FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Natural Resources is following up on its commitment to make 4,000 hectares of crown forests available to the maple sugar industry by posting a request for proposals on line.
The provincial government has committed to make the 4,000 hectares available over the next four years.
The new allotment represents a 41 per cent increase compared to what is already being used by producers.
"We are very pleased to follow up on our commitment and I am sure there will be many excellent projects submitted to our department," said Natural Resources Minister Paul Robichaud. "We are pleased to make these woods lands available. It is a great example of putting our resources to work and helping boost regional economic development."
A link to the RFP process can be found online.
Conservation forests and protected natural areas will not be impacted by the land being made available to producers.
The maple sugar industry currently uses 9,000 hectares of crown forests.
New Brunswick is the third largest maple syrup producer in the world. The provincial industry has more than 200 maple syrup producers. About 2,285 seasonal and full-time jobs are generated during the production season. Cash receipts in the sector last year totaled about $20 million.
08-08-14