Greenwood Management forestry investment report

Phase 2 Report

Christmas Tree Plantation: Site Plan
Prepared for Greenwood New Brunswick Project Ltd.
March 27, 2009

2095438 Ontario Ltd. o/a

Hollands Forestry Consulting
199 Ravina Avenue
Garson, Ontario, P3L 1A7
Tel: 705 693 9089
Fax: 705 693 9191
email: forester@onlink.net

Site Plan report for Greenwood New Brunswick

Executive Summary
This report presents the results of a site visit to the Greenwood New Brunswick Project Ltd.
properties in York and Sundbury Townships near Fredericton New Brunswick Canada. The site visit was
conducted from September 1 to 5, 2008. The purpose for the site visit was to verify site conditions and to
provide recommendations regarding the suitability of converting the properties into Christmas tree
plantations. Contact was also made with the local Christmas tree grower’s support agency resulting in a joint
inspection of the York property with a representative of the agency. In addition contact was made with a
local Christmas tree grower. A site visit to this grower`s property at the invitation of the grower occurred and
observation of grower’s crews conducting pruning work and discussion of tree grading also occurred.
The site visit affirmed that the majority of the Sundbury site will not support development as it sits
in a flood plain. The resulting productive area suitable for supporting development is estimated at 3.7 acres
(1.5 hectares). The limited productive area of the Sundbury parcel and the deficiencies noted in the soil
analysis clearly reduce this site’s development potential for Christmas tree production. This parcel’s role in
the Greenwood New Brunswick Project Ltd. portfolio should be evaluated.
The York parcel demonstrated good potential for conversion to Christmas tree production subject to
appropriate investment. The entire site requires clearance of its woody vegetation and conversion of the
parcel to an agricultural condition. Approximately 35 ha are estimated available for conversion to plantation.
However soil analysis and initial augering efforts suggest uncertainty about the development potential of the
central portion of the property that currently supports young mid-rotation balsam fir. This area appears to
have a subsurface impediment layer that is influencing its productivity. Until further evaluation has occurred
it is recommended that the central portion of the area be bypassed. The area may qualify for a stand
improvement subsidy for thinning through a provincial program.
This results in a development potential of approximately 26 hectares. Should the decision to
proceed with development of the York site, improvements to access and the creek water crossing, along
with access control at the highway entrance to the property are recommended.

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Table of Contents
Hollands Forestry Consulting ...................................................................................................... 1
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 2
1.0 Site Inspection........................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Sundbury 40 acres ................................................................................................................. 4
1.2 York 104.4 acres ................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Soil Analysis and Fertility .................................................................................................... 8
1.3.1 Soils for York 104.4 acres ............................................................................................. 8
1.3.2 Soils for Sundbury 40.0 acres ........................................................................................ 9
2.0 Best Management Practices ...................................................................................................... 9
3.0 Species Selection .................................................................................................................... 11
4.0 Recommendations ................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Sundbury 40 acre ................................................................................................................ 11
4.2 York 104.4 acre ................................................................................................................... 12
5.0 Implementation Plan & Costing.............................................................................................. 13
5.1 Site Preparation ................................................................................................................... 13
5.2 Tiling to Improve Drainage ................................................................................................ 14
5.3 Access Road ........................................................................................................................ 15
5.4 Access Control .................................................................................................................... 16
5.5 Seedling Procurement ......................................................................................................... 16
5.5 Planting ............................................................................................................................... 16
5.6 Establishment Cost.............................................................................................................. 17
Appendix I .................................................................................................................................... 19
Appendix II ................................................................................................................................... 21

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1.0 Site Inspection
The Greenwood New Brunswick Project Ltd. properties were inspected in early September 2009.
The site visit consisted of 3.5 contact days scouting, mapping and assessing the York property, 1.0 days
scouting, mapping and assessing the Sundbury property, and 0.5 contact days networking and establishing
local industry contacts. One day was also allocated for travel between Ontario and New Brunswick.
Networking activities consisted of visiting two area Christmas tree plantations, with one of these
visits accompanied by the owner. A small ‘hobby’ cedar sawmill was visited near the Sundbury property.
Networking also included a visit to the Forestry Centre in Fredericton New Brunswick to become familiarized
with the various provincial, federal, and institutional agencies that serve the natural resource community in
the region.

