July 9, 2025
TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF WABANAKI PEOPLES/FREDERICTON, N.B. — The New Brunswick Federation of Woodlot Owners (the Federation), in partnership with the Nature Trust of New Brunswick, is excited to announce the launch of the Private Protected Areas program.
Among the over 40,000 private woodlot owners in New Brunswick, many are actively engaged in forest management that ensures the province’s long-term wood supply. However, many of these owners also prioritize goals such as biodiversity conservation, forest resilience, and protecting species at risk—values that often go unrecognized. Until now, there has been no formal program to support these landowners or acknowledge their important role in maintaining the health and resilience of New Brunswick’s private forests.
Program Overview
The Private Protected Areas initiative aims to establish a provincial program that recognizes and supports woodlot owners whose primary goal is protecting or enhancing the biodiversity of their land. This program will provide owners with valuable information about their woodlot, identify areas of high conservation significance, and allow them to register areas they wish to protect for a defined period (minimum of 5 years). In time, this initiative may also support the province’s broader biodiversity goals.
How the Program Works
Woodlot owners interested in participating can register all or part of their woodlot in the program. The process includes an assessment to identify areas of high conservation value, followed by the signing of a five-year agreement with the Federation. This agreement outlines acceptable activities, such as personal firewood harvesting, light forest restoration, and trail creation. However, certain activities like commercial harvesting, cottage development, and quarrying would not be permitted.
Importantly, ownership of the woodlot remains with the landowner. Each participating woodlot will be mapped, cataloged, and added to a Private Protected Areas database with the owner's consent.
How to Enroll
Woodlot owners who wish to participate in the program can contact the Federation via email at info@nbwoodlotowners.ca or visit the Federation’s website at www.nbwoodlotowners.ca for more information.
-30-
About the Nature Trust of New Brunswick
The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is a charitable land conservation organization dedicated to permanently protecting New Brunswick’s natural habitats. Since 1987, the Nature Trust has worked in partnership with landholders, communities, and volunteers to conserve more than 14,000 acres across the province, safeguarding vital forests, rivers, and coastlines. With a mission grounded in connection, care, and community, the Nature Trust helps ensure that the wild places that feel like home today will be there for future generations to explore, love, and protect. Learn more at www.naturetrust.nb.ca.
Media contact
Jon MacNeill
Communications and Engagement Manager
Nature Trust of New Brunswick
jon.macneill@ntnb.org | (506) 457-2398 (office) | (506) 238-3539 (mobile)