Fundy Model Forest Forestry Fair 2006

Submitted to the Altantic Balloon Fiesta Committee

April, 2006

Background: Fundy Model Forest hosts this one-day annual event together with the New Brunswick Forest Products Association. The fair is in its fourth year and is believed to be the largest English forestry public awareness/education event in Atlantic Canada. The only larger Atlantic awareness event in the forestry sector is Salon de la Forêt, which is held yearly in Edmundston, N.B.

The fair began in 2003 in Petitcodiac, where it was held in conjunction with the Westmorland County Agricultural Fair. In 2005, we relocated to the Princess Louise Show Centre in Sussex, holding it in co-operation with the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta.

Fundy Model Forest is a partnership of 39 government departments and agencies, municipalities, First Nations, educational institutions, industry, and community groups, reflecting the diversity of the forest community in New Brunswick. It was formed in 1992 and is one of 11 model forests in Canada. Our vision is to achieve, enhance, restore and sustain a healthy Acadian Forest Ecosystem by building capacity for sustainable forest management and conservation of natural biodiversity. Natural Resources Canada, through the Canadian Forest Service, initiated and continues to support the Canadian Model Forest Program. More information on model forests can be found at www.modelforest.net or www.fundymodelforest.net

The New Brunswick Forest Products Association is a non-profit organization that represents its forest industry members by serving as a common voice in relations with the government and the public, promoting a healthy New Brunswick forest, raising public awareness of sustainable forest management practices, and providing a forum for the exchange of information, ideas and concerns.

Objective: To showcase the many facets of the forestry community and to increase awareness of the important role this valuable resource plays in the life of New Brunswick. In doing so, the fair also increases awareness of the efforts of Fundy Model Forest’s partners and others in the forestry sector in advancing sustainable forest management.

Description: The fair is a one-day, education and awareness event. Participants are encouraged to make their exhibits as interactive as possible to stimulate interest and encourage discussion. Last year we had 28 exhibits and estimated 3000 plus visiters. We expect approximately the same numbers this year. Exhibitors in 2005 included universities, community colleges, scientific researchers, maple syrup and Christmas tree producers, woodlot owner organizations, industry, government and non-profit organizations, wildlife and community groups. Visitors were able to sit behind the controls of a harvester simulator and have a “virtual reality” experience of operating one of these large machines. They were also able to look through microscopes at tiny mosses found on the forest floor, learn how maple syrup is made, find out how a Christmas tree is grown, discuss urban forestry, speak with fur trappers, canoe makers and wildlife enthusiasts, and gather information on eco-tourism activities.

We always try to include an activity for children.

(A list of last year’s exhibitors is attached.) We expect some changes this year, but the type of mix will remain the same. Among those who have already indicated they will be back are: Scouts, The Tree House, Sussex Fish and Game, Moss Maniacs (Univeristy of New Brunswick Saint John), UNB Fredericton, harvest simulator (New Brunswick Community College Mirmichi), SNB Wood Co-op, New Brunswick Forest Products Association, and INFOR Inc.

This year, we hope to add workshops and presentations for the public. We anticipate having these in a separate building from the exhibits. Although we have not yet finalized any as yet, we have compiled a list of many possible presenters. One of the ideas that we are exploring is a presentation on wood burning stoves - safety and environmental concerns to be aware of when buying a stove, what should and should not be burned in them and possibly a comparison of different firewoods and their burning capacity.

Another is how different logs are used to make which products. We are also looking into an education session for the home handyman or builder on different types of lumber found at the hardwood store and what is best suited for which uses.

Other ideas include a wreath making demonstration, a presentation on making willow furniture, and the UNB Woodsmen’s Team. We hope to have several of these. We intend to hold each demonstration twice during the day.

Cost: Because this is a public awareness event, there is no charge to the public to visit. Our partners and others volunteer their time and resources to make the fair a success. Therefore there is also no charge to exhibit.

Location: Our booth exhibits will be in the same barn as last year. We have also reserved the building that is parallel to the Creek. The natural wood buildings, coupled with the asphalt floors, made a good venue for the type of exhibits we showcase. However, there were some concerns last year surrounding visitors and the horses in the show ring. We hope to resolve these issues well in advance of the event. Safety is a priority for the model forest. At the same time, we wish to be good neighbours. We would like to have a meeting with the Princess Louise Show Centre, the Appaloosa Horse Association, the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta and Fundy Model Forest to resolve these issues well in advance of this year’s event.

Balloon Fiesta president George Horton has indicated that the Fiesta plans to put up signs and make other changes to direct more foot traffic to the arena and the Princess Louise Show Centre. This would be appreciated by the forestry fair.

Time: Saturday, September 9, 200

10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Sponsorship: Fundy Model Forest has agreed to become a silver sponsor for the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta 2006.

Promotion: Each year the Fundy Model Forest buys advertising in radio and the print media, as well as issues news releases. Last year, we consistently mentioned that the fair was taking place as part of the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta. We will be doing the same this year and hope that the Balloon Fiesta will mention the forestry fair in its promotions as one of the activities taking place. We would appreciate being notified of any booklets, supplements etc. to which we could contribute.

Summary: The Fundy Model Forest looks forward to working with the Atlantic Balloon again this year. We certainly benefit from sharing the Balloon Fiesta audience and in turn, we feel we bring a large, well-run exhibition to the Balloon Fiesta.

Participants and Exhibitors 2005

Association of Registered Professional Foresters NB

Atlantic Salmon Federation

Canadian Forest Service

Canadian Model Forest Network

City of Moncton

Department of Environment and Local Government NB

DVL Publishing

Elgin Eco Association

FlexiWay Products, Ltd.

Girl Guides of Canada

Great Spirit Canoes

INFOR, Inc.

J. D. Irving, Limited

Kennebecasis Restoration Watershed Committee

Maritime College of Forest Technology

New Brunswick Federation of Naturalists

New Brunswick Community College – Miramichi

New Brunswick Community Land Trust

New Brunswick Forest Products Association

Poley Mountain and Waterford Valley Association

Scott’s Family Christmas Trees

Southeastern Maple Producers: G & F Crandall

Southern New Brunswick Wood Cooperative Ltd.

Sussex Fish and Game Association

The Tree House

Tri County Fur Council

University of New Brunswick Fredericton: Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management

University of New Brunswick: Saint John

Department of Biology