1.1 Sundbury 40 acres
The results of the site inspections suggest that the Sundbury parcel is too small to make a
significant contribution towards development. The majority of area of this parcel is east of the road in terrain
subject to seasonal high water conditions. This seasonal floodway makes this property an interesting
ecological feature, however this condition limits conversion of the property to the commercial development
identified as the objective of the land
owner.
West of the road, a rock
outcrop adjacent to the access road
and the proximity of a rich bottom land
forest condition along the creek
drainage (figure 1) that forms the north
boundary of this property restricts
Christmas tree development potential to
about 1.5 ha which would support
approximately 3,000 trees.
The productive portion of the

Figure 1. Creek forming north boundary of Sundbury 40 acre.

property supports mature red spruce and cedar. Clearcut harvesting of the Sundbury property would yield
approximately 5 loads of red spruce, balsam fir and cedar resulting in an estimated stumpage between
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$1,000 and $4,000 dollars to the landowner depending on market conditions and products generated from
the timber sale. Good red spruce and cedar sawlog material is present on the site. However the volume is
small due to the small area. A decision to not develop this site for Christmas tree production would typically
result in a recommendation of the use of a partial harvest system to mange this forest type. Shelterwood
partial harvest systems retain mature canopy for natural seeding and partial shade required to properly
regeneration the forest over a harvest cycle of ten to twenty-five years depending on regeneration response.
This reduces the immediate volume available to one to two loads of wood. The application of partial harvest
systems to naturally regenerate this site thus results in marginally viable harvest chance. The harvest is by
no means a guaranteed viable commercial harvest for most operators. However this might be suitable for a
small independent operator looking for local work.
Similar volumes may be harvested from this property in five to ten years depending on
establishment of renewal and crown structure of the remaining trees. The practice of good forestry on this
property however generates insignificant revenue for the landowner. The maintenance of this property in a
natural and obviously important ecological condition may however achieve other objectives of the landowner.
The presence of cedar and red spruce indicates that soils are rich and very moist, implying that any
conversion to Christmas tree
plantation would require tiling to
improve drainage. Figure 2 displays
these bottomland forest conditions.
Property corner pins or
markers were not found during this
portion of the site visit. A formal
survey to verify parcel boundaries
may be required if the corner points
cannot be located during subsequent
site visits.
Figure 2. Rich bottomland forest condition with red spruce, birch
and fern ground cover on the Sundbury 40 acre.

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1.2 York 104.4 acres
The site visit to the York property resulted in confirmation of the location of most of the property pin
markers. Six of the eight pins were observed in the field. Photos of the northern corner points and remnants
of a wire fence line and evidence of a cleared property survey line were noted along the south boundary.
Photos of these features are presented in Appendix I. Remnants of an old cedar rail fence were also
evident along the southeast portion of the property, west of the creek gully. The fence line did not appear to
carry on too far into the property. The property boundary beyond the end of the fence line was not clearly
distinguishable. Care in determining the north boundary of the property is suggested for any undertaking on
the property.
Forest conditions vary across the property. The entrance to the property is primarily grasses. The
area immediately across the creek supports the remnants of an old apple orchard and indications of
previous cultivation. There is a
small clearing with grasses and
small brush present (figure 3),
however the majority of the
ground cover in this area is
heavy brush comprised of
willow and alder as displayed in
the background of figure 3. The
presence of willow and alder
indicates issues with drainage
on the site.
The land then
transitions into young midrotation balsam fir that is

Figure 3. Organic incorporation in the surface soils, old field and recolonizing shrubs indicate evidence of past agricultural development west
of creek, York 104 acres.

currently marketable as pulp, or may be eligible for silvicultural subsidy 1 for commercial or pre-commercial
thinning. The balance of the property supports a healthy and vigourous regenerating young forest of mixed
species in the area that was previously clearcut. Regenerating trees in the clearcut portion of the property
1

Application can be made to the York Sundbury Charlotte Forest Products Marketing Board for funds to support
stand improvement activities.
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include cedar, balsam fir, aspen poplar, white birch, grey birch, and sugar maple. This site can be
considered fully regenerated and depending on landowner objectives may be considered free to grow.
Like the observation of the forest, soil conditions also vary across the property. Soils in the
entrance of the property are somewhat constricted by a dry clay, porous shale type soil that may prove
difficult to cultivate. The soils immediately across the creek were previously cultivated and will prove suitable
for supporting Christmas trees once the brush has been cleared and the land tilled or cultivated. Tile
drainage would improve the productivity of this area. Figure 4 displays the rich agricultural soils disturbed
recently by someone accessing the
property with all terrain equipment
when the site was saturated resulting
in rutting, erosion and sedimentation.
This evidence demonstrates the
importance of drainage and
establishment of a solid road base
from which to work and access the
site.
The area of young midrotation balsam fir proved difficult to
auger when collecting the soil
samples. There is a high proportion

