From Root to Leaf: The NSFC Forest News

2011-08-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

NSFC Announces Official Winner of Fall/Winter 2010 Photo Contest

CHAPLEAU, [July 2011] – This past September, the Northeast Superior Forest Community invited all residents and visitors of

the Northeast Superior region to capture special moments spent enjoying our local forests and submit their photos for a chance to win prizes (and bragging rights). The organization challenged participants to take pictures of their favorite wildlife, trees, non-timber forest products like mushrooms and berries, scenic views, and cultural or recreational activities in the forest.

After much deliberation and careful judging the NSFC is proud to announce that Denise Godbout has won the photo contest with her submission “Tranquility”. Ms. Godbout, a Chapleau resident has won a beautiful framed print of her award winning picture, which she has decided to display in the lobby of Aux Trois Moulin for all to enjoy. The winning photo was chosen based on votes made by the NSFC’s Board of Directors, which is comprised of the Mayors of six local communities and a representative of the Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs’ Forum (NSRCF). Ms Godbout is pictured below receiving her prize from NSFC board member and Chapleau Mayor Andre Byham.

The goal of the contest was to encourage residents to head outside and enjoy the forest throughout the entire year, and to highlight the fact that the value of the north’s most precious natural resource extends well be

yond its value as a generator of revenue. The NSFC recognizes the importance of all forest benefits and values, including economic, social, recreational, cultural, and aesthetic and hopes that this contest has inspired local residents to do the same.

The NSFC received a number of breathtaking images from amateur photographers living across our region, and even from a few visitors. The organization received images of people planting trees, snapshots of wildlife, scenic views of our lush Boreal forests and thriving wetlands, and pictures of pets and people enjoying nature in various ways.

Clara Lauziere, the NSFC’s General Manager, commented on the submissions, saying “our organization was very impressed to see the many interpretations of our forests that were captured on film and submitted throughout the contest. The diversity of the submissions proves that our forests can be valued for endless reasons, and that for residents living in the north, it is impossible to not feel connected to the forest in some way.”

The NSFC hopes that the contest has helped to further emphasize the importance and value of our local forests and will consider hoding contest such as this one again in the future.

2011-04-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

CHS Envirothon Team Scores Forestry Component Win at the 2011 Algoma Region Competition
By: Becky Hodgson, Education Coordinator – NSFC

On April 15th and 16th, the Chapleau High School (CHS) Envirothon Team participated in the 2011 Algoma Region Envirothon Competition at Kinsmen Park in Sault Ste. Marie.

The first day, was a day of review. The five teams (two from Superior Heights Collegiate & Vocational School, one from Korah Collegiate & Vocational School, one from Central Algoma Secondary School, and one from CHS) spent the day rotating through outdoor stations, and learning from resource personnel who are specialists in the four core subject areas: forestry, wildlife, aquatics and soils. Additionally, each team had a block of time to prepare for their oral presentations on this year’s current topic of “Salt and Freshwater Estuaries”.

Saturday, April 16th was competition day. Teams arrived bright and early for an 8:30 am start time. The format for the competition day was the same as the previous day, with teams rotated through each of the stations, completing a variety of activities and test questions.

It was noted that the day brought the worst weather conditions of any Algoma Envirothon competition to date, however, the teams’ spirits could not be dampened by the rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow. Armed with a combination of make-shift garbage bag rain suits, winter boots, rubber boots, toques and mitts, the teams headed outside to brave the elements in search of the highest honour: the top score and ultimately the Algoma Envirothon trophy.

Although the CHS team did not win the overall highest score for the competition (that honour went to a team from Superior Heights Collegiate & Vocational School), they did receive special recognition and a certificate for earning the highest score in the Forestry component of the competition! As the CHS Envirothon team formed less than two months ago, and this was the school’s first appearance at an Envirothon competition, this is an outstanding accomplishment.

A big congratulations goes out to the CHS Envirothon team. Good luck in next year’s competition!

The 2011 CHS Envirothon Team with their Forestry component highest score award: (back row) Mr. Mike Serre (teacher/coach), Tristan Larcher, (front row) Robin Raposo, Jessica Raposo, Sabrina Kanala, Kodiak Jolivet. (Missing: Meagan Jean and Mrs. Becky Hodgson (NSFC Education Coordinator/coach).

For more information about Envirothon, visit the official website http://www.ontarioenvirothon.on.ca/. Anyone from the Northeast Superior region who is interested in creating an Envirothon team for the 2011-2012 school year can contact:

Clara Lauziere
General Manager
Northeast Superior Forest Community
clara.lauziere@nsfc.ca
(705) 864.2031 x 224

Building Forest Professionals for the Future

2011-03-10T13:52:00.000-08:00

The NSFC acknowledges that the youth in our region are our future. It is important to provide our local youth with educational opportunities at an early age to help ensure students begin to develop a deep understanding of the many uses of our forests. As we grow and continue to develop new opportunities, the NSFC hopes that these students will grow with us, becoming increasingly interested in innovative uses for the forest.

This year, as part of the our education program objectives, we are sponsoring the Chapleau High School (CHS) Envirothon team as a pilot project. The Ontario Envirothon is an opportunity for high school students to take what they learn at school and through their own research and apply their skills in an outdoor setting with like-minded peers, to interact with nature directly. The Envirothon involves a competition that tests each team's environmental smarts, and provides students with an opportunity to build friendships while learning about and exploring the natural environment.

Through sponsoring the CHS team, we hope to spark an interest in Envirothon that can be expanded to other schools in the Northeast Superior region. Ideally, we will generate enough interest in the program to create our own region for Envirothon competition purposes within the schools and communities of the Northeast Superior region.

As part of the Envirothon team, the CHS students will participate in a fun field testing competition, take part in outdoor workshops, find solutions to environmental problems, gain exposure to career opportunities, and discover ways to improve the environment. The environmental areas that students are responsible for learning about are: soil, aquatics, wildlife, forestry, and an annual current issue. This year's current issue is "salt and freshwater estuaries". The CHS Envirothon team meets twice per week to learn and study together.

