Resolute Forest Products celebrated the planting of one billion trees at its forestry operations in northern Ontario, Canada. This achievement is the result of collective efforts made over the past 30 years by the company, its employees, numerous contractors and suppliers, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Source: Lesprom Network.
To mark the occasion two-meter tall white spruce trees were planted simultaneously near three of the company’s mill sites at Fort Frances, Iroquois Falls, and Thunder Bay.
“This planting ceremony speaks to our long, successful and proud company history in northern Ontario and our unwavering commitment to forest renewal and sustainable forestry,” said Richard Garneau, President and CEO of Resolute.
“Forests are among the world’s only renewable resources. We are fortunate to be involved in an industry that is truly sustainable.”
The planting of one billion trees represents more than five million hours of actual planting, and does not include the countless hours spent by cone collectors, nursery workers, transportation companies, site preparation operators, and resource professionals, all of whose skills are invaluable throughout the process.
Although forests can regenerate themselves through natural processes, tree planting and other techniques such as aerial seeding are an important part of a successful forest management program and ensure the renewal of the softwood forests so critical to the lumber, pulp and paper businesses.
Resolute manages approximately 4.5 million hectares of Crown and private lands in Ontario. All the lands managed by Resolute in Canada are certified to internationally recognized sustainable forest management (SFM) standards, with 51% also certified under Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards.