Figure 4. Disturbed agriculture soils west side of creek, York 104
acres.

of coarse fragment in the surface soils or possibly a soil condition similar to the coarse shale material found
in the entrance area to the property. Alternatively this area may have surface limestone bed rock present.
This area may not prove suitable for conversion to Christmas tree plantation. Further soil mapping is
required to determine the suitability of this site for Christmas tree production prior to the removal of the
young early rotation balsam fir stand presently occupying this site.
The clear cut area comprises the bulk of the area available for conversion to Christmas tree
plantation. Trees are young and can easily be chipped or bulldozed to remove from the site. However soil
moisture conditions are too wet to ensure survival and suitable productivity without tilling to improve
drainage. The importance of improved drainage on the York property is the main consideration identified by
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Chris Dickie 2, Christmas Tree Specialist with INFOR 3. Mr. Dickie affirmed that the current moisture regime
of the property will subject the seedlings to increase incidence of root rot and suboptimal growth and vigour
response. In addition Mr. Dickie indicated that productive area would also be limited since portions of the
property would be too wet to support equipment required for plantation maintenance and tending.
Results of soil analysis performed by INFOR to assess the initial fertility of the site is presented in
the section below.

1.3 Soil Analysis and Fertility
Soil analysis services were provided by INFOR. Interpretation of result and recommendation on
fertilization were provided by Chris Dickie, Christmas Tree Specialist for INFOR. Surface soils were sampled
from various locations across the property. Areas of similar conditions were combined to produce a blended
sample. In general two to three soil samples were combined in the field to form the base of each analyzed
sample. Results of the soil analysis demonstrated in general that soils were somewhat more acidic than that
which produces optimum growing conditions and that essential soil nutrients were somewhat limited.
Improving drainage will assist with improving the pH, along with liming. This will also assist with improving
available nutrients. However fertilizers and lime are required to bring the sites into alignment for effective
seedling establishment. Specific observations for each site are discussed in the following section.

1.3.1 Soils for York 104.4 acres
Soil Organic Component: The analysis of the twelve York site samples indicated the organic
component of the soil is generally adequate for Christmas tree production with the lowest value noted as
4.1% and ranging to a high of 8.4%. The surface rock encounter in the area near the standing young midrotation balsam fir suggests an adnominal result at 19.7% and is suspected to be a function of localized soil
impediment or surface bedrock. The target minimum value for Christmas tree production is identified as a
surface soil organic material component of 4.5% or greater. Organic incorporation in surface soils is thus
generally adequate to support productive Christmas tree production. Analysis results are presented in
Appendix II. A map displaying sample locations and the pH zones is also presented in Appendix II.

2

The author was accompanied by Chris Dickie during a site visit to the York property the morning of September 2,
2008 to provide advice and share his experience regarding Christmas tree culture, and to verify the sampling
methodology used for soil sampling by INFOR.
3
INFOR is a key resource supporting the New Brunswick Christmas Tree industry.
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Soil Acidity: Results suggest that the central portion of the property which largely corresponds to the
area currently occupied by the standing young mid-rotation balsam fir and the section of property adjacent
to the north boundary tree line are too acidic for productive Christmas tree production. Augmentation of the
soil with Dolimitic lime to increase pH is recommended should this area be identified for conversion to
Christmas tree production. Dolimitic lime is recommended as it makes available to plants the macronutrients
like magnesium that are also noted as deficient. Improved drainage will also contribute to reducing the
acidic nature of the soil and improve the availability of macronutrients to plants.
Macronutrients: Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) shown to be deficient or of
limited availability. Improving pH (reducing acidity) and the addition of fertilizer to bring the field up to
desired thresholds and annual monitoring to establish maintenance fertilizing levels will assist with achieving
optimum growing conditions. Calcium appears strongly correlated with areas of the property were pH is
established as being too low for productive Christmas tree growth. The deficiencies for magnesium and
potassium are broader and more typical of native soil conditions.