On March 3rd, the CHS team attended an Algoma Region Envirothon Forestry & Wildlife Workshop Day held in Sault Ste. Marie. In the morning, the students took part in two educational workshops: a tree identification workshop led by Matt Kendrick, and a forest field equipment and forest management plan writing workshop led by Laurie Thomson, both of the Sault's MNR, Forests Division.

In the afternoon, the group participated in four wildlife focused workshops led by second year Fish and Wildlife students from Sault College. The topics of these workshops were: Nocturnal Creatures, Animal Tracks & Signs, The Four Ungulate Species (deer, elk, moose, and caribou), and Invertebrates. The team had a great day, and are looking forward to more opportunities to build on their skills before competition day.

In mid April, Chapleau High School will match their skills against W.C Eaket Secondary School (Blind River), Central Algoma Secondary School (Desbarats), Korah Collegiate & Vocational School (Sault Ste. Marie) and Superior Heights Collegiate & Vocational School (Sault Ste. Marie) at the Algoma regional competition. The winning team from the regional competition will then advance to the Ontario Envirothon provincial competition to be held at the Tim Horton Onondaga Farms in St. George Ontario in early May. The winning team from the provincial competition will represent our province at the North American Canon Envirothon competition to be held in New Brunswick during July.

Anyone from the Northeast Superior region who is interested in creating an Envirothon team can contact:

Becky Hodgson
Education Coordinator
Northeast Superior Forest Community
becky.hodgson@nsfc.ca
(705) 864.2031 x 225

Success Stories from Across the Country

2011-03-09T10:50:00.000-08:00

The NSFC and our partner CMFN sites from across the country have developed a publication that highlights success stories from each of our 15 Forest Community/Model Forest sites. We work so hard to ensure that our forest has a sustainable future, and to encourage people to view our forest resources from all angles, and we thought it was about time that we brag a little!

The publication, titled Developing Sustainable Forests and Communities, was developed to broadcast the impact that Natural Resources Canada's Forest Communities Program has had on our country's forest economy and also on hundreds of communities across Canada.

Since the Forest Communities Program was founded, the network has leverage Natural Resources Canada's $12.6 million investment through the program to $60.3 million nationally. That's a leverage rate of 6 to 1! To find out more about this economic accomplishment, and many more accomplishments follow the link below to start reading Developing Sustainable Forests and Communities!

Developing Sustainable Forests and Communities

The NSFC gets a new home!

2011-01-25T06:24:00.000-08:00

Beginning in February, the NSFC will be moving to a new administrative office space. We are leaving our current home at the Chapleau Innovation Centre (12 Birch Street East), and moving a few blocks away to 26 Pine Street West beside the Township of Chapleau building.

Our telephone and fax numbers will remain the same, as will our P.O Box number.

To summarize, beginning in February our new contact information will be as follows:

Northeast Superior Forest Community (NSFC)
26 Pine Street West, Box 1388
Chapleau, ON
P0M 1K0
T: (705) 864. 2031
F: (705) 864.0345

We are really excited to move into our new space! Make sure you come visit us!

In the News...

2011-01-18T09:14:00.000-08:00

McGuinty Government Taking Next Step to Make Forest Industry More Competitive

On January 13th, the Ontario Government announced that the province will introduce legislation later this year that would modernize it's forest tenure and pricing system. The new legislation would create new jobs and attract investment while ensuring our forests continue to be managed sustainably.

Transforming and revitalizing the forestry sector is part of the Open Ontario Plan to create jobs and economic opportunities in Northern Ontario.

Click here to read the full article

Do you want to work for the NSFC?

2011-01-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

Our organization is currently seeking a Forest Sector Project Specialist.

Visit our website Opportunities page to view the full job posting (in both official languages).

A Partnership for Change

2011-01-17T06:46:00.000-08:00

Recently, an important step was taken towards strengthening the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in the Northeast Superior region. In August, the Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs' Forum (NSRCF), comprised of 6 Chiefs of 6 First Nations, and the Northeast Superior Regional Mayors' Group (NESMG) comprised of the Mayors of 6 local communities, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that outlined specific relationship building protocol. The relationship building process between the Mayors' and the Chiefs' began in 2008 and has been facilitated and aided by the NSFC whose board of directors is comprised of the Mayors and a representative of the Chiefs' Forum.

Manitouwadge Mayor and NSFC President John MacEachern outlines that the bonding process between the two groups hasn't always been smooth, but that the current strength of the relationship is unique across Canada. "The bond that has been formed between key Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal decision makers in our region is an anomaly" says MacEachern, " and people across the country are amazed when I tell them about the progress our region has accomplished because of the relationship." Additionally, Clara Lauziere, General Manager of the NSFC, outlines that the level of success the NSFC administrative staff have had to this point can be largely attributed to the ease of relations between the two groups.

The Mayors' and Chiefs' have long had common interests with respect to regional economic stability and the use of natural resources, and the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formally outlines this. The MoU details that the groups will continue to interact in a manner that is honest, transparent, fair, and equal, and that mutual trust and respect will form the cornerstones of their relationship. Chief Keeter Corston, Chief of Chapleau Cree First Nation points out that the relationship has also facilitated increased opportunities with local industry, saying "the memorandum of understanding between the Chiefs' and Mayors has important linkages to a separate MoU signed by the Chiefs' Forum, The Township of Chapleau, and Tembec Inc., and demonstrates a collaborative regional approach where our Municipalities, First Nations, and forestry companies work together to achieve positive change."

The Mayors and Chiefs will strive for resource development activities that support long-term environmental sustainability and an equal sharing of opportunities between local Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. The agreement also outlines that all local resources, such as wood fibre, are to be processed within the region and utilized in ways that optimize regional economic benefits.

