Forest Values

When you live in a province that is made up of about 71 per cent forest, including 25 per cent productive forest land, the forest becomes an important part of everyday life. In Newfoundland and Labrador, using the forest is an everyday occurrence—many people are employed in the forest sector as loggers, foresters, outfitters, or adventure tourism operators. People hunt, fish, camp, hike, ski or snowmobile in our forests. We go there to work, to play, to think, to harvest, and to plant.

Because so many people use the forest, it ends up meaning many different things. Some people see the forest solely as an economic resource, providing raw material to industries such as pulp and paper and lumber production. Others see it primarily as habitat for wildlife and plant species, or as a playground of recreational opportunities, from hunting and fishing, to camping and hiking. Some people see all of these values in the forest. As citizens, we must recognize that all values are valid, and all must be respected.

Forest managers in Newfoundland and Labrador have to consider and respect all of these values when planning to use the forest. Integrated Resource Management is the process of managing natural resources with all resource values in mind, and following strict guideline to ensure all resource values are considered. It’s not an easy process, but it’s worth the effort to ensure healthy, sustainable forests for future generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.