways to use forests to get the most out of that area for employment and economic impact.  As well they will be conducting research on non-timber forest products such as berries, mushrooms, etc.