Importance

What makes the Acadian forest special?

Rich diversity of hardwood and softwood trees create unique mixedwood forest communities. These forest communities create a wide variety of habitats for  great diversity of different species. The Acadian forest hosts one of the most diverse communities of migratory forest song birds in North America. The wide diversity of tree species provides habitats for both boreal and southern species of birds, helping to account for the amazing spring chorus in the forests of New Brunswick.

The rich and diverse Acadian forest has provided the economic backbone of New Brunswick for the past 300 years. During this time New Brunswick has used a wide variety of species in order to adapt to rapidly changing markets. White Pine, hemlock, red spruce and cedar have all played an important role in the past while hardwoods are playing an important role today.

The Acadian forests are the lungs of the Maritimes. Everyday the Acadian forest helps filter the carbon dioxide produced from our cars, smoke stacks and even our breath, into the oxygen we all need to breath.

The rivers throughout the Acadian forest have been famous for New Brunswick salmon. The Acadian forest plays a key role in keeping river temperatures cold – providing the necessary shade along the thousands of small feeder streams throughout New Brunswick. Cold water contains more oxygen and plays a key role in keeping salmon healthy.

The Acadian forest provides a number of non-timber forest products. These products include fiddleheads, maple sugar, fir tips for Christmas wreaths. Ground Hemlock, found in mature Acadian forest contains taxus, a substance now known to help fight cancer. These are just a few of the non-timber products the Acadian forest provides.

The Acadian forest provides essential habitat for a number of commercially important wildlife species. Deer, moose, grouse, and bear are amoung the main species hunted in the forests of New Brunswick. These species not only provide a good source of meat for New Brunswickers, but have also been the resource base for many hunting outfitting operations.

The Acadian forest is a beautiful forest. The Acadian forest is responsible for the spectacular display of fall colours enjoyed by tourists and New Brunswickers alike. Forest destinations in the province include Odell Park and the UNB Woodlot in Fredericton, Fundy National Park, Mount Carleton Provincial Park, the St. John River Valley and the Restigouche region.

The diversity of the Acadian forest is what built New Brunswick. It continues to support us today. A strong future for New Brunswick is likewise tied to the diversity of our forest.