Resolute Forest Products’ former pulp and paper mill in Fort Frances is coming down, but it may not mean an end to the town having a future in the forest industry.
The group now responsible for the management of the area forests offers a ray of hope.
The Boundary Waters Forest Management Corp. estimates to be more than 600-thousand cubic metres annually of unmerchantable wood that could be used in developing bio-fuel.
Consultant Mike Willick says there is interest.
“This technology is now being proven in Europe. Investors are interested in opportunities in Ontario. They have had discussions with people in Ontario. This is still probably 2 to 3 years out, but there is interest,” says Willick.
Willick feels Fort Frances is well-positioned to take advantage.
He says while other harvestable timber has been spoken for by Resolute and other area lumber companies, access to things like limbs and treetops not suitable for lumber are held by the Management Corp.
Willick feels the town should take a closer look at what is out there before reaching out to potential investors.
“We need to make sure that it’s there. We need to confirm that. We need to confirm that it’s available, and we need to get an idea of what the prices, then you go, and you solicit interest.”
