The forest is much more than trees.

Rural Maritimers have relied on their forests for centuries. When we think of that reliance, we first think of timber. In the past, timber products were used for building ships, tanning hides, and making barrel staves. Today we use timber for pulp, paper, dimensional lumber and engineered timber products. But there is more to the forest than trees.

In March of 2000, the Fundy Model Forest, the First Nations Forestry Program, and the Canadian Forest Service co-sponsored a workshop on non-timber forest products (NTFPs). These products or potential products range from wild ginseng to maple sap products, from fiddleheads to balsam wreaths, from the cancer-fighting agent Taxol® (found in ground hemlock) to edible mushrooms, and other products as well.

The workshop featured government scientists, entrepreneurs, First Nations members, non-profit groups, crafters, extension workers, gatherers, and processors. Presentations focused on the ethics of sustainable harvests, co-operatives as models for business development, scientific aspects of sustainability, and the different cultural contexts in which these products are used. The purpose of the workshop was to increase awareness of the richness of our region's forests, and to expose a large number of people to the cultural significance and economic potential of NTFPs. About 125 people attended the two-day event.

Our long-term goal is to create a network of people who have an interest and expertise in various aspects of non-timber forest products. We feel that while NTFP businesses will never come close to matching the economic contribution of the timber industry, they may still be important in the rural Maritime economy. Our NTFP network is interested in sustaining rural Maritime communities one household at a time. If, through our work, only one rural household is lifted from poverty, or is able to remain in a rural community as opposed to being forced into urban, "economic refugee" status, we will consider our efforts successful. NTFP businesses are not necessarily about creating full-time jobs. Rather, they are about seasonal opportunities to supplement household incomes.

Many discount the potential of NTFP development. However, it is important to recall that many industries, such as the maple syrup/sap industry, and the balsam industry, both wreaths and Christmas trees, were initially backyard activities that were a part of rural household livelihood strategies. For some, these activities retain this pattern, but at the same time, these industries have grown to the point where they generate millions of dollars in revenue for residents of this region.

Many NTFP businesses require very little in the way of capital investment. There are many opportunities for "backyard" businesses on woodlots, which is why the Maritime Provinces are a prime location for these types of businesses. We have a populated forest landscape in this region. NTFP businesses have low skill requirements, but they may foster entrepreneurialism and help develop business skills.

Non-timber forest products have always been and continue to be an important component of First Nations culture. They are not only a part of "traditional" Aboriginal lifestyles. They remain vital and central to the quality of life of many First Nations members.

There are currently significant knowledge gaps with respect to non-timber forest products. Some of the information that needs to be addressed includes the following:

• How do they grow?
  
• How much can be sustainably produced in natural forests?
  
• If demand exceeds that natural production, how do we domesticate or cultivate the species that have commercial potential?
  
• How to integrate timber and non-timber systems for maximum yield of both crops?
  
• How much are NTFPs worth? How much could they be worth?
  
• What role do natural disturbances play in NTFP production?
  
• What else is out there? What new opportunities are there either for new products or adding value to existing products?
  

These are some of the issues that our informal network will likely address in years to come.

For more information, contact:

Tom Beckley
Canadian Forest Service-Atlantic Forestry Centre
PO Box 4000
Fredericton, NB E3B 5P7