Any successful relationship building process includes a great deal of teamwork, and the agreement outlines that the groups will meet in person at least once annually to identify priorities and undertake appropriate planning. All decisions will be made by consensus and will be supported by both scientific and traditional Aboriginal information.

The camaraderie and trust between our local leaders is a priceless gift and their recent agreement will ensure that the relationship remains strong and positive for years to come. With the continued bond of the Mayors' and Chiefs', the economic future of the Northeast Superior Region will surely be bright.

Learn more about our amazing partners

2011-01-11T10:38:00.000-08:00

The NSFC doesn't achieve success all on our own! We have dedicated municipal and First Nations partners who support our projects, provide us with guidance, and offer us funding and in-kind contributions.

We think you should take the time to learn more about these valuable members of our team, and to help you do so we have created comprehensive community profiles which prove just how great the municipalities and First Nations communities in the Northeast Superior really are!

Select a community of interest from the list below to kick start your glimpse into the beautiful, investment ready Northeast Superior Region!

The Northeast Superior Region

The Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs' Forum

Chapleau- Building on a Spirit of Co-operation

Dubreuilville- Experience the Freedom!

Hornepayne- Your Oasis of Opportunity

Manitouwadge- Live Your Dream

Wawa- Passionate People, Perfect Place!

White River-Where it all Began

Seasons Greetings!

2010-12-22T14:09:00.000-08:00

THE NSFC WISHES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A VERY HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON!

It's that time of year once again! A time for sharing special times with loved ones, and sitting back and winding down after a busy work year. The NSFC is looking forward to 2011, and we are optimistic that our new year will be just as rewarding as the last.

At the NSFC, we are grateful (and lucky)to live in our very own Winter Wonderland! As you can see from the snowy picture we have included, the Northeast Superior Region of Ontario offers breathtaking views throughout the chilly months, and is a great place to explore while enjoying outdoor activities. We encourage residents and visitors to take some time over the holidays to enjoy our natural surroundings, and appreciate just how special our region is year-round.

What are some of the NSFC's favourite ways to enjoy our forests during the winter?

Strap on some snowshoes, grab a friend or family member, and take a walk on a nearby trail. Our region has never ending trail systems, so you never get bored of walking the same old trail. Keep an eye out for animal tracks in the snow, and make a game out of guessing what type of animal it was and where it was headed.
Get a group together and spend the day ice fishing. There is no shortage of lakes in our region, and ice fishing is such a great experience. Don't forget to pack some hot chocolate and a cozy blanket :) Always remember to follow fishing regulations.
Take your children, a friends child, or anyone 'young at heart' on a tobogganing adventure. Pack your sleighs, hop in the car, or walk through the woods, and see who can spot the best hill. The winner gets to try it out first!
Organize a forest scavenger hunt. Be creative, there are hundreds of ideas that would make this a great family activity. You can make your own items to hide behind stumps, on a tree branch etc. or you can ask the scavengers to find various natural items. If you wanted to make it extra fun you could incorporate geocaching!

In our region, there is no excuse to stay indoors all winter long! Bundle up, head outside, get active, and spend some time enjoying our forests!

See you in 2011!

What were we up to this Fall?

2010-12-13T11:35:00.000-08:00

The NSFC has released our Fall 2010 edition of The Forest News!

The Forest News is another great way to stay informed about NSFC activities, and about innovations taking place within the forest industry.

Check it out!

The Forest News: Fall 2010

Don't Forget to Enter our Fall/Winter Photo Contest!!

2010-12-02T08:51:00.000-08:00

In September, we announced the official opening of our Fall/Winter Photo Contest, which will remain open until January 31st, 2011.

We invited all local residents and visitors to capture special moments spent enjoying the forests in our region and submit their photos for a chance to win great prizes. We challenged you to take pictures of anything and everything that you love about our forests: trees, animals, non-timber forest products, recreation and cultural activites...whatever you can find!

We haven't recieved very many entries to date, so there is a great chance you could win if you participate!

In order to qualify for the contest, pictures must be original, unpublished photographs taken of or in the forests of the Northeast Superior region. There is no limit on the number of entries allowed per person.

For full contest rules and regulations, visit our website.

In the News...

2010-12-02T08:07:00.000-08:00

Getting Northern Ontario's forestry industry back on track

On November 19th, the Soo Today announced that Greenpeace and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) held a joint news conference to release a new report with recommendations for "stimulating northern Ontario's forest industry and creating green forestry jobs while preservng the ecological value of Canada's borel forest."

Within the report, some recommendations to provincial and federal governments include:

- Support non-timber forest products and services such as wild food and ecotourism
- Increase co-management arrangements with First Nations
- Provide transition funding to help forest-dependant communities diversify

Follow this link to read the entire article

Want to Cut Your Energy Costs and Reduce Your Footprint?

2010-11-30T16:02:00.000-08:00

FACT: The Northeast Superior Region of Ontario spends an estimated $25 million annually for the provision of heat and h ot water from electricity, fuel oil, propane, and wood.

Potential Solution?

To help address this issue, the NSFC, in cooperation with the Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs' Forum, will be conducting a telephone survey to determine the opportunities for renewable energy solutions in our region. The results of the survey could lead to innovative solutions that might cut energy costs for local residents, businesses, and institutions. Such innovative solutions may affect individual buildings, a group of buildings, or even entire communities. Following the survey each municipality will be responsible for giving identified energy options further consideration, and for voluntary application. The results of the survey may also point to new industry opportunities for the region, stimulate greater self-sufficiency in energy generation, and contribute to improving our region's environmental footprint. In essence, the survey is a step in the right direction towards 'going green'.

Expect to hear from us...

Over the next few months, the economic development offices from communities throughout the region will be conducting telephone surveys to determine how local businesses, residents, and institutions currently heat their buildings, and also how they heat their water. The first round of surveys will be undertaken in Manitouwadge, and will begin around December 1st, 2010.

Help us help you!

