Summary

Summary - The UNB Woodlot is Worth More Undeveloped

The UNB Woodlot Refuge is one of the largest urban forests in Canada. At 4 times the size of Stanley Park in Vancouver, the size of the Woodlot equals that of Southside Fredericton in the valley below. Half of these lands are forested wetlands, nature's best defense against severe rain events and drought. The prevalence of marshes and bogs renders this forested wetland an important provider of environmental services such as storm water management, water quality improvement, surface water storage, and groundwater recharge that contributes to our drinking water suppy – all for free. All of these considerations means that a comprehensive environmental assessment of the critical natural functions of the UNB Woodlot is of utmost importance.

The UNB Woodlot Refuge is a natural green space and one of the oldest managed woodlots in North America, used by faculty researchers, students, and the community alike.

With attractions such as old hardwood stands, wetlands, waterfowl, owls, caves, waterfalls, bear, deer, hares, beavers and more, the woodlot provides ample opportunity for recreational uses by the community. Dog walkers, mountain bikers, hikers, birders, naturalist, runners, researchers and forestry students are some of the users of this area.

As a reminder to all users of the Woodlot, UNB is the first public university in North America. The Woodlot are lands granted by King George III in 1800 to this public institution. UNB is a provincially-controlled body therefore subject to some controls by government. We, the people, pay tax dollars and donations totalling over 70% of its funding.

As a public institution empowered by Statute (The UNB Act), UNB Administration has a legal obligation to hear from the students they teach, the professors that are its lifeblood, and the alumni and general public they ask each year for support.