LCN

The MFNL has targeted several networks of communities in Newfoundland and Labrador to implement its FCP initiatives. The individual LCNs are distinct in their needs and capabilities. 

The first two LCN sites are bordered by three boundaries of the RED Boards on the Northwest portion of the island.
MFNL has negotiated a partnership agreement with the RED Boards of the northern peninsula: Humber Economic Development Board – Zone 8, Red Ochre Regional Board – Zone 7 and the Nordic Economic Development Corporation – Zone 6. Model Forest’s new objectives under the FCP have been seamlessly integrated into the Boards Strategic Economic Plans (SEP) for these zones.  Two LCN Coordinators, funded by both the Model Forest and the RED Boards work from two strategic positions to ensure the delivery of the FCP.

Each LCN is in a process of negotiating how to best develop capacity in forest based opportunities within its region.  This process must set a good foundation for sustainability within the community.  Issues such as natural resource capital, human and social capital and community infrastructure capital will form the basis for each region’s initiative.  These initiatives must have investment through private or community mechanisms and will follow a strong Business Model.

See the following island LCN map for our locations:

The MFNL boundary ranges from the northwest coast to northeast coast of the Northern Peninsula, from St. Anthony above and Jackson’s Arm on the east.   The southern part of the Northern Peninsula is characterized by the Long Range Mountains, which cut through the east side of Gros Morne National Park.  East of the Long Range Mountains, a large lowland region extends eastward from Deer Lake and extends southward past Grand Lake. The southwestern portion begins from the coast eastward along the Serpentine Valley to the southern tip of Grand Lake.
           
The island boundary contains large drainages that flow out into the Atlantic Ocean including rivers such as Main River and Humber River.  These rivers have sources from lakes along their course, plus smaller streams and ponds that feed into these larger rivers. The most notable feeder lake is Grand Lake. 
           
The MFNL island boundary contains a wide variety of forest types and ecosystems that range from young regeneration to over-mature timber.  The area includes bogs, fens, barrens, coastal heath lands, and riparian areas.  It contains abundant wildlife resources including what is considered to be the only remnant population of the endangered Newfoundland Pine Marten.  Forest management has a long history in this area dating back to 1864 with the establishment of a sawmill in Corner Brook and later a pulp and paper mill.  The mill and the City of Corner Brook are located in the area along with 42 other communities.