Proper management of our natural resources will ensure our forests and ecosystems are around for future generations to enjoy.
The Resource Access Roads Program
As an essential component of the Provincial Sustainable Forest Management Strategy, a network of forest resource roads are built to provide access on Crown limits to mature and over-mature softwood and hardwood stands for the purpose of:
- harvesting
- intensified silviculture
- forest protection
- and wildlife management
To satisfy the goals associated with resource management it is important that an adequate road network is in place and properly maintained.
History
In 1974 when the Forestry Subsidiary Agreement (FSA1) was signed, a Provincial Resource Roads Program was established. The success of this program encouraged the continuation of similar programs (FSA2 and FRDA), but at a somewhat reduced scale. Today, the program has evolved into an integral part of resource management and is now the responsibility of the Province to provide capital dollars.
By the spring of 2018, the Province had funded the construction of over 4,500 kilometers of access roads.
These roads:
- provide access for natural resource management;
- play an ever increasing role in the development of eco-tourism; and
- are utilized by the general public for recreation, hunting and firewood collection.
The majority of these roads provide access to timber stands which are utilized by small-to-intermediately-sized, independent sawmill operators. As a result of the program, sawmilling remains a viable and important part of the provincial economy.
Construction
All resource road construction on Crown land is performed on a contractual basis. Through forest management , the Province determines the location and road to be built, and then invites tenders on each project. All projects are monitored by forest management district and forestry staff, to ensure that contractual obligations are fulfilled.
Deactivation
Through the Forestry Act, road construction guidelines and the Branches Environmental Management System (EMS), the department controls all resource road construction. All roads constructed for forestry purposes must be built to the standards established by the department. Roads which are deemed no longer necessary are deactivated or decommissioned the area previously occupied is returned to a productive state.
Road Closures
The department can also close roads during times of poor operating conditions, especially:
- during spring breakup;
- at times of high fire index levels; or
- for any purpose deemed in the best interest of forest management.
Further Resources
Contact
For additional information pertaining to the construction of resource roads in Newfoundland and Labrador, contact the Resource Access Roads Program.