Domtar Partners With Nature Conservancy of Canada to Establish Largest Private Land Conservation Agreement in Canadian History

Rhea-AI Summary

Domtar has announced a significant partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), marking the execution of Canada's largest private land conservation agreement. The agreement involves transferring a 1,450 square kilometer tract of boreal forest in Ontario to NCC for $7 million below its appraised value, shifting from wood supply management to research and conservation. This move is supported by provincial and federal governments, emphasizing sustainable land management and the positive ecological impact of the Boreal Wildlands initiative.

Positive

• Formation of a long-term partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
• Transfer of 1,450 square kilometers of boreal forest for conservation research.
• Government support from provincial and federal levels for land management.

Negative

• Transfer of land below appraised value, indicating a financial concession.

FORT MILL, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Domtar announced today a long-term partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, established alongside the execution of the largest private land conservation agreement in Canadian history.

A large private tract in Ontario spanning 1,450 square kilometers of boreal forest, that was managed as a wood supply to Domtar’s pulp and paper mills, will now be managed for research and conservation by The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). The area, formerly known as the Hearst Forest, is recognized for its extraordinary ecosystem and abundant wildlife.

Domtar has agreed to transfer ownership of the land to NCC for $7 million below its appraised value as a part of this partnership.

“Domtar is excited to be engaging with the smart men and women at NCC, who share many of our values regarding sustainable forest management, science-based research and public transparency,” said Rob Melton, senior vice president, commercial, pulp and paper. “The transfer of this land, allows NCC to transition the management of this forest landscape to research and conservation.”

Given the important ecological attributes of this previously harvested forest, the provincial and federal governments are supporting NCC’s interest in acquiring and managing this area.

Domtar chose to partner with The Nature Conservancy of Canada on this project because of NCC’s commitment to the continued science-based management of this forest land and its practice of sharing the findings of research conducted on its conservation lands with the public.

“Conservation opportunities of this magnitude are incredibly rare, and NCC is thrilled to have the chance to work at this scale to make a difference for nature, for wildlife, and for people,” said Kristyn Ferguson, NCC’s program director for large landscapes in Ontario. “The more we learn about this area—the ability of its wetlands to store carbon, the wildlife habitat it provides, the cultural significance of the rivers within it - the clearer it becomes that Boreal Wildlands will have measurable positive impacts at scales from the local to the global.”

Domtar, part of the Paper Excellence Group of companies, operates three manufacturing facilities in Canada, two in Ontario and one in Quebec.

About Domtar

Domtar is a leading provider of a wide variety of fiber-based products including communication, specialty and packaging papers, market pulp and airlaid nonwovens. With approximately 6,400 employees serving more than 50 countries around the world, Domtar is driven by a commitment to turn sustainable wood fiber into useful products that people rely on every day. Domtar’s principal executive office is in Fort Mill, South Carolina and Domtar is part of the Paper Excellence group of companies. To learn more, visit www.domtar.com.

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David Struhs

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Source: Domtar

FAQ

What is the significance of the partnership between Domtar and the Nature Conservancy of Canada?

This partnership represents Canada's largest private land conservation agreement, focusing on sustainable forest management and ecological conservation.

How much land is being transferred to the Nature Conservancy of Canada?

Domtar is transferring a 1,450 square kilometer tract of boreal forest.

What was the financial aspect of the land transfer?

The land is being transferred for $7 million below its appraised value.

What role does the government play in the land transfer?

Both provincial and federal governments support the acquisition and management of the area by NCC.

What are the ecological benefits of this conservation initiative?

The Boreal Wildlands initiative aims to enhance carbon storage, wildlife habitat, and preserve cultural river significance.