A commitment to sound forestry practices and hard work has proven to be a successful formula for North Bay-area logging family the Monettes. Monette Forest Products, run by John Monette Sr., his wife Rita and their two sons, Robert and John Jr., has operated in the French-Severn Forest, south of North Bay, for fifteen years.
"My Dad started logging with just a couple of skidders then Robert and I became partners and it just grew from there," John Monette Jr. said. "We’re contracting for Domtar now, cutting pulp, veneer and saw logs. We have around 10 to 12 employees."
Over their fifteen years in operation, the Monettes have embraced proper silviculture and environmental practices associated with harvest operations, water crossings, road construction, and protection of sensitive areas and species. The family continues to hone and upgrade their skill by attending workshops and training opportunities.
"Its just good work ethic, it doesn’t take any longer to do it the right way so you may as well do it right the first time," Monette said. "I often help Westwind Forest Stewardship with their workshops as well."
This dedication has paid off for the family; over the last 5 years they have harvested approximately 2500 hectares of mostly single tree selection and have maintained an excellent compliance record throughout that time. Even during the tough times of the last few years, the company has continued to find markets and keep their contractors working.
"Business has been up and down, its tough to survive like everybody else. Every week is different, what kind of wood and how much wood we can bring in changes," Monette said.
"At least the weather has been good up until the blast of mild temperatures we just had. Two inches of snow is perfect for us, every time it snows it cost money because you have to sand. We have been fortunate to be on good ground where we are, all our roads for the whole area were in place in October and November. We usually build our roads ahead of time, it works better that way."
The family’s dedication to sound forestry and business practices was recently recognized by the Parry Sound-Muskoka Stewardship Network. The Monettes were presented with a Community Stewardship Award for their progressive contributions towards sound forest management practices in the French /Severn Forest.
In presenting this award on December 10, 2009, stewardship co-ordinator Mike Walsh and Network chairman Tom Bryson said the award recognizes the Monette’s ongoing innovation and lead role in promoting and enhancing forest management principles in the region.
The Community Stewardship award is given out annually to individuals, landowners, forest companies and associations that go above and beyond the norm in demonstrating their willingness to contribute to sustainable resource management.◊