LMS Pamphlet:

Take a look at our online printable LMS pamphlet for a look at some of the benefits of our program

.

LMS SiGN:

Here is our sign that our LMS clients have on their woodlots to signify they are having their woodlot professionally managed by our department

Land Management Services Overview

            SNB Wood Co-operative Ltd. was formed in 1974.  However our region dates back to the early sixties when the late Canon Hart started the original S.N.B. organization known as the Private Wood Producers Association of Southern New Brunswick

            S.N.B. is the largest of the seven woodlot owners groups in New Brunswick.  We represent the interests of over 7000 woodlot owners who collectively own more than 1 million acres of forestland.

           S.N.B. was established by private woodlot owners, for private woodlot owners and modeled after the successful Swedish woodlot owner co-operatives.

            S.N.B provides a variety of services to woodlot owners.  One of the services that we are most proud of and pleased to provide is our Land Management Service.

            The Land Management Program was initially designed for non-resident woodlot owners, but we have found that as many or more resident owners are participating in the program.  The general principle is that SNB will act as the owner’s agent by preparing a management plan for the woodlot and then implementing it.

            The management plan format which we have designed specifically for the Land Management Program provides the owner with clear and concise information to help them refined their goals for the woodlot.  The management plan has three main components: stand management recommendations, timber inventory and annual operating plan.

            The stand management recommendation gives a detailed description of each stand type present on the woodlot.  Management prescriptions or recommendations are then made for each stand, which are based on owner’s objectives.  Our field staff has a broad range of experience in the use of alternative harvesting practices and makes it a priority to use them over conventional methods such as clear cutting.

            The timber inventory provides the owner with an estimate of the current merchantable volume and expected products from each stand.

            Thirdly, the annual operating plan combines the stand management recommendations and the timber inventory.  This is done on a stand by stand basis so the owner can see what activities are expected to generate revenue and what will be an expense.  The summarization of the annual operating plan will indicate the anticipated net return the owner can expect for the operating season.

            Also, when field staff are gathering information for the management plan, they will evaluate the condition of the boundary lines as well as access on the woodlot and make any necessary recommendations for improvements.

            The gross cost of developing the management plan with the inventory information is ~$884.00 for a 100 acre woodlot.  (Without inventory information, gross cost is $680.00).  Also, there is currently financial assistance in place providing $100.00/PID or Property Identification Number and funding provided by SNB to top up the assistance level to a total of 50%, leaving a net cost to the owner of approximately $544.00 (with inventory) or $340.00 (without inventory).

            If the owner does decide to participate in the Land Management Program, the cost to have SNB act as the owner’s agent, implementing the management plan is based on a percentage of the gross stumpage revenue (normally 15-20% or hourly) but ultimately is dependent on what role the owner wishes us to take.  Once we have had an opportunity to review the woodlot and get a better understanding of how you want it developed, we will be able to give a more accurate estimate of this cost.

            When harvesting is to occur, the landowner can select a contractor of their choice or SNB can provide a viewing of the site and accept bids from interested contractors on the owner’s behalf.  Irregardless of which method is used, the owner chooses the successful contractor.  Once a contractor has been selected, SNB will prepare a contract between the two parties, provide the contractor with specific direction on the work to be done, monitor his performance and generally look after the best interest of the owner.

            Our organization also administers the provincially funded silviculture programs for private woodlot owners.  Therefore, all of our Land Management clients are assured that any areas that are eligible for financial assistance will be identified.

            If you would like more specific information about our organization or our services, feel free to contact us anytime.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Just a few pictures of some of the equipment we have working for us on our managed woodlots.