1.3.2 Soils for Sundbury 40.0 acres
Soils were sampled in the productive forest area of the property. Three soil samples were analyzed
collected from five points. Analysis results indicate that all samples were deficient to the requirements for
productive Christmas tree plantations. The pH ranged from 4.3 to 4.8, well below the accepted target of
5.5+. Organic matter is well below the desired minimum 4.5% target. Macronutrients calcium, magnesium,
and potassium were all demonstrated deficient.
No sampling of soils occurred in the unproductive floodway area of the property due to the limited
development potential of the site. Sample results are presented in Appendix II. A site map of sample
locations and pH zones is also presented in Appendix II.

2.0 Best Management Practices
The following discussion is sourced primarily from Estabrooks (1986) 4 which provides information for
plantation establishment and maintenance. The information is supplemented by fall 2008 discussions
between the author with the INFOR Christmas Tree Specialist and local growers Brian Fox and Jeff
McMullen. The following presents the current understanding of Christmas tree plantation cultivation.
4

Estabrooks, G.F. 1986. Growing balsam fir Christmas trees in field and forest. Government of Canada, Canadian
Forestry Service – Maritimes, Information Report M-X-164, revised 1988. 23 pp.
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Important first considerations in plantation establishment are the identification of boundaries, and the
planning of roadways and tree spacing. Property boundaries should be clearly marked. An all season road
way will assist with maintenance and access during wet seasons. Plantation design should leave two
unplanted rows after each 12 to 16 rows providing effective access to the site for tree maintenance and
reducing the distance for the physical handling of harvested trees from stump to the trailer for transport to
the processing area. Spacing of 1.5 X 1.5 metres is adequate to produce quality Christmas trees in the 2.0
to 2.4 metre height range (6’ to 8’). Most growers use a 1.8 X 1.8 metre tree spacing to accommodate
small tractors or all terrain vehicle access between rows for maintenance. Jeff McMullen installed modified
rails on maintenance equipment to catch and lift low hanging branches up out of the reach of mower blades
and tractor tires reducing damage to trees in their early development years.
Tree culture and routine management practices of weed and insect control, fertilizing and harvesting
are more easily performed under field conditions rather than on forest sites. Agricultural practices greatly
reduce manual labour requirements.
Site preparation typically involves plowing and harrowing to break the sod, cultivate compacted
areas, level the surface, improve drainage and aeration. The York site however requires removal of the
existing forest vegetation before cultivation can be considered. Tile drainage is also recommended for the
York site in order to consider the broadest range of species and to reduce root rot potential associated with
wet soil conditions.
Soil pH above 5.5 is recommended for productive Christmas tree production. Soil analysis to
provide an indication of macronutrient levels of calcium, phosphorous and potassium will also assist with
planning soil enhancements to promote optimum growth. Spring application after the rainy season winds
down is typically the most appropriate time for fertilization. Splitting the target fertilization amount into two
applications about six weeks apart leads to more effective uptake by the trees, however requiring labour
costs for two applications. Warm soil conditions also enhance nutrient uptake further supporting the two
application approach. Late application of fertilizer can prolong growth late into the season delaying dormancy
and putting the plant at risk of frost damage.
Ground cover comprised of clover, a low ground cover known to add nitrogen to the soil, coupled
with low growing grasses such as creeping fescue or Kentucky bluegrass is considered to be desirable.
Mowing to control taller grasses and weeds, and reduce damage from rodents, coupled with herbicide
applications provides effective control of weeds that threaten crop establishment. Mowing a minimum of two
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times during the growing season is recommended. Weeds compete with crop trees for site resources of
water, nutrients and growing space. Weed control is critical during the first two years of plantation
establishment and beneficial to the tree in subsequent years. Weed control also reduces fire risk.
Herbicide use to assist with site preparation and control of weeds provides and effective tool to
assist plantation establishment and maintenance. However care is required in selecting the application rate
and method long with timing of the application to ensure the crop trees are not damaged by their use.
Similar care is also required when applying fertilizers and lime to improve field fertility.

