Weyerhaeuser Enters into Historic Shareholder-Managed Sustainable Forest Licence Agreement with First Nations, Ontario and other Industry Partners
Weyerhaeuser Company Limited today joined with several First Nations,
the Government of Ontario, and other forest companies and contractors in
signing an historic shareholder-managed Sustainable Forest Licence (SFL)
covering the Kenora Forest.
Under the new SFL, First Nations and industry shareholders take over
management of forestry operations on the 1.2 million-hectare Kenora
Forest through a limited partnership.
Miitigoog LP is responsible for all forest management aspects of the
Kenora SFL including planning, certification, compliance, road
construction and maintenance, and silviculture.
Participants include Wabaseemoong Independent Nations, Naotkamegwanning
First Nation, Ochiichagwe′Babigo′Ining First Nation, Weyerhaeuser,
Kenora Forest Products, Wincrief Forestry Products, Kenora Independent
Loggers, and other companies with forestry operations on the Kenora
Forest. The new arrangement also provides an entry mechanism for
additional First Nations who would like to join the new company.
Chief Eric Fisher of Wabaseemoong Independent Nations is president of
the new board of directors of Miitigoog.
'I am pleased that industry and First Nations can work together to
improve opportunities for First Nations members and Ontario citizens,?
said Chief Fisher.
'The transfer of this Sustainable Forest License is a terrific example
of cooperation between private sector and First Nations companies in the
north,? said Michael Gravelle, Ontario Minister of Northern Development,
Mines and Forestry. 'Both Weyerhaeuser and Miitigoog are to be commended
for being good corporate citizens and the McGuinty government is proud
to have supported these partners throughout the process, as we
transition into a new tenure and pricing system.?
'Today′s agreement shows that industry, First Nations, governments and
others can come together in economic ventures that provide for access,
representation, respect, understanding and collaboration,? said Anne
Giardini, President of Weyerhaeuser Company Limited. 'We look forward to
working with and learning from our new partners.?
'Both companies are demonstrating their commitment to the long-term
health of the Kenora Forest,? said Linda Jeffery, Ontario Minister of
Natural Resources. 'Their efforts have been, and will continue to be,
essential to balancing the social, economic and environmental
obligations of Crown forest management.?
Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world′s largest forest products
companies, began operations in 1900. We grow and harvest trees, build
homes and make a range of forest products essential to everyday lives.
We manage our timberland on a sustainable basis in compliance with
internationally recognized forestry standards. At the end of 2009, we
employed approximately 14,900 employees in 10 countries. We have
customers worldwide and generated $6.308 billion ($5.528 billion US) in
sales in 2009. Our stock trades on the New York Stock exchange under the
symbol WY. Additional information about us is available at http://www.weyerhaeuser.com.
Weyerhaeuser Company
Media ? Wayne Roznowsky, 780-512-1372
Analysts
? Kathryn McAuley, 253-924-2058
