June 13, 2005
UNB Fredericton News Release: D328
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Melanie Aube is the first recipient of a $3,500 Silverhill Institute of Environmental Research and Conservation graduate award.

Ms. Aube, a PhD candidate at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton’s faculty of forestry and environmental management, won the award for her efforts in researching and assessing the historical impacts of forest exploitation on the Miramichi River watershed.

Her research is ambitious.

She wants to identify and describe the effects of exploitation on the forest and the social, economic and cultural development of the Miramichi River watershed. Her study goes back to the beginning of commercial forest exploitation through to present day.

Ms. Aube’s research features each major industrial forest era the province has been through including the mast era, square timber, sawmill and pulp and paper eras.

Exploring the history is the critical part of her research.

“Looking back in time could help us reflect on what we want for ourselves and the forest in the future,” said Ms. Aube. “Understanding how the forest has changed can help in making better forest management decisions. Having a better understanding of the role that forest exploitation has played in sustaining community well-being. It could help forest dependent communities like those in the Miramichi which have been affected by mill closures, mechanicalization of forest operations and other changing work conditions.”

The study would eventually provide forest, community managers and other stakeholders with baseline information for the Miramichi River watershed.

Ms. Aube’s research is scheduled to be completed in 2008.

The Silverhill institute, founded in 2004, has a number of main objectives. They include supporting demonstration projects to develop, maintain and preserve wood lots; support wetland protection and restoration; develop environmental and conservation methods for general public and scholastic use and support and carry out research on environmental issues of the day.

For further information contact Ms. Aube at 506-452-6313 or view www.silverhillinstitute.com.

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