3.0 Species Selection
Three tree species are typically used in the New Brunswick area for Christmas tree plantations. Balsam
fir is the most common tree planted for Christmas trees and is noted as the province’s provincial tree.
Frazer fir is also planted and is desired by many for its foliage colour and branching and its ability to retain
its needles long after harvest. Frazer fir is also noted for its exacting site and fertilization requirements
making it a demanding crop to cultivate. The species requires well drained sites and optimally timed and
blended fertilization regimes to achieve growth, and later to achieve desired colour at harvest. Cross species
cultivars of Frazer-balsam are now available and are being tested and planted in New Brunswick. The intent
of the cross is benefit from the Frazer`s foliage and needle retention while benefiting from the balsam fir`s
wider site tolerances.
Tiling of the York site to improve drainage is required if the potential to plant Frazer fir is to be
considered. This drainage work is also required to reduce the risk of root rot in balsam fir and assure
plantation productivity.
Brian Fox of Fox Brand is identified as a competent source in guiding the selection of species and
subsequent Christmas tree establishment.

4.0 Recommendations
4.1 Sundbury 40 acre
1. It is the author’s opinion that Greenwood New Brunswick Project Ltd. considers the value of the
Sundbury 40 acre parcel as part of the company’s holdings. Boundaries are not clearly defined
however it appears that less than 10% of the area of the property can be developed to support
Christmas trees. In addition, soil moisture, soil organic component, soil pH and soil nutrients
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are considered deficient on the site requiring significant augmentation for productive Christmas
tree culture. The current forest cover on the site is an appropriate productive use for the site.
Security of the site is also a consideration due to the property`s relative remoteness. Access is
however good during the snow free months. The property has significant ecological value as a
seasonal floodway east of the road and supports a small patch of rich bottomland forest
immediately adjacent and west of the road. These ecological features may be marketable to
some that wish to have good forest management and protection of sensitive sites in their
portfolio.

4.2 York 104.4 acre
1. Application should be made to access silviculture funding for thinning the early rotation balsam
fir standing on the York 104 acres. Simultaneously, further site inspection should be conducted
to determine the source of the restrictive layer in the soil profile and thus determine whether or
not this portion of the property can be converted to Christmas tree plantation. This approach
would then provide required information to make an informed decision as to the value of
converting this portion of the property to Christmas tree plantation or the value of maintenance
and enhancement of the existing timber crop.
2. Application should be made to the Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture 5 to convert a
portion of the York site to agriculture under the province’s current incentive program. The
designated area could remain in production for the term required by the program prior to
conversion to Christmas tree production.
3. While options exist on the method and technique to clear the vegetation from the site, any
decision to proceed with development of either property must be accompanied with the intent
and commitment to the installation of tile drainage. Installation of tile drainage is required to
allow species selection options, reduce potential for root rot, increase site productivity, and
permit access for tending, maintenance and harvesting equipment without damaging or
impacting the site.

5

The Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture currently supports 35% of eligible costs to convert land to
agriculture to a maximum of $7,500.
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4. A gate is required at the highway entrance to control access to the property once investment
into the site occurs.
5. The upgrade and maintenance of approximately 400 metres of existing road and extension of
this access by approximately 750 metres is required to ensure the entire parcel is accessible in
the event that a decision to proceed is considered.
6. Capital improvements are recommended for the culvert installation on the creek at the entrance
to the property to protect access and bring the culvert installation more in line with water
crossing standards.
The following section presents information and costs supporting the above recommendations.

5.0 Implementation Plan & Costing
All cost estimates presented below assume development of the York property only and assume the full
35 hectares of available land are converted. It is assumed that the Sundbury property will not be developed
and thus costs are not considered for this site. The author is prepared to develop cost estimates for the
Sundbury site should the decision occur to proceed with developing the productive area of the Sundbury
parcel into a Christmas tree plantation.

