|
|
Proper management of our natural resources will ensure our forests and ecosystems will be around
for future generations to enjoy.
The Resource Roads Program
As an essential component of the Department’s sustainable
forest management strategy a network of forest resource roads are built to
provide access on Crown limits to mature and overmature softwood and hardwood
stands for the purpose of:
 |
harvesting |
| |
intensified silviculture |
| |
forest protection |
| |
and wildlife management |
To satisfy the goals associated with resource management it
is important that an adequate road network is in place and is properly
maintained.
History
In 1974 a Provincial Resource Roads Program was put in place when the first
Forestry Subsidiary Agreement (FSA1) was signed. The success of the program
encouraged the Department to continue with similar programs (FSA2 and FRDA) but
at a somewhat reduced scale. Today the program has evolved into an integral part
of resource management and is now the responsibility of the Province to provide
capital dollars.
By the spring of 2006, the Department had funded the
construction of over 3,100 kilometers of access road
through all regions of the Province. These roads:"
| |
provide access for natural resource management |
| |
play an ever increasing role in the development of eco-tourism |
| |
and are utilized by the general public for recreation,
hunting and firewood collection |
|
The majority of these roads are located in timber stands which are being
accessed by small to intermediately sized, independent sawmill owner operators
who are located in many rural areas throughout the Province. As a result of the
program, sawmilling in these rural areas remains viable and form an important
part of their economies.
|
Construction
All resource road construction on Crown land is performed on a contractual
basis. Through District Management staff, the Department determines the location
and types of road to be built, then invites tenders on each project. All
projects are monitored by field and headquarters staff to ensure that
contractual obligations are fulfilled. Annual budgeting and planning begin at
the district level and proceed through regional services to headquarters.
|
Deactivation
Through the Forestry Act and road construction guidelines, the Department has
the ability to better control resource road construction in the Province. All
roads constructed for forestry purposes must be built to the standards
established by the Department. Some roads which are deemed no longer necessary
are deactivated in such a fashion that the area previously occupied is returned
to a productive state.
|
Road Closures
The Department can also close roads during times of poor operating
conditions, especially:
|
| |
during spring breakup |
| |
at times of high fire index levels |
| |
and for any purpose deemed in the best interest
of forest management |
|
Parties interested in additional information pertaining to the construction
of resource roads in Newfoundland are encouraged to contact the Forest
Engineering & Industry Services Division of the Department.
|
|