We urge residents and businesses to contribute to this economic development initiative by taking the time to participate in the survey when they are called. The survey will take just a few short minutes, and all information gathered will be kept completely confidential. The survey will take just a few short minutes, and all information gathered will be kept completely confidential. the survey is not for property taxation or property insurance purposes, and the information will only be used for determining how heat is provided in the region and the estimated quantities of energy used annually.

Need more info?

To find out more about the survey contact us (NSFC) at (705) 864-2031, or your local Economic Development Office.

In the News...

2010-11-10T10:25:00.000-08:00

Over 500 Forest Sector jobs to be created in Sault Saint Marie and Algoma Region

Yesterday (Nov. 9), The Soo News announced that the provincial government and St. Mary's Paper "reached a ten year, 30 megawatt Power Purchase Agreement that will enable the company to build a $175 million biomass fuelled cogeneration plant, creating 555 jobs."

Click here to read the entire article

It's Sweeping the Nation...

2010-10-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

I was working in the office late one night
When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
For my coworker from her desk began to rise
And suddenly to my surprise...

She did the mash
She did the Rainbow Brite mash
The Rainbow Brite mash
It was a Chapleau smash
She did the mash
It caught on in a flash
She did the mash
She did the Rainbow Brite mash

From my office space in the northeast
To the lunch room where the vampires feast
The Femme Fatal came out from her cubicle abode
To get a jolt from my caffeine electrodes

She did the mash
She did the vampire mash
The vampire mash
It was a Chapleau smash
She did the mash
It caught on in a flash
She did the mash
She did the vampire mash

The politicians were having fun
The party had just begun
The guests included Mayor Freeborn,
Andre Byham, and...he won

The scene was rockin', all were digging the tunes
Boreal Forest on chains, backed by his calling loons
The Tree-Lovers were about to arrive
With their vocal group, "The NTFP Five"

They played the mash
They played the NSFC mash
The NSFC mash
It was a Chapleau smash
They played the mash
It caught on in a flash
It's now the mash
It's now the NSFC mash

Out from her Blackberry, Clara's voice did ring
Seems she was troubled by just one thing
She shrieked loudly and raised her fist
And said, "Whatever happened to my Timmins twist?"

It's now the mash
It's now the NSFC mash
The NSFC mash
And it's a nation-wide smash
It's now the mash
It's caught on in a flash
It's now the mash
It's now the NSFC mash

Now everything's cool, Clara's part of the band
And my NSFC mash is the hit of the land
For you, the blog followers, this mash was meant too
When you get to my door, tell them Cindy Lou Who sent you

Then you can mash
Then you can NSFC mash
The NSFC mash
And do my Regional smash
Then you can mash
You'll catch on in a flash
Then you can mash
Then you can NSFC mash

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM THE NSFC!!!

In the News...

2010-10-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Far North Act (Bill 191) Causing a Stir

To say that the Far North Act, which was passed on September 23rd, has been a sensitive issue for many northerners would be an understatement. The act aims to protect 225,000 square kms (or 21% of Ontario's land mass) of Boreal Forest from development, but Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Chiefs' say that the bill violates their treaty rights to land ownership, and they "do not, and will not recognize this legislation on [their] homelands". The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has also voiced its opposition to the bill, stating that "the act would effectively paralyze development in the north".

Additional stakeholders, including the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, the Ontario Prospectors Association, Treaty Three Grand Council, and the Ontario Forestry Industries Association have also voiced their concerns.

To learn more about this issue, browse through the links below...

Showdown in the Far North

Northern Communities United in Opposition to Far North Act

Far North Act will bring "unrest" and drive away business, say leaders

Minister compares Far North Act to creation of Algonquin Park

United Nations designates 2011 "International Year of Forests"

2010-10-21T02:15:00.000-07:00

Let's take a look at the facts...

The livelihoods of 1.6 Billion people depend on forests
Forests cover 31% of total land area globally
Trade in forest products was estimated at $327 Billion in 2004
Forests are home to 300 million people around the world
Forests are home to 80% of our terrestrial biodiversity
30% of forests are used for production of wood and non-wood products

These statistics are currently being displayed alongside images of forests across the globe on the United Nations website. The reason the UN is sharing the importance of our forests, is because they have made the decision to designate 2011 the International Year of Forests. The United Nations General Assembly made this decision "to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation, and sustainable development pf all types of forests".

As part of the year long celebration, the United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat is organizing an international forest film festival following the theme "Forests for People". The film festival is intended to "raise awareness on the importance of forests, their relationship with people and the planet we share, and consequently, to inspire a sense of personal responsibility and stewardship for a greener, more equitable, sustainable future". The winning films will be screen around the world.

For more information regarding the International Year of Forests visit the United Nations website.

Another Year of Success for the NSFC!

2010-10-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

This past year was the busiest yet for our team at the NSFC, and on October 6th at the Ecole Secondaire Catholique Trillium in Chapleau we celebrated our hard work and success during our Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The Mayors of Chapleau, Dubreuilville, Hornepayne, Manitouwadge, Wawa, and White River were in attendance, as were the Chiefs' of Chapleau Cree, Michipicoten, Missanabie, and Brunswick House First Nations. We also had a chance to share our success stories with the Federal government, as Ted VanLunen, the Director General of Natural Resources Canada's Canadian Forest Services, attended the AGM.

During the AGM we selected our new Board of Directors, appointing Manitouwadge Mayor John MacEachern as the new President, Michipicoten First Nation Chief Joe Buckle as the new Vice-President, and Chapleau Mayor Earle Freeborn as the new Secretary-Treasurer.

Also included in the evening was an awards ceremony and gala which was a joint initiative between our organization and our partners (and friends) at the NSRCF. Our organizations both presented awards to recognize the dedication of certain individuals to the Northeast Superior region. We presented the first annual Earle J Freeborn award to Chapleau Mayor Earle Freeborn, and the NSRCF presented the first annual Chief Keith 'Keeter' Corston Award to Chapleau Cree's Chief Corston. Both men were recognized for their outstanding commitment to and involvement in the Northeast Superior region.