5.1 Site Preparation
Areas targeted for conversion to Christmas tree plantation required the conversion of the land to an
agricultural condition. This cultivation makes the site more uniform permitting mechanical planting and thus
better spacing control to optimize utilization of productive land. Uniform conditions enable the grower greater
control over site conditions, vegetative competition, and more efficient access for maintenance and tending
of the plantation.
The conversion to an agricultural condition requires the removal of the existing vegetation, roots,
and large rocks, tilling and cultivating of the land. This effort is followed by the application of herbicides to
control the re-establishment of forest brush and tree species and to allow the establishment of a cover crop
that will hold and protect the site. Cover crops tend to be a blend or mixture of grasses, fescues, and
clover. It is also possible to establish some agricultural crops like rye during the initial years to generate
some revenues during plantation establishment. The rye also acts as a cover crop protecting the ground
cover species while they are being established.
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Various options exist to convert the site from forest to agricultural condition. Equipment with
brushing or chipping heads can be used to reduce the woody biomass to chip form which is then
incorporated into the soil structure. Excavators are then used to remove large stumps and rocks. The site is
now ready for tilling, herbicide applications and disking to prepare the surface soils for seeding to a cover
crop. This option produces a field suitable for agriculture for approximately $4230 per acre ($10,452/ha).
No area is lost to windrow or piled vegetative debris. All chipped wood fibre remains on site and contributes
to the organic component of the soil.
Alternatively, a D8 tractor can be used to windrow surface vegetation, clearing the site for the soil
grinder or tilling and cultivating using regular farming tools. Windrows should be allowed to sit for a year or
two prior to bringing the grinder in to mulch and convert the windrows to productive area. This option will
create a site suitable for agriculture, however productive area is lost due to the presence of windrows that
require subsequent treatment to recapture this area. This treatment is estimated at $2800 per acre
($6918/ha). This price does not include the additional cost of removing the windrows at a future date.
Total price for the chipping site preparation strategy for 35 hectares is $365,831.60, while the
windrow method is estimated at a cost of $242,158.00 plus a future cost of $10,000 to $15,000 to cultivate
the windrows and recover the productive area. Plantable area will be reduced in the initial years by the
presence of the windrows.

5.2 Tiling to Improve Drainage
Conversion of the Greenwood properties to Christmas tree plantation is not recommended unless
drainage is included as part of the site preparation plan. Productive Christmas tree plantations require
conditions similar to cultivated agricultural lands to provide the optimum growing conditions required by the
trees. Healthy, vigourous trees are more able to defend themselves from insect and fungal pests. Current
soil conditions are too wet to allow regular passage of tending equipment traffic. Wet soils are also known
to promote root rot in balsam fir. Consideration of planting Fraser fir cannot occur under the current existing
wet conditions. This species requires fertile, well drained sites to be productive and healthy.
Tile drainage is recommended to protect trees from risk of root rot and to allow for a broader range
of species selection opportunities, thus mitigating establishment risk. The cost of tiling is estimated at
$1500-$1600 per acre ($3,700-$3,955/ha).

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5.3 Access Road
Only a portion of the property is accessed. Good access is required into support maintenance and
tending activities and to ensure that the product can be can be effectively harvested, processed and hauled
to market during the fall wet season. Figure 5 demonstrates rutting caused by local traffic which prohibits
limits access to the site. Improvement of the existing trail and extension of this trail into the York property is
recommended. This work can be accomplished during the site preparation phase of the project.
Approximately 400 metres of road should be upgraded west of the creek. And approximately 750 metres of
trail should be constructed to create this access. It is estimated $30,000 is required for maintenance and
establishment of the access trail and capping the trail with a light coating of gravel.
The culvert crossing the creek
on the property is also poorly installed
and does not reflect best management
practices. The existing culvert appears
to be a reasonable size however it is
not known that an assessment of the
watershed and its flood potential based
on provincial standards has been
performed to determine if the current
culvert is adequate for projected high
water conditions. It is evident from the
site visit that the installation does not
meet accepted standards and thus it is

Figure 5. Light ditching and a skiff of gravel on portions of the
existing trail will improve access to support maintenance and
tending activities, note rutting cause by uncontrolled access, York
104 acres.

doubtful that culvert size calculations were preformed prior to installation. Observations suggesting a lack of
formal water crossing planning includes:
•
•

lack of silt barriers or run off diversions to mitigate sedimentation

•

6

culvert length being too short to allow for stabile fill slopes to hold ciulvert in place
lack of armouring of the approaches to the culvert 6.

Water crossings standards required the use of rip rap (clean stone) or buttresses to buffer high water levels and channel run off

through the culvert instead of eroding and undermining the fill supporting the culvert causing a wash out.
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An allocation is recommended to better stabilize this critical structure as it controls access to the property.
Water crossing maintenance is estimated at $20,000

5.4 Access Control
The property`s access is currently used by adventurist members of the public looking for off road
challenges. A gate controlling access to the property at the highway is recommended to protect investment
in the road and plantation. Two other access points occur in the midpoint of the property permitting access
to both abutting properties. Consultation with owners of the abutting properties would be appropriate to
determine the appropriate access controls. Subject to access controls on the neighbouring properties, such
control may not be required. Contact with adjacent neighbours has not occurred at this time.
In the event access control with the neighbouring property is desired, physical barriers such as
berms or ditching can be used create this access control. This type of access control can be built into the
site clearing and tile drainage work. The gate at the highway is estimated at $5,000.00 for installation.

