Expanding socio-economic considerations in the management of New Brunswick's Crown land forests

Abstract

New Brunswick is in the midst of a forest policy debate regarding wood supply. This paper outlines the historical context, presents recent data and provides a detailed update on policy activities related to this debate. In 2004, the bi-partisan Legislative Select Committee on Wood Supply produced a report complete with recommendations for action. We report on the provincial government response to those recommendations, which has been to: broaden public input into forest management and planning; broaden the range of forest values considered in forest management/policy; and employ new tools, indicators and analysis to provide information to policy-makers. Key words: New Brunswick, wood supply, Crown land policy history, policy debate, socio-economic indicators, public participation in forest management