Topic 4.3 - Forestry

Forestry 3.6 million hectares of productive forest in NL Labrador - 5.2 million hectares! Concentrated mainly in the Western and Central Areas. The construction of the railway allowed for some forest resources on the Island to become more accessible.

Early Forestry Very important to the lifestyles of Indigenous people and Early European settlers. Indigenous - Construction of toboggan, snowshoes, Kayaks, weapons and shelters. - Medical purposes. - Fuel, construction

Early Forestry Early European Settlers and Migratory Fishers - Fuel - Construction of stages, flakes, wharves, boats and houses. - Dried fir bark for curing fish.

Changing Economic Patterns The use of forest resources began to shift from primarily subsistence to commercial activities in the late 1800’s. 1875 – Crown Land’s and Timber Act. Promote Sawmilling Industry in the colony. First Large scale mill - Botwood By 1901 - 200 sawmills with 2400 workers.

Economic Results After 1910, the pulp and paper industry began to dominate the forest industry. Land tenure agreements were issued to attract companies to stimulate growth Business’ assumed responsibility for the land BUT also got the profits from the land.

Three Forms of Agreements Freehold – exclusive possession of the land Leasehold – had to pay a low annual rent Timber License – could claim property rights on the forest only

Larger Mills in NL Grand-Falls mill went into production (1909) Corner Brook mill (1925)

Location of Mills in NL

Forestry + Lifestyle (Culture) Many who worked as Loggers harvesting timber for pulp and paper endured Tough Working Conditions Loggers were in most cases fishermen looking to make extra cash. Worked from fall to early spring and fished in the summer. Dirty living conditions, low pay, poor food, long hours With the development of “Company Towns” this began to change.

Song – The Badger Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PORqrPq5nro Pay attention to the lyrics of the song and the photos. This provides a great description of the people that participated in this profession.

GRAND-FALLS MILL CLOSURE In a dramatic (and traumatic for the town) turn of events, the Grand-Falls/Windsor paper mill ceased operations in Feb, 2009. Many jobs were lost as was a way of life for Newfounders for centuries.

One Mill Left….. Corner Brook In operation at a reduced capacity. What was the main reason for the mill closures in newfoundland?