The award of a deciduous timber allocation to Kee Tas Kee Now Sawmill Ltd. (KSL) is expected to create up to 20 permanent jobs, including professionals, heavy equipment operators, log truck drivers and labourers.
With two coniferous timber quotas already in place, KSL has proven to be a responsible timber quota holder. This will be KSL’s first deciduous timber quota, giving them the rights to deciduous timber, such as aspen and balsam poplar, within the S10 Forest Management Unit (FMU) about 330 kilometres north of Edmonton.
As part of their bid, KSL demonstrated the expected benefits to Alberta’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, economic benefits for the province, and a commitment to forest management planning activities.
“The competitive timber allocation process is a great example of how we’re opening Alberta’s forest sector for business. We’re committed to providing our forest companies with long-term access to a secure and sustainable fibre supply as part of the Forest Jobs Action Plan. We’re excited to work with KSL on this opportunity.”
"On behalf of the Kee Tas Kee Now Sawmill Ltd., we would like to thank Alberta Agriculture and Forestry regarding the new S10 Deciduous Timber Allocation in S10 FMU. As KSL is owned and operated by four First Nations communities – Loon River, Whitefish Lake, Woodland Cree and Lubicon Lake – the opportunities and benefits that this will bring to the region will be significant. The ownership of this DTA will provide permanent jobs, training opportunities and economic benefits that will be felt across the region as we manage this timber resource that we all grew up in. By being involved in the forest management operations from the ground level and the development of the FMU requirements, we can balance the spiritual and cultural sensitive areas and items while blending it with sustainable forest harvesting practices and economical benefits to the region."
This timber quota is also expected to bolster new economic opportunities for the First Nations that own Kee Tas Kee Now Sawmill Ltd., potentially including a new logging and transport company in which KSL will be a key partner.
Alberta’s sustainable forest management practices provide ecological, economic, social and cultural opportunities for present and future generations.
Well-managed forests not only reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfire and the outbreak of forest pests like the mountain pine beetle, they also ensure stable economic benefit for Alberta’s rural communities.
Timber quotas are one tool the province uses to maximize the benefits of our publicly owned timber.
Quick facts
- KSL has been allocated 65,000 cubic metres of deciduous timber for the first three years, followed by 100 per cent of the deciduous annual allowable cut calculated by a new Forest Management Plan for the remaining 17 years of the quota.
- A timber quota lasts for 20 years and is renewable as long as the quota holder is in good standing with the Crown.
- There are two types of timber quotas: Coniferous Timber Quotas (CTQ) and Deciduous Timber Allocations (DTA).
- There are currently 78 CTQs and 37 DTAs in Alberta.
- Alberta has three main types of forest tenure: forest management agreements, timber quotas, and timber permits.