(Photo Credit: Melissa Case)
A pair of local forestry companies are being support by the Provincal government under the new Forest Biomass Program. Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry was in Eganville recently to announce that Lavern Heideman and Sons has been granted $120,000 to study and increase the use of underutilized hardwoods to produce biochemicals. In addition, Roseburg Forest Products Canada Ltd has been awarded $100,000 to improve supply chain resiliency, support forest sector diversification and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by exploring energy production using forest biomass.
The Government of Ontario is creating new opportunities in the forest sector and strengthening regional economies with an initial $1.5 million in funding for projects under the new Forest Biomass Program. These investments will develop the untapped economic potential and environmental benefit of new and emerging uses of underutilized wood and mill by-products, collectively known as forest biomass.
“Creating and sustaining employment opportunities in the forest sector is something our government is keenly focused on,” said MPP John Yakabuski, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. “The Forest Biomass Program is another example of our commitment to jobs in the forest sector. These investments will help support workers, operators and our sustainably managed forests.”
(Written by: Kyle Robinson)