The Biigtigong Nishnaabeg launches a new forest enterprise aimed at supplying timber to local mills in Terrace Bay and White River, Ontario, Canada. The company, Mkwa Timber, is wholly owned by the Pic River First Nation.

Stehendes Holz

Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (formerly Pic River First Nation) launches new forestry company

Feb 12, 2016. /Lesprom Network/. The Biigtigong Nishnaabeg launches a new forest enterprise aimed at supplying timber to local mills in Terrace Bay and White River, Ontario, Canada. The company, Mkwa Timber, is wholly owned by the Pic River First Nation.

Company President, Byron LeClair said the launch has been a long awaited process. “For the past two years we’ve evaluated equipment supply options, negotiated access to timber, sale contracts with the mills, as well as invested heavily in the training of our members.”

The company has hired 8 community members to operate and support the timber company. Employees have been learning to operate the state of the art equipment since the new year and are eager to prove themselves in their new role.

The opportunity launches new forestry company to prove themselves will come soon, as harvesting commences on February 8th, with first loads of wood expected to reach Terrace Bay in early March.

In total, LeClair estimates Mkwa Timber will supply 200,000 cubic meters of fibre annually to the Terrace Bay mill.

Representatives from Timmins based equipment supplier, ReadyQuip and Ponsse North America will be on hand to take part in the launch.