5.5 Seedling Procurement
Brian Fox of Fox Brand is recognized by the industry as a quality grower of Christmas tree stock.
Planting stock is $0.70/seedling. Seedlings for establishment are sold as 3+1 or 2+2 stock 7. This planting
should occur no sooner than the season following the site preparation. Approximately 87,500 trees can be
planted on an estimated 35 ha of productive land. The Christmas tree production life cycle is approximately
12 years. Ten years growing and a two year re-cultivating the land and re-establishing the crop. Thus it is
recommended that approximately 8,750 trees be established on an annual basis over the next ten years to
develop an even flow management of the Christmas tree crop starting in 2010. Seedling procurement is
estimated to cost $6,125.00 for 2010.

5.5 Planting
Mr. Fox will plant the seedlings at a cost of $1.30/seedling with a minimum order of 10,000
seedlings. Thus, the unit planting cost for 8,750 seedlings is $1.49 per seedling. Planting is undertaken by
mechanical planting machine creating a consistent spacing and planted position in the soil. Establishment

7

The first number refers to the number years grown in the establishment nursery bed. The second number refers to the number

of years transplanted to a second nursery bed.
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cost is estimated at $13,000 in 2010. The cultivation of the site is required for efficient mechanical planting
and control of planting costs.

5.6 Establishment Cost
The following table presents a three year window estimating the establishment costs to convert the
York site to Christmas tree plantation at 8,750 trees per year. The scenario compares the two land clearing
methods assuming 86.5 acres of productive land is available. Without consideration for the time value of
money, the chipping method is almost double the cost of the windrow method.

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Target Area
Chipping Option
Time = 0
Activity
chip, de-stump, de-rock
tile drainage
tilling, cultivation
herbicide (2 applications)
cover crop establishment
total site preparation rate

35 ha

86.5 acres
Windrow Option
Time = 0
Activity
Windrow
tile drainage
tilling, cultivation
herbicide (2 applications)
cover crop establishment
total site preparation rate

$/acre
2,500.00
1,500.00
55.49
24.28
18.50
4,098.27

Subtotal Establishment Estimate

$/acre
83.24
1,500.00
55.49
24.28
18.50
1,681.50

354,500.00

Subtotal Establishment Estimate

145,450.00

road construction
30,000.00
water crossing improvement
20,000.00
gate
5,000.00
Subtotal infrastructure cost

55,000.00

road construction
30,000.00
water crossing improvement
20,000.00
gate
5,000.00
Subtotal infrastructure cost

55,000.00

Total Intial Costs

409,500.00

Total Intial Costs

200,450.00

8,750.00
0.70
6,125.00
13,000.00
Planting Costs

19,125.00

21,312.50

8,750.00
0.70
6,125.00
13,000.00
2,187.50
20,000
4,250
Planting Costs

45,562.50

449,937.50

Three Year Cost

265,137.50

Time = 1
seedling quantity
seedling rate
cost seedlings
planting

Time = 2
seedling quantity
seedling rate
cost seedlings
planting
Herbicide Tending T1 Seedlings

8,750.00
0.70
6,125.00
13,000.00
Planting Costs

Time = 1
seedling quantity
seedling rate
cost seedlings
planting
19,125.00
Time = 2
seedling quantity
seedling rate
cost seedlings
planting
Herbicide Tending T1 Seedlings
Grind Windrows
Cultivate/ establish cover crop, herbicide

8,750.00
0.70
6,125.00
13,000.00
2,187.50

Planting Costs
Three Year Cost

Page | 18


Appendix I
The boundary is well marked at the north end of the property. The boundary edge has a thin
wooded strip of no more than 15 to 20 metres. The adjacent property is currently fully wooded.
A trail is present through this wooded area on the neighbouring property that parallels the
property boundary within 50 metres.
Image AI.1 displays the northwest corner marker, blazed on a cedar tree. Image AI.2 displays
the corner blaze on a spruce located in the southwest corner of the property. Blazed trees
continue for a distance along the south boundary from this corner point. Remnants of an old
fence line are evident along the south property boundary as noted in image AI.03. In other
locations the boundary is evident from the cleared blaze line as displayed in photo AI.04. A
sketch of the property and the corner points located, along with selected feature of the property is
also included in this appendix.