Chief Corston addressed the attendees of the gala, stressing the importance of continuing to build the relationship that has been fostered between the Chiefs' Forum and the Mayors' of the communities in the region. He passed on that the cross-cultural activities the partner organizations have participated in are great stepping stones towards ensuring that they are able to better understand one another in the coming years.

Mayor Freeborn reinforced Chief Corston's message, saying "if there is one message I will take away from this journey, it's that there is strength in numbers. The NSFC has facilitated the joining of the Mayors' of 6 municipalities in the Northeast Superior region, with 6 Chiefs' of 6 First Nation Communities in the area to work towards a common vision for managing our forest resources. Tonight, the Mayors' and Chiefs' are given the opportunity to come together in celebration of the achievements we have made, and the bonds that we have created. The strength of our bond and the level of our partnership is unique across Canada, and has been a key factor in our ability to achieve success."

The NSFC would like to thank the Mayors' and Chiefs', our funding partners, stakeholders, and the residents of the Northeast Superior region for your continued support, and we look forward to many more successful years of innovation in the forest industry.

The Mayors of Chapleau, Dubreuilville, Hornepayne, Manitouwadge, Wawa, and White River, along with the Chiefs' of Chapleau Cree, Brunswick House, Michipicoten, and Missanabie First Nations.

The NSFC Project Officer, Administrative Assistant, General Manager, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, and Education Coordinator

NSFC Administrative Assistant and Project Officer, Chapleau Councilor and Mayoral candidate Andre Byham, NSFC partner and Chapleau councilor candidate Larry Lacroix, and NSRCF intern

Chapleau Mayor Earle Freeborn and Chapleau Cree Chief Keeter Corston. Both men were award recipients at this year's Gala

Make this Friday even sweeter! (if that's possible...)

2010-10-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

Mmmmmmm...the delicious smell and warm taste of sticky-dark Birch Syrup.

Getting your hands on some birch syrup might be easier than you think... a quick trip over the weekend to Cochrane (not too far considering the reward) could end up taking you to North of 49, a local business which produces and sells pure birch syrup and birched honey. You should head over to their Facebook page and check them out!

Want to learn about the journey that takes birch sap and turns it into yummy syrup? Our friends over at the newest CMFN partner site also have their hands in the Birch Syrup business! Check out the link below to watch an Alberta Prime Time TV report on Weberville Community Model Forest's birch project:

Birch on Tap- Airdate August 26, 2010

For some recipe ideas that incorporate birch syrup (and some that use maple syrup too) visit the NSFC Facebook page!

The CMFN welcomes Weberville Community Model Forest

2010-10-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Model Forest Network has a new member!

It was officially announced in August that the Weberville Community Model Forest (WCMF) project had joined the CMFN. The WCMF is located in Alberta, and covers about 33,000 hectares of land. It is the 2nd Model Forest site in Alberta, and the 15th site across Canada.

The site was spearheaded by the Weberville Community Forest Association, and began as a pilot project in 2008, focusing on landscape-level private land forest management. The press release that was issued to announce the WCMF's Model Forest status states, "the project quickly gained attention and interest from various stakeholders from industry, government, municipalities and NGOs due to its uniqueness in terms of being a community-driven landscape level management approach, which does not only address economical benefits through landowner collaboration, but also environmental and social aspects."

The NSFC would like to officially welcome our new national partner to the CMFN! We expect to hear exciting project news from the WCMF in the coming years, and we will be sure to share this information with you through our blog so you can follow the progress of our newest partner site!

For a bit more information, check out the Weberville section of the CMFN website.

Back in Action!

2010-10-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

Did you miss us? The NSFC apologizes for our lack of recent blog postings...but we are back in action now! Keep reading for some updates on what we have been up to since you heard from us last.

The NSFC flexes our muscles in Dubreuilville!

Our organization is truly amazed at the human body's ability to accomplish the feats that the athletes at the 9th Annual Dubreuilville Strongman Competition accomplished in front of a large crowd in the vibrant northern Ontario community last month.

We watched in awe as the athletes hooked themselves to transport trucks and pulled the vehicles for an impressive distance, lifted the back ends of minivans from the ground, holding them in place for what seemed like an eternity, and lifted massive (in some cases 300 lb plus) boulders from the ground, placing them atop pedestals of varying heights.

The NSFC supported the event (which took place September 11th-12th) by sponsoring the athlete's dinner on the Saturday night, and were able to spend some quality time with the athletes throughout the day. The amount of training and preparation that goes into competing in a event such as this is unbelievable, and we have nothing but the utmost respect for these individuals who traveled from across Canada and the United States to participate in the competition.

The turnout for the event was quite sizeable, and the residents of Dubreuilville showed a great deal of admiration for the athletes, in some cases awarding them applause that matched those one would expect for a celebrity, or a 'superhero'. These athletes have certainly learned how to entertain a crowd throughout their years of experience with competing in public. We laughed, as we watched them get the crowd screaming while tossing signed NSFC frisbees throughout the audience. This town gets really excited for this annual event.

We are confident in saying that the athletes are grateful to the organizers of the event, and Dubreuilville as a whole. While eating a couple dozen chicken fingers (these guys CAN EAT), one of the athletes shared a story with us from last years competition, "the community really stands behind this competition" he says, "last year one of the guys was overheard casually saying that he didn't get the best sleep the night before, and in no time at all, a woman came to us with garbage bags full of different pillows to choose from. She wanted to make sure we were all as comfortable as possible!"

NSFC staff had a great time, and were treated with nothing but hospitality from our friends in Dubreuilville. We are excited to return next year, and continue to show our appreciation for this intense sport and its dedicated athletes.

Check out a few pictures from the event:

Handing out signed NSFC Frisbees

NSFC Marketing and Communications Coordinator and athlete Paul Vaillancourt at the NSFC sponsored athlete's dinner...

Visit the NSFC at the Dubreuilville Strongman Competition!

