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An agreement struck between Aroland, Eabametoong and Marten Falls First Nations of the Agoke Development Corporation (ADC), and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will allow a greater role in the management of the Ogoki Forest, located 400 km north-east of Thunder Bay.
The forestry agreement gives ADC the right to implement an interim forestry management approach on the Ogoki Forest as a first step in the development of a long-term management license.
It includes the right to harvest and the responsibility to undertake renewal and maintenance in the forest. As part of the agreement, a quarterly progress review will include the implementation of the Independent Forest Audit action plan.
ADC will be responsible for the management of the silviculture and road programs. The agreement expires on March 31, 2020 with a possible extension term up to no later than March 31, 2022.
And other First Nations may benefit through forest management and planning. Since 2016, ADC has been building a capacity by harvesting fibre to the Longlac sawmill as they explore expanding their market base, reads a press statement.
The corporation is also in discussions with regional consuming mills and is working on a plan to re-start the sawmill in Nakina that could bring long-term economic development to the region and upwards of 300 jobs.