Image AI.01 Northwest corner blaze
on cedar tree UTM 19 T 673523
5131271 York Township
Greenwood New Brunswick Project
Ltd.

Image AI.02 Southwest corner blaze
on spruce tree UTM 19 T 673645
5131447 York Township
Greenwood New Brunswick Project
Ltd.

Page | 19


Image AI.03. Remnant wire
fence line along south
boundary York Township
Greenwood New Brunswick
Project Ltd.

Image AI.04 Open blaze line evident along the
southern boundary York Township Greenwood
New Brunswick Project Ltd.

Page | 20


Appendix II

Page | 21

Hollands Soil Analysis - Sunpoke NB

Soil Analysis Results and Recommendations
Exchangeable
Farm Name: Greenwood
Date: Sep. 2008
Soil Analysis

%
__________________
OM
Total N

C/N

pH

Available

meq/100g
___________________________
K
Ca
Mg

ppm
meq/100g
___________________________
P
K
K

Sample Number
1
2
3

Hollands Sundbury 3
Hollands Sundbury 4,5
Hollands Sundbury 1,2

Recommended Conditions

1.30
2.10
2.30

20.50
26.20
14.80

4.30
4.80
4.70

0.06
0.05
0.06

0.12
0.01
0.20

0.07
0.03
0.08

meq/100g
ppm
meq/100g meq/100g meq/100g
_______________________________________________________________
pH
OM
CEC
P
K
Ca
Mg
5.5+

To convert PPM or meq/100 g to lbs/acre
Multiple ppm by 2
meq/100g multiply values of

0.038
0.047
0.090

Ca * 400
Mg * 240
K * 780
No3 * 1240
Na * 460

4.5+

10.0+

75-100

0.4

1.5-5.0

0.5-2.0

14.00
5.00
3.00

95.00
122.00
113.00

0.24
0.31
0.29

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Hollands Soil Analysis - Stanley NB

Soil Analysis Results and Recommendations
Exchangeable
Farm Name: Greenwood
Date: Sep 2008
Soil Analysis

%
__________________
OM
Total N

C/N

pH

Available

meq/100g
___________________________
K
Ca
Mg

ppm
meq/100g
___________________________
P
K
K

Sample Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Hollands York 1, 4, 24
Hollands York 9, 19
Hollands York 20
Hollands York 25, 26
Hollands York 27

Recommended Conditions

4.10
5.00
5.00
4.60
6.90
5.60
5.50
7.20
19.70
4.40
8.40
6.10

14.50
11.20
24.60
26.30
23.40
26.00
16.10
13.90
15.30
18.80
21.40
16.40

5.50
5.60
4.90
4.60
4.10
4.80
5.60
5.50
5.60
5.00
5.40
4.80

0.07
0.07
0.02
0.02
0.03
0.07
0.10
0.09
0.24
0.05
0.05
0.07

3.70
3.97
0.07
0.17
0.81
0.05
2.83
3.52
10.03
1.33
1.36
1.77

0.23
0.25
0.02
0.05
0.12
0.03
0.21
0.31
0.58
0.08
0.13
0.36

meq/100g
ppm
meq/100g meq/100g meq/100g
_______________________________________________________________
pH
OM
CEC
P
K
Ca
Mg
5.5+

To convert PPM or meq/100 g to lbs/acre
Multiple ppm by 2
meq/100g multiply values of

0.163
0.258
0.119
0.102
0.171
0.124
0.198
0.299
0.751
0.136
0.229
0.216

Ca * 400
Mg * 240
K * 780
No3 * 1240
Na * 460

4.5+

10.0+

75-100

0.4

1.5-5.0

0.5-2.0

3.00
5.00
1.00
1.00
5.00
5.00
8.00
3.00
5.00
2.00
6.00
4.00

98.00
125.00
52.00
45.00
52.00
76.00
145.00
128.00
238.00
60.00
93.00
88.00

0.25
0.32
0.13
0.12
0.13
0.19
0.37
0.33
0.61
0.15
0.24
0.23

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Greenwood Management forestry investment report

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