2010-09-09T07:07:00.001-07:00

Dubreuilville is the place to be this weekend! Flex your muscles, and head out to the biggest strongman competition in northern Ontario...the Dubreuilville Strongman.

This year, the NSFC is an official sponsor of the event, and will have staff in Dubreuilville on Saturday September 11th to cheer on the athletes, handout giveaways, and show our support for Dubreuilville.

The event runs from Friday September 10th until Sunday the 12th, and features amateur and professional athletes from across Canada and the United States.

For more details and to see an event schedule, click here to visit the official website.

The NSFC is so excited to attend this event that we have been doing extra bicep curls all week long!

See you in Dubreuilville!

Get your Cameras Ready!

2010-09-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Do you LOVE spending time in the forests of the Northeast Superior region? Do you always have your camera on hand, ready to capture breathtaking scenic views, unique wildlife, or special memories?

Why not enter our Fall/Winter Photo Contest?

The NSFC invites all residents and visitors of the Northeast Superior region to capture special moments spent enjoying our local forests and submit your photos for a chance to win great prizes. The NSFC recognizes the importance of all forest benefits and values, including economic, social, recreational, cultural, and aesthetic. We hope that this contest will encourage residents to head outside and enjoy the forest throughout the entire year.

We value the forests from the forest floor to the peak of the highest tree, and that's how participants should approach this contest. Take pictures of your favourite wildlife, trees, non-timber forest products like mushrooms and berries, scenic views, cultural or recreational activities in the forest...whatever you like!

In order to qualify for the contest, pictures must be original, unpublished photographs taken of or in the forests of the Northeast Superior region of Ontario. The contest will run from September 7th, 2010 until January 31st, 2011, there is no limit on the number of entries allowed per person, and it is open to all age groups.

We will be providing you with updates on the progress of the contest through this blog, and our Facebook page, so be sure to check back regularly to stay informed.

To enter the contest send pictures and entry forms to:

The Northeast Superior Forest Community

12 Birch Street East, P.O. Box 1388

Chapleau, ON

P0M 1K0

OR email them to:

jcrittenden@nsfc.ca

FOR CONTEST ENTRY FORMS, AND RULES AND REGULATIONS, VISIT THE NSFC WEBSITE.

Hot Off the Press: The NSFC Summer 2010 Newsletter

2010-08-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

We just released the Summer 2010 edition of our newsletter The Forest News!

The Forest News is another great way to stay informed about NSFC activities, and about innovations taking place within the forest industry.

Check it out!

The Forest News: Summer 2010

Looking for a Career in the Forest Sector?

2010-08-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

After watching that video...who wouldn't want a career in forestry? Boom de ah da, boom de ah da...that song is going to be stuck in our heads for a while!

We found this video on the Go Forestry website, a super interactive, informative, and fun space to explore exciting possibilities for a career in forestry.

"Go Forestry is an initiative of the Council on Forestry Promotion and Recruitment (CFPR) to increase awareness and educate the general public on forests, forestry and related career opportunities. The CFPR is a multi-stakeholder group composed of public and private organizations with an interest in healthy and sustainable forest management, research, protection and conservation to ensure economic and social growth of communities for today and future generations."

If you are interested in a career in forestry, or know someone who is, this website is a fantastic resource!

Share your yummy NTFP recipes with us!

2010-08-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

What are you going to cook with your summer forest finds?

As the summer comes to an end, you must have an abundance of wild berries, mushrooms, and other delicious natural treasures that you found in the forest this season.

What is your favourite recipe that calls for wild mushrooms? How about wild blueberries and raspberries?

Well, we want to help you decide what to cook with the edible plants that are native to our beautiful region! To do so, we have launched a Non- Timber Forest Product (NTFP) recipe sharing forum on our Facebook group page. Members of our page will have the ability to share their favourite recipes, and at the same time will have access to the favourite recipes of other members and fellow northern Ontario residents. Our staff members have already started posting delicious wild mushroom, berry, tree sap, and tea recipes on the page.

To share your recipes and to have access to a whole bunch of new ones, visit our Facebook group page and become a member.

Bon Appetit!

In the News...

2010-08-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

Confederation College hosts workshops to inspire youth to seek employment in the new forest industry

On August 19th, Thunder Bay's The Chronicle Journal published an article titled Discovering New Industry which outlined Confederation College workshops designed to inspire northern Ontario youth to participate in the changing forest industry.

The article outlines that youth took part in workshops discussing some of the "new and exciting initiatives [existing in] the industry today", such as value added wood products, using forest biomass for energy, and producing electricity and heat, geographical information systems, and traditional ecological knowledge.

Confederation College's Natural Resource Centre manager expresses that the aim of the workshops was to "hopefully generate some interest in career opportunities" within the forest industry.

To read the full article, follow this link:

http://www.chroniclejournal.com/stories_local.php?id=288078

Put your summer NTFP finds to good use this fall!

2010-08-24T12:59:00.001-07:00

The summer is coming to an end, and the seasonal Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP's) are nearly finished producing, but don't let that fool you...there are still plenty of NTFP's left in the forest! You can also make your summer NTFP finds go the extra mile by preserving or drying them.

With the crisp early-fall air looming, now is the perfect time to head into the forest and pick berries, berry leaves, fireweed, wild mint leaves, and sweet gale to dry out for your winter supply of tea. If you don't know what to do with all those berries you have been picking throughout the summer months...dry them out to make fruit leather, preserve them in jams, or freeze them and make delicious wild-berry muffins to keep you cozy all winter long.

Believe it or not, the holiday season is fast approaching, and wreathes will be in high demand as families begin to decorate their homes. With fall fairs just around the corner, it is the perfect time to show your crafty side and make wreathes and swags from balsam fir or even plain old twigs.

In late summer, mushrooms are in their final growing stages...now is the time to go hunting! From Chanterelles, Morels, Pine Mushrooms, and Boletes, there is a mushroom waiting on our forest floor to suit every taste bud. Always remember that although most mushrooms seem appealing to the naked eye, you should be vigilant when picking them to ensure you don't accidentally choose poisonous ones. To help you decipher the good from the bad, use a mushroom handbook such as Mushrooms of Ontario and Eastern Canada written by George Barron.

Another NTFP found in our region is Birch products such as Birch Sap and Syrup. If you have a sweet tooth...these sticky treats present a great reward! In Europe and Asia, Birch Sap is highly sought after and is used in wine, candy, on desserts, and as a health tonic in the early spring. Currently, there are very few producers of Birch Sap in Canada, so this could be a great opportunity for anyone looking to start a business in the NTFP sector.

For more information on production and harvesting of NTFP's please visit or website www.nsfc.ca and look for the NTFP Opportunity Assessment document in our library. Beginning in the spring of 2011, we will post a list outlining NTFP's that are 'in demand' on our website, and will update this list each spring.

The NSFC had a BLAST at Winnie's Hometown Festival!

2010-08-23T07:47:00.001-07:00

This past weekend the NSFC attended Winnie's Hometown Festival in White River...and we had so much fun! White River, known to be the coldest town in Canada, was certainly warm when it came to the hospitality of its residents.

This event has it all: fireworks, a parade, a pancake breakfast (which was super yummy), live performances, activities for kids, a skateboarding competition, bingo, a fishing derby, a slow pitch tournament, a Karaoke Idol competition (which featured priceless performances such as a 2 year old boy who sang Bah-Bah Black Sheep), an antique car show, and a block party tent that kept festival goers up all night celebrating.

This year's event was extra special as it was White River's 125th Anniversary;the positive atmosphere during this event was unmistakable. Everyone was made to feel welcome, and laughter, music, and the sound of children playing filled the air, and everywhere you looked people were smiling. It was easy to tell, that in this small community which has had a downturn in population, many people were simply happy to be back home again.

The NSFC looks forward to attending next year's event, and we hope to see you there. This festival is something that should not be missed!

Take a look at a few pictures taken at the event...

The NSFC Loves Winnie!

Our Tradeshow Booth

Winnie having fun with an NSFC Frisbee

Dancing with Winnie

White River Mayor Angelo Bazzoni giving a hug to his favourite bear

Mayor Bazzoni welcoming everyone to the festival

In the News...

2010-08-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Tembec Supports Proposed Ontario Energy Program

Canadian Newswire posted a press release this afternoon, Tembec fully supports Proposed Ontario Energy Program: Resulting Energy, Environmental and Economic benefits- a great combination.

The article outlines that the proposed Ontario Energy program is believed to encourage energy management practices which will have a positive impact on the environment and on the competitiveness of several key Ontario industries. These positive impacts may facilitate greater potential for job security within these industries.

In the article, Tembec's president and CEO states "This initiative comes at a critical time for the Ontario economy generally, and the northern Ontario economy in particular. Tembec fully supports this initiative".

To read the full article, follow this link:

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2010/17/c3281.html

First Nations Value-Added Forestry Company Constructing Wood Processing Facility in Red Lake

Northern Ontario Business released an article yesterday, Value-Added Wood Processor Sets up Shop in Red Lake.

On August 13th, it was announced that the Two Feather Forest Products LP is ready to begin site development for their wood processing facility which will be located in Red Lake. The facility will have "a saw mill line with related kiln drying, sorting, chipping, and biomass operations".

The article predicts that construction and site development for the facility will create approximately 200 local jobs.

To read the full article, follow this link:

http://www.northernontariobusiness.com/Around-the-North/100816/Value-added-wood-processor-sets-up-shop-in-Red-Lake.aspx

NSFC and Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs' Forum @ CreeFest 2010

2010-08-13T13:11:00.001-07:00

The NSFC and the Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs' Forum partnered to share an information booth at the CreeFest 2010 event held in Chapleau this week! The booth provided a great opportunity to broadcast the strength of the bond between the NSFC and one of our most valuable partner organizations.

Both the NSFC and the Chiefs' Forum had a wonderful time! CreeFest 2010 was a great, fun-filled event and we met many interested people who were glad to see us out in the community promoting a secure economic future for our region.

Check out a couple photos taken during the event...

In the news...

2010-08-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

The CBC published an article today highlighting some interesting forest news. See the link below:

N.B Woodlot course attracts young adults
Forestry Class offers Alternative to Conventional Management

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2010/08/07/nb-forest-management.html

Winnie's Hometown Festival

2010-08-09T09:36:00.001-07:00

"You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes."

- Winnie the Pooh

The NSFC has decided to take some wise advice from everyone's favourite bear, and leave our corner of the forest to visit yours.

From August 20th-August 21st, visit NSFC staff at Winnie's Hometown Festival in White River, Where it all Began.

White River and Winnie the Pooh

Just over 80 years ago, a bear cub was orphaned when her mother was shot by a hunter. A trapper found her and brought her into White River, later selling her to a WW1 Lieutenant who was on a stopover while travelling to Quebec on the Canadian Pacific Railway. When Lieutenant Harry Colebourn purchased the bear cub for $20, and named her "Winnie" after his hometown of Winnipeg, he had no idea that his new pet would later become the most famous bear in the entire world. In 1914, Colebourn was re-stationed in France and was unable to bring Winnie along, so he donated her to the London Zoo. At the Zoo, Winnie captured the hearts of many with her charismatic personality and ability to interest with humans. Two of her biggest admirers were author A.A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin. Christopher Robin nicknamed the bear "Winnie the Pooh", and soon after Milne began writing stories about the lovable bear, using his son's stuffed toys as inspiration for the characters of Winnie's friends. Milne published his first Winnie the Pooh story in 1926...and the rest is history!

The 22nd Annual Winnie's Hometown Festival

The NSFC will have a booth at the festival's annual Trade Show from Friday August 21st until Saturday August 22nd. As always, we will have great giveaways, amazing draw prizes, and important information to distribute.

The weekend-long festival will be extra special this year, as White River celebrates it's 125th Anniversary. Scheduled activities include live entertainment during the trade show, Karaoke Idol competition, inflatable bouncers, fireworks display, block party, and parades.

For more details on the festival, visit the following link:

http://www.wrlibrary.piczo.com/festival?cr=2

Youth and the Forest: NSFC's Approach

2010-08-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

After the NSFC was formed in 2007, due to the growing crisis in the forestry sector, a shared economic strategy was developed for our 6 partner municipalities. Recognizing that the future of our communities would continue to depend on the forests, we set out to make the forest resources in our region work for the people who live here. A key factor to the NSFC's continuing development and expansion, is the level of interest and involvement from the youth in our region. Because we know this, we have initiated many fun-filled, educational approaches to get our youth interested in playing an active role in NSFC activities. Our goal? to develop an early love of our forests, and an interest in the abundant forest-based opportunities that our region provides.

Forest Day

In 2009, we began an annual educational program called Forest Day, where grade 4-6 students from communities in the Northeast Superior region attend a day-long event held at a local First Nation, and learn from various experts including: First Nations, the Ministry of Natural Resources, community partners, and companies such and Tembec. Forest Day events in 2009 were held in Hornepayne, Wawa, and White River, and were very successful. Students spent the day involved in activities and discussions about our forests, participated in nature walks, and learned from trappers and First Nation elders. The students were also treated to a lunch by their First Nations host.

Forest Day 2010 is scheduled to be held in Chapleau, Manitouwadge, and Dubreuilville, and will provide students with the opportunity to participate in such ventures as tree identification, measurement and coring for age, plant identification, and medicine wheel activities. Students will also walk away from the event with great forest related giveaways!

Additional Education Initiatives

There are many other educational initiatives the NSFC has been working on. We have recently hired an Education Coordinator to work on developing a strategic plan to create additional educational programs and events designed to help the NSFC educate youth about the forests that we depend on.

The NSFC is also committed to attending community events, such as White River's Winnie the Pooh Hometown Festival taking place August 20-21, which are sure to draw attention from youth in the region. We will distribute youth targeted giveaways and information at this event, to help our youth get more motivated to learn more about our organization.

The NSFC acknowledges that many of our projects will be more successful with the involvement and interest of youth in our region. They are our future. It is important to provide them with educational opportunities at an early age to help ensure students begin to develop a deep understanding of the many uses for our forests. As our Forest Community site grows and continues to develop new opportunities, we hope that these students will grow with us, becoming increasingly interested in innovative uses for the forest.

CreeFest 2010...

2010-07-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Join the NSFC and Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs' Forum (NSRCF) in celebrating at CreeFest 2010!

The NSFC and NSRCF will have a booth set up at CreeFest from August 11th until August 13th, and we are really excited to see you all there! We will be selling merchandise from our booth, and will have cool giveaways and great prize draws.

Event Details

August 10th-August 13th:

The Smalls
Swamp Rockers
Moccasin Joe
Bay Road Boys
Norman Naveau

Doors open at 7:00 pm
Fox Lake Reserve
No cost

August 10th:

Tommy Cash
7:00 pm
Chapleau Arena
Tickets $10

August 11th:

Paul James
8:30-9:30 pm
Chapleau Arena
Tickets $10

August 12th:

Foggy Hogtown Boys
Fort George Rockers
Abros Band
Johnny Fletcher and Friends

7:00 pm
Chapleau Arena
Tickets $10

Who is the NSFC? A Message from the General Manager

2010-07-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

The Northeast Superior Forest Community...who are we? What do we do? And more importantly, why does any of this matter?

Maybe it's best to start from the beginning. The NSFC is a partnership between six municipalities; Manitouwadge, White River, Hornepayne, Dubreuilville, Wawa, and Chapleau, as well as the Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs' Forum which represents Chapleau Cree, Brunswick House, Michipicoten, Missanabie Cree, Pic Mobert, and Hornepayne First Nations. We are also one of 11 Forest Community sites funded by Natural Resources Canada's Forest Communities Program, and part of a network of 14 sites across the country who combine to form the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN). Our CMFN partner sites differ in land size and operational budgets, but each site is dedicated to working on initiatives related to redeveloping our nation's forests. Because of our unique projects, and the strong relationships we have developed within our region, our new Forest Community site up here in the Northeast Superior Region of Ontario has forced people nation-wide to take notice.

The NSFC is a small team of 6 individuals who are working hard to find new opportunities for forest based economic growth in our region on all scales. Whether we are assisting home based businesses, or developing major industrial partners, we are busy securing the building blocks of a strong regional foundation for a sustainable future. Many opportunities for the region have been identified, and projects such as blueberry plantations, Non Timber Forest Products, and many more are being implemented. With your support, and the strength of the entire region, we can emerge from the current economic crisis with renewed optimism and opportunity.

Projects of this scale take time and careful planning to become successful, but progress is being made. It is our goal to involve the region in the development of our own future- to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship in our youth, and a feeling of hope in our community's residents. If we can work together and lead by example, you can be sure that there will be prosperous decades on the horizon.

Over the coming months, the NSFC staff will be providing regular updates through our new blog, our website, and even through community meetings. We hope that you will follow our progress as we encourage our residents to connect with their communities, and our communities to connect with the wider region.

There is power in the relationships that we have built...and our region is poised for great things!

Welcome Message

2010-07-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Northeast Superior Forest Community's (NSFC) Official Blog!

Our newly formed blog is another way for the NSFC to stay connected to you, allow you to comment on our initiatives and services, and to provide you with valuable information about the Northeast Superior region of Ontario, and the forest industry in the province.

The opportunities for information sharing via this forum are endless! Stay tuned for updates on events in the region, forest news from across the country, contests, photos, videos, and more.

We hope that you will follow our blog, and join us in our efforts to search for innovation within the forest sector and promote the economic properity of the Northeast Superior region